System for Railway Track Diagnostics
Railway Track

Railway Track is an integrated system for railway track diagnostics perfectly suitable for applications on high-speed trains (up to 350 kmph).
Based on inertial, optical, satellite and geoinformational technologies, Railway Track provides track geometry measurements as well as diagnostics of short irregularities on the rail surface.

Railway Track is an integrated system for railway track diagnostics providing track geometry measurements as well as diagnostics of the short irregularities on the rail surface. Based on inertial, optical, satellite and geoinformational technologies, RailwayTrack is intended for applications on high-speed trains (up to 350 km/h). Because of the modular build Railway Track can be mounted on the bogie of any regular passenger or freight train as well as integrated in the software and hardware of track inspection vehicles.

The rail surface defects diagnostics is accomplished by means of inertial measuring units (IMUs) mounted on the axle boxes.

The track geometry parameters are measured according to the standard EN 13848 with a specially designed strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS). At the same time SINS with the GNSS receiver provides a precise localization of measuring point through geographic (latitude and longitude) coordinates and track ones.

The Railway Track comprises modular units as follows:

SINS with GNSS receiver
Optical scanners
IMUs
Video recorders
Odometer
Data processing unit

Railway Track features

Track geometry measurements according to the standard EN 13848
Contactless rail defects diagnostics
Applicable for high-speed trains
Modular implementation
High positioning accuracy
Combination of cutting-edge technologies in optoelectronics, inertial navigation, GIS, image processing
Easy to install and operate

Railway Track structure

1, 2 - Laser scanner
3 - SINS
4, 5 - IMU
6 - Video system

Railway Track hardware

SINS - Strapdown Inertial Navigation System

A specially designed for railway applications Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS) GNSS aided. A monoblock unit with SINS and the surface analyzer (a pair of laser scanners) is mounted right on the bogie frame which improves the track geometry measurement accuracy.

IMUs based on MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems) inertial sensors, are relatively low-cost, small-sized, and able to function in heavy shock and vibration conditions, with severe electromagnetic interference and temperature gradient. A set of four IMUs mounted on the axle boxes is used for rail surface irregularities detection.

Technical Data

Track parameters	Accuracy
Geometrical parameters
Track gauge, longitudinal level, alignment, cross level, twist	0.5 mm
Curvature	0.00001 m^-1
Track coordinate (with satellite receiver and odometer aiding)	0.2 m
Rail surface defects
Corrugations, squats, wheelslip surface defects, wheelburns	0.5 mm
Navigation and attitude parameters
Geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude)	1 m
Heading	0.1 deg
Roll and pitch	0.07 deg
Car-track dynamic interaction	Range
Rate	± 200 °/s
Acceleration	± 20 g and ± 35 g

Operating Parameters
Speed range	5 ... 350 km/h
Data output rate	1 kHz
Readiness time	max 15 min
Continuous operation	unlimited
Operating system	Windows / Linux
Interface	USB, Ethernet, etc
Supply voltage	220 V AC
Power consumption	< 50 W
Operating temperature	-40° C ... +60° C

More information about Railway Track (.pdf)

Article in DER EISENBAHN-INGENIEUR about Railway Track system (.pdf for registered users)

System for Railway Track Diagnostics Railway Track

Railway Track features

Railway Track structure

Railway Track hardware

Technical Data

System for Railway Track Diagnostics
Railway Track