The Next Generation of Gage Restraint Measurement Systems

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A. Bloom ◽  
Gary A. Carr ◽  
Georg Seyrlehner
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Commercial System ◽  
New Generation ◽  
A Performance

This paper presents a new generation Gage Restraint Measurement System (GRMS) being developed by ENSCO, Inc. and Plasser American for delivery to the Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Research and Development. GRMS technology was developed in the early 1980’s as a performance-based method to evaluate ties and fasteners. The technology has been adopted by many railroads, and commercial versions of the GRMS are being utilized daily throughout the country. A shortcoming of the current commercial system is that the unique split-axle system can derail when operating through switches and other track hardware. Since the split-axle is a main running axle, a derailment can have significant consequences. The new GRMS is designed as a fifth axle that is deployed from the frame of a track geometry vehicle instead of using one of the vehicle’s running axles. This results in a more flexible and safer GRMS design. This paper discusses the details of the new design and its advantages.

FRA Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement System Technology Development: Past, Present, and Future

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soheil Saadat ◽  
Cameron Stuart ◽  
Gary Carr ◽  
James Payne
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Geometry Measurement ◽  
Multi Phase

The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research and Development has undertaken a multi-phase research program focused on the development and advancement of Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement Systems (ATGMS) and related technologies to improve rail safety by increasing the availability of track geometry data for safety and maintenance planning purposes. Benefits of widespread use of ATGMS technology include reduced life-cycle cost of inspection operations, minimized interference with revenue operations, and increased inspection frequencies. FRA’s Office of Research and Development ATGMS research program results have demonstrated that the paradigm of track inspection and maintenance practices, information management and, eventually, government regulations will change as a result of widespread use of ATGMS technology by the industry. A natural consequence of increased inspection frequencies associated with ATGMS is the large amount of actionable information produced. Therefore, changing existing maintenance practices to address a larger number of identified track issues across large geographic areas will be a challenge for the industry. In addition, managing ATGMS data and assessing the quality of this information in a timely manner will be challenging. This paper presents an overview of the FRA’s ATGMS research program with emphasis on its evolution from a proof-of-concept prototype to a fully operational measurement system. It presents the evolution of ATGMS technology over time including the development of a web-based application for data editing, management and quality assurance. Finally, it presents FRA’s vision for the future of the ATGMS technology.

Measuring up: do you have a scorecard?

2002 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-187
Author(s):  
K. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems ◽  
A Performance

Performance measurement can be an effective tool in driving organization improvement to enable your utility to become more competitive, or improve customer satisfaction. WERF Project #99-WWF-7, Developing and Implementing a Performance Measurement System, is developing performance measurement systems by investigating a number of “best practices” in other industries and implementing selected practices at various water/wastewater utilities nationwide to determine how these practices can be adapted and applied. This joint WERF/AWWARF research project has been underway since mid-1999 to provide methods and tools that enable the utility to develop and implement a performance measurement system based on a demonstrated, proven approach. The Volume I Report summarizes the secondary research and project approach. Well designed, properly implemented performance measurement systems can enable utilities to achieve new levels of performance in terms of efficiency, quality, and effectiveness. Interest in performance measurement is increasing in all competitive businesses and industries today, and has been advanced through concepts such as the Balanced Scorecard. Utilities can employ these same concepts and learn “best practices” from other industries' experiences. While a performance measurement system alone does not improve performance or make a utility competitive, when combined with an appropriate business strategy and performance improvement initiatives, it can drive a cycle of change. A successful performance measurement system combines a holistic approach around improved business practices and effective human/organizational strategies in addition to actual performance information for operational decision-making.

scholarly journals TEP Rail Head Profile Trolley - test results of the laser measurement system

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 (12) ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
Marcin Kowalski
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Optical Measurement ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Laser Measurement ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Laser Measurement System ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Rail Head

The article describes the results of research and development undertaken to develop a compact, optical measurement system for measuring the elements of track infrastructure. The article describes the main features of the optical measurement systems and the results of the research project. The author presents two examples of the implementation of this technology in the portable diagnostic devices: electronic trolley and in the toll for the creation of 3D models of turnout crossings.

scholarly journals Development of Thermal Performance Metrics for Direct Gas-Fired Circulating Heaters

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 588
Author(s):  
Benjamin C. Smith ◽  
Brett C. Ramirez ◽  
Steven J. Hoff
Keyword(s):  
Mass Flow ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Thermal Efficiency ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
Flow System ◽  
Standard Test ◽  
Testing System ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Selection Of

Many climate-controlled agricultural buildings use direct gas-fired circulating heaters (DGFCH) for supplement heat. There is no standardized test to calculate thermal efficiency for these heaters. This study aimed to develop a measurement system and analytical analysis for thermal efficiency, quantify the measurement uncertainty, and assess economics of DGFCH efficiency. The measurement system developed was similar to the ASHRAE 103 standard test stand with adaptations to connect the apparatus to the DGFCH. Two different propane measurement systems were used: input ratings < 30 kW used a mass flow system and input ratings > 30 kW used a volumetric gas meter. Three DGFCHs (21.9, 29.3, 73.3 kW) were tested to evaluate the system. Thermal efficiencies ranged from 92.4% to 100.9%. The resulting uncertainty (coverage factor of 2; ~95% Confidence Interval) ranged from 13.1% to 30.7% for input ratings of 56.3 to 11.4 kW. Key sources of uncertainty were propane and mass flow of air measurement. The economic impact of 1% difference in thermal efficiency ranged from USD $61.3 to $72.0 per heating season. Refinement of the testing system and procedures are needed to reduce the uncertainty. The application of this system will aid building designers in selection of DGFCHs for various applications.

scholarly journals Visual Measurement System for Wheel–Rail Lateral Position Evaluation

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1297
Author(s):  
Viktor Skrickij ◽  
Eldar Šabanovič ◽  
Dachuan Shi ◽  
Stefano Ricci ◽  
Luca Rizzetto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Measurement System ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Image Point ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Point Selection ◽  
Lateral Direction ◽  
Initial Field ◽  
Visual Measurement ◽  
Track Geometry

Railway infrastructure must meet safety requirements concerning its construction and operation. Track geometry monitoring is one of the most important activities in maintaining the steady technical conditions of rail infrastructure. Commonly, it is performed using complex measurement equipment installed on track-recording coaches. Existing low-cost inertial sensor-based measurement systems provide reliable measurements of track geometry in vertical directions. However, solutions are needed for track geometry parameter measurement in the lateral direction. In this research, the authors developed a visual measurement system for track gauge evaluation. It involves the detection of measurement points and the visual measurement of the distance between them. The accuracy of the visual measurement system was evaluated in the laboratory and showed promising results. The initial field test was performed in the Vilnius railway station yard, driving at low velocity on the straight track section. The results show that the image point selection method developed for selecting the wheel and rail points to measure distance is stable enough for TG measurement. Recommendations for the further improvement of the developed system are presented.

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