Development of an Unattended Track Geometry Measurement System

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Scott ◽  
Ema Chillingworth ◽  
Matthew Dick
Keyword(s):  
Measurement System ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Modular System ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Track Maintenance ◽  
Geometry Measurement ◽  
And Control

Compliance with track standards and control of maintenance costs are critical aspects of the management of railroads. To facilitate this, track geometry measurement systems have evolved to allow monitoring of key track geometry parameters from moving trains. This paper describes how DeltaRail’s Trackline Two™ track geometry measurement system has been developed to overcome key technical shortcomings in existing systems. The resulting step change provides a cost-effective, robust, compact measurement system suitable for use on the broadest possible range of rail vehicles and networks, from a tram to a TGV. Extensive testing has demonstrated full compliance with appropriate standards. Significant improvements in reliability and repeatability of data have enabled DeltaRail to produce a modular system capable of sending data direct to value-adding analysis tools such as TrackMaster™ and VAMPIRE® so that track maintenance management can be optimized around train fleet and operational conditions. The system is easily operated in unattended mode allowing collection of track geometry data from in-service trains, increased frequency of data collection, and pointing the way for the track maintainers to realize significant value from integrated analysis and management options.

Optimizing Tamper Efficiency Through the Integration of Inertial Based Track Geometry Measurement

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph W. Palese ◽  
Sergio DiVentura ◽  
Ken Hill ◽  
Peter Maurice
Keyword(s):  
Time Perspective ◽  
Cloud Service ◽  
New Method ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Track Maintenance ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
Available Technology ◽  
Geometry Measurement

Maintaining track geometry is key to the safe and efficient operations of a railroad. Failure to properly maintain geometry can lead to costly track structure failures or even more costly derailments. Currently, there exists a number of different methods for measuring track geometry and then if required, maintaining the track to return track geometry to specified levels of acceptance. Because of this need to have proper track geometry, tampers are one of the most common pieces of maintenance equipment in a railroad operation’s fleet. It is therefore paramount from both a cost and track time perspective to gain maximum efficiency from any one particular tamper. Track geometry is typically measured through a variety of contact and non-contact measurement systems which can mount on a variety of different platforms. With respect to a tamper, a push buggy projector system is typically used to measure track geometry, utilizing the tamper body as the basis for the reference system, Track geometry can be measured utilizing this technology during a prerecording run. Then, the software onboard the tamper analyzes the recorded data to determine the best fit and calculate throws that achieve a better track alignment, particularly in curves. During the tamping operation, the tamper buggy system and frame adjust the track. Due to its design, track geometry measurements can only be made at low speed (roughly 4mph) which can severely affect the efficiency of the tamper. To help decrease pre maintenance inspection times, an inertial based track geometry measurement system has been developed and integrated into the tamper’s operating software. This system can mount directly to the frame of a tamper and operate at hy-rail to very low speeds. Measurements made can be fed directly into the tamper control system to guide where and how track geometry adjustments need to be made. In addition, the capability to collect data during travel mode without the buggies extended allows for the collection of data at any time. Thus, data can be recorded when traveling back and forth to a stabling location, before and/or after grinding. This allows for synchronization of data at a later time to utilize for adjusting the track. Also, data can be collected post-work to allow for the comparison of pre and post geometry to allow for the determination of the effectiveness of a given tamping operation. Tampers equipped with this track geometry system facilitate the foundation for an enterprise solution. Data that is measured and collected can be sent to a cloud service, in real time that will provide exception reports, health status, and rail health trend analyses. Utilizing the available technology further optimizes response time in track maintenance. This paper will introduce this new method of mounting and completely integrating an inertial based track geometry system onto a tamper. In addition, studies will be presented which confirm the ability of this system to replicate the tamper’s projection based track geometry system. Finally, a comprehensive study on efficiency gains will be presented directly comparing a standard method of maintaining a segment via a tamper to this new method of using onboard inertial track geometry measurement.

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.

