Condition monitoring for higher availability of rail vehicles
During operation, the bogie is exposed not only to high static weight loads, but above all to the dynamic forces of the track infrastructure. Continuous monitoring of these loads and the responses to them is therefore particularly important.
On the gearbox as well, continuous monitoring of components through suitable sensors enables anomalies and signs of wear to be detected at an early stage, before they lead to serious damage and consequential costs.
Effective monitoring also allows maintenance intervals and measures to be planned with precision, minimizing unplanned downtime and optimizing train availability.
We offer suitable, multifunctional solutions for this purpose, combining multiple measured variables in a single sensor in a space-saving manner. Leading train manufacturers rely on our CombiCODER for this.
Bogies can enter unstable states due to various conditions – influenced by design elements such as the configuration of vibration dampers, wheel-rail contact, weather conditions, cornering and speed. This leads to reduced passenger comfort, increased rail wear and, in extreme cases, derailments.
Our CombiCODER GEL 2475CM provides not only speed signals but also vibration signals in up to three axes, enabling unstable bogie states to be detected.
The CombiCODER is also the ideal solution for gearbox monitoring, making use of the existing mounting surface on the gearbox. Existing pulse encoders in pick-up housings can be upgraded through a 1:1 replacement to also measure vibration and temperature, enabling the expected fundamental frequencies and their harmonic frequencies to be determined. It is also optimally suited for retrofit projects, particularly where installation space for additional sensors is limited.
Undetected wheel flats, spalling or build-up welding on the wheel tire can lead to serious consequential damage and affect operational safety.
Our wheel flat detector GEL 2475FD features integrated detection of periodic impact loads. This enables wheel defects to be reliably detected, classified and localized, and clearly distinguished from damage to the track infrastructure. As a result, consequential damage can be prevented at an early stage, wheelsets can be overhauled in time, and both ride comfort and noise emissions can be improved simultaneously.
The detector also provides standard speed signals, allowing existing pick-up sensors to be replaced with ease.
