01.05.07
21st century technology on board new inspection train
High tech asset inspection train to be introduced on the Tube next spring
A new high-tech, dedicated Asset Inspection Train (AIT) is to be introduced from next spring by Tube Lines that will revolutionise track inspection and maintenance regimes. The train will be packed full of the latest dynamic technology, will be able to run throughout the day on all lines to check track geometry and rail profiles at high speeds. It will use thermal cameras to monitor rail temperature as well as high quality digital technology to provide images of the track that will be fed back to computers on the train for the on-board technical experts to analyse. T
The AITrain will be able to capture data every 0.1m and incorporates a state of the art location system. Data is collected through video imagery, high resolution thermal imagery and collected online. It has a modern rail profile system, will provide digital inertia geometry and use lasers for corrugation measurement on the rail. In addition, it will be able to gauge the conductor rail a world first in providing analysis of the four rails on the Tube. Other technologies include a ride quality noise measurement, collector shoe impact detection and maintenance work orders raised directly through the Tube Lines’ asset management system.
The information from the train will help Tube Lines better understand the performance of the track over the short and long term and so improve its maintenance and renewal and further enhance safety. With better asset performance information, Tube Lines is confident that it can introduce better maintenance regimes to reduce wear on the wheels and rails, to improve the track geometry and provide passengers with smoother, more reliable journeys.
Paul Vincent, Tube Lines’ technical projects manager, said:
“We are always striving to better understand how the trains and track work together to improve performance. For the first time on the Tube, this new technology is able to provide a dynamic picture of the environment enabling us to analyse the track and rail layout as a train would experience it.
“Using high speed cameras, like those seen in the Matrix, we can record real time pictures that are fed back to on-board computers for our experts to analyse. This information can then be used to identify areas where the track geometry or rail profile can be improved and be subsequently fed back into our maintenance and upgrade programmes thereby improving performance.”
As well as providing information to enable Tube Lines’ engineers to target areas where work is needed, the AIT will build a picture of track performance over time. This knowledge is critical as it will identify the areas that suffer greater wear and tear and improve understanding of how changes develop over time. This will inform longer terms plans and help the move towards information led whole life asset management – getting the balance right between renewal and maintenance of the infrastructure to ensure it performs to the levels required.
The AIT will replace the existing Track Recording Vehicle (TRV) which London Underground introduced in 1987.
Tim Gorman, general manager, specialist services, said:
“Our aim is to further reduce delays by improving the track quality and understanding of the wheel/rail interface. The introduction of Tube Lines’ Asset Inspection Train will help us achieve this goal and will ultimately change our approach to maintenance forever. We have been used to working on a 19th century Underground using predominately 19th century techniques. The introduction of this 21st century technology will give us the knowledge and ability to plan our maintenance and renewal activities based on the needs of the infrastructure, not just a predetermined life expectancy.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]