Every autumn the train services that operate on Network Rail infrastructure can be affected by the problem of leaf fall. The problem is caused when passing trains sweep up fallen leaves in their slipstream, and some are then trapped between the train wheel and the railhead. Network Rail takes this issue very seriously and a great deal of planning and resource goes into mitigating the effects of railhead contamination during the autumn season. Specialised trains operate during this period and additional personnel utilised to ensure that the railhead remains, as much as possible, clear of leaf contamination. In order to improve the railhead treatment process a great deal of research is carried out into the chemical make up of the contamination as well as other physical properties. Such work leads to a better understanding of the issue and assists in the development of a successful rail head treatment programme. Previous measurements of contamination levels were based upon individuals making an assessment of the situation and giving a general subjective feedback on the levels of the thickness present. The introduction of the Eddy Current Device (ECD) in 2006 allowed Network Rail to establish a defined measurement of the levels of thickness in microns. Thus removing the human assessment process and replacing it with a consistent form of measurement. This gives stronger support to the data being captured and a greater understanding of the issue being presented. This paper will explain how the Eddy Current can help; the background to the issues, the mitigation in place, and how non destructive testing resulted in a better understanding and development of the tool.
Contamination measurement on network rail
Verschmutzungsmessung an Schienennetzen
2009
12 Seiten, 6 Bilder
(nicht paginiert)
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Datenträger
Englisch
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