Descubra que tipo de detectores contam o eixo do trem
Although a few people know of its importance, the train axis is essential for the control of operations that take place within a railroad line.
In addition to ensure functioning of the wheels, the axles are constantly counted during transport, which gives companies the possibility to build systems that recognize the positions of the various cars which operate on the railroad, organizing all stages, from stops to maintenance and loading, up to the location of the wagons.
Therefore, we will look at the main detectors that count the train axle. But, first, it is worth explaining what an axis is and its use in the rail transport sector.
Content Index
What is a train axle?
The train axle, like other land vehicles, has a common function: to distribute the loads that acts against the surface of the tracks and allow displacement, since it is on them that the wheels are attached.
In addition to this well-known use, the axles have gained more importance with the rail transport system, directly impacting the safety and efficiency of this mode of transport, which constantly faces logistical challenges..
It is through the technology of axle detectors that railroad companies are able to define the position, measure the speed, temperature in some cases and detect imperfections in the wheel set. With this information collected by software, a monitoring and control system is generated, allowing the control of operations with greater efficiency.
There are several models of train axle detectors, each with a different function, but which allow applications through traffic supervision and control systems. While traffic control is linked to the management of the railroad in general, encompassing all cars on the railroad line, the supervision system is an innovative tool, as it allows the driver to control some operations, without the need for supervision .
Before, these conductors depended on support from traffic controllers, via voice command or field signaling, which could result in late actions, communication failures and increased human error, factors that were mitigated when the use a control panel with accurate information available to the driver in the control cabin.
Among the technologies possible thanks to train axle counting are: the ATS, which constantly checks the train's actions, interfering with the brakes if necessary; the ATP, a branch of the previous one, which constantly checks the speed, performing punctual interferences for curves and red signals; the ATO, which intensifies control with starts, stops, marches and even doors; and, finally, the ATC, which is the pinnacle of control and information power over rail transport, combining characteristics of the ATP with the ATO.
The acronyms that represent each technology are easier to understand, given the English nomenclature:
- Automatic Train Stop (ATS)
- Automatic Train Protection (ATP)
- Automatic Train Operation (ATO)
- Automatic Train Control (ATC)
4 types oftrain axle counter
Optical fiber
The fiber optic sensor is not exactly an axle counter, even though its installation on railroads still facilitates this function, through a survey of information about the wagon, which is processed in an integrated, multitasking system.
Its operation to count the train axis is based on detecting the train, pointing out its position on the tracks and crossing traffic control information, such as the train model. Therefore, according to the detected position, the specific train model has its axes counted, along with its size, among other information.
Inductive counters
Known for their easy installation on the rails and their maintenance with low risk and financial costinductive meters can be used together and distributed throughout the network in any way the company wishes, in order to build an information base for traffic control.
Its operation is carried out through claws that are coupled to the rails and generate an electric field. When the train passes close to the claws, the metal that composes the wheels generates an interference in the electromagnetic field, which is interpreted by software, capable of counting the number of wheels, showing the direction of the train, calculating the speed and even the diameter of the wheel.
Electric floor (Kistler)
The electric floor is commonly used in road transport vehicles, with a simple technology, which consists of a closed electrical circuit that presents changes in its output voltage as it undergoes deformation.
This deformation is caused precisely by the pressure that vehicles make on the platform known as the floor, so that the closed circuit inside it changes its length and thickness. At the end of the weighing, a software compares the difference between the initial and final tension, converting the values into weight and, according to the standardization of load by axles, it manages to count.
Dry contact
Among the technologies for counting train axles, dry contact is the most rudimentary, given its simple application, but it does not guarantee as much precision and integration with the control system software.
First, the line blocks are isolated and supplied with an electrical voltage, as if they formed an open circuit that is short-circuited with the passage of the wheels, which are connected by the axles, connecting both sides of the rails.
This detection is constant and as the occupation of the train over the block occurs, the system interprets the short as if the axes entered a certain section, which happens in several blocks, in order to calculate the entry, exit and number of drives caused by the axes.
Conclusion: train axle counters
Regardless of the technology used, axle counting is an important part of the processes that involve the efficiency, control and safety of railroads, as it is through this technology that it is possible to improve the performance of trains, which need to respect weight limits per axis, to ensure a good condition of the rails..
The application of these detectors also facilitates the driving of trains, as the panels and emergency or automatic stop systems were inserted in the drivers' cabin, which previously depended on communication with the control centers, being more susceptible to failures.
Massa has also been investing in an axle counter using its own technology. Massa's Simmtrack presents an innovative and precise product. With digitized load cell type sensors embedded in the bending beam type rail, the device is capable of counting axles and reporting on the results. Find out more by talking to one of our experts!
Searchs:
http://www.gorni.eng.br/Gorni_ElectroBras_2003.pdf
https://www2.pcs.usp.br/~espina/index_arquivos/19870000%20-%20Metro.pdf
http://www.biblioteca.pucminas.br/teses/EngMecanica_LopesFJF_1.pdf
