Project Summary
Rivelin Rail is developing a new means of carrying out friction measurements of railway track using an on-board system that allows safe and efficient inspection; reducing delays and preventing wheel/rail damage. The system identifies low friction ‘hotspots’ and assesses whether current rail cleaning management methods are effective. It reduces the requirement for in-person inspection, and the numerical data generated will be used to
make more informed decisions on friction management.
Project Achievements
Rivelin Rail have built upon their portable friction measurement technology to build a system that can be fitted to a vehicle, for continuous on-board friction measurements.
This has the following benefits to the rail industry:
• Identify low adhesion “hotspots”
• Trial new friction management technology
• Optimise existing technology. For example location and time of application, cleaning speed (for on-board cleaning), quantity of product, “lasting effect” or dilution (of chemical cleaners)
The project enabled Rivelin Rail to prove the concept of a friction measurement system, able to continuously monitor rail condition. The measurement head is modular and can be mounted in a variety of positions.
During this project, the modular measurement head has been designed and built. It has been ruggedised for on-board usage. Geo-location and wireless data transfer systems have been built-in. A weatherproof sealing system is in development, through working with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
Huge cost savings and performance benefits could be made through a more data driven approach to friction management.
Conclusions
The system can be used to identify areas of low adhesion to forewarn drivers or determine the most suitable mitigation method. It can also be used to optimise lubrication systems, providing huge cost savings and performance benefits by reducing excessive wear, energy consumption and squeal. The data can be used to improve other friction estimation methods and fed into daily adhesion forecasts, released to drivers every day throughout the autumn season. The friction data can also be combined with other measurements such as environmental, electrical resistance or accelerometers to improve future friction estimation or prediction models.
The technology is suitable for use on passenger, freight, light rail and tram networks. The funding and contacts gained through the TRIG programme has accelerated our innovation and allowed us to prove our friction measuring concept. This more informed and data-driven approach will be used to reduce delays, prevent damage and improve safety.
Next Steps
The current project proved the concept of friction measurements on a push-trolley based system. Research was conducted to assess the feasibility of scaling the device to an on-board, train based system. The next
step will using a motorised rail trolley or pushing the existing friction measurement trolley in front of a road-rail vehicle. Visits to the GCRE, BCIMO and heritage railways have been made to determine suitable sites. If
funding is available the subsequent step will be mounting directly to a road-rail vehicle. A retractable arm would raise or lower the measurement head when required. Data would be displayed on a screen for real-time
information but also geo-located and transferred back to a centralised database for further analysis. There has been international interest in this new equipment and Rivelin Rail is discussing partnership with larger
international organisations to discuss design refinements, manufacture, distribution and certification.