A numerical study of the influence of lateral geometry irregularities on mechanical deterioration of freight tracks

2012 ◽  
Vol 226 (6) ◽  
pp. 575-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalle Karttunen ◽  
Elena Kabo ◽  
Anders Ekberg
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Study ◽  
Contact Point ◽  
Rolling Contact Fatigue ◽  
Contact Fatigue ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Rolling Contact ◽  
Railway Track ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Track Maintenance

Optimisation of railway track maintenance requires knowledge of how a deteriorated track geometry will affect subsequent loading and damage of the track. This is the scope of the current study where, in particular, the influence on track shift forces and rolling contact fatigue is investigated through numerical simulations. To this end, track geometries are obtained from field measurements. Lateral irregularities are extracted and scaled to represent different levels of geometry deterioration. Multibody simulations of dynamic train–track interaction featuring two freight wagon types are performed under different operational conditions. Track shift forces and rolling contact fatigue damage are further evaluated from simulation results. It is found that track shift forces tend to follow a normal distribution for moderate levels of lateral track geometry irregularities, and that an approximate linear relationship between standard deviations of lateral irregularities and track shift forces can be established. The relation between lateral track irregularity magnitude and rolling contact fatigue is more complex. Increasing levels of lateral irregularities will decrease the fraction of curve length affected by rolling contact fatigue for sharp curves, whereas for shallow curves it increases. As detailed in the article, this is caused by the lateral movement of the contact point as imposed by the track irregularities. Furthermore, the influence of wheel/rail friction and wear is investigated.

scholarly journals Membrane Fouling in Algal Separation Processes: A Review of Influencing Factors and Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andres Felipe Novoa ◽  
Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder ◽  
Luca Fortunato
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Fouling ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dynamic Responses ◽  
Feed Water ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Fouling Control ◽  
And Control

The use of algal biotechnologies in the production of biofuels, food, and valuable products has gained momentum in recent years, owing to its distinctive rapid growth and compatibility to be coupled to wastewater treatment in membrane photobioreactors. However, membrane fouling is considered a main drawback that offsets the benefits of algal applications by heavily impacting the operation cost. Several fouling control strategies have been proposed, addressing aspects related to characteristics in the feed water and membranes, operational conditions, and biomass properties. However, the lack of understanding of the mechanisms behind algal biofouling and control challenges the development of cost-effective strategies needed for the long-term operation of membrane photobioreactors. This paper reviews the progress on algal membrane fouling and control strategies. Herein, we summarize information in the composition and characteristics of algal foulants, namely algal organic matter, cells, and transparent exopolymer particles; and review their dynamic responses to modifications in the feedwater, membrane surface, hydrodynamics, and cleaning methods. This review comparatively analyzes (i) efficiency in fouling control or mitigation, (ii) advantages and drawbacks, (iii) technological performance, and (iv) challenges and knowledge gaps. Ultimately, the article provides a primary reference of algal biofouling in membrane-based applications.

Multifunction LIDAR Sensors for Non-Contact Speed Measurement in Rail Vehicles: Part I — System Installation and Implementation

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Muñoz ◽  
Michael Craft ◽  
Mehdi Ahmadian ◽  
Shannon Wrobel
Keyword(s):  
Measurement System ◽  
Precise Measurement ◽  
Light Detection And Ranging ◽  
Lidar System ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Rail Vehicles ◽  
Speed Measurement ◽  
Train Speed ◽  
Geometry Measurement ◽  
Contact Sensors

This study presents speed measurement system using Light detection And Ranging (LIDAR) technology is successfully tested on moving railway cars. The system has multiple mounting capabilities that allow it to attach to various locations on the railcar. Using lasers to measure train speed off of each rail individually, the system determines curvature characteristics of the track based on known track geometry and speed differentials measured by the system. The LIDAR speed measurement system offers a non-contact form of measurement that eliminates noise and unwanted disturbances originating from contact sensors such as wheel-mounted encoders. The results of the study indicate that, with an ability to operate at speeds from 0.5mph and upwards of 100mph, the LIDAR system proves to be a highly versatile and precise measurement device useful in rail geometry measurement applications.

scholarly journals Capitalizing RFID Technology as Cost-Effective Real-Time Process Monitoring Tool in Wastewater Treatment: Two Case Studies

10.29007/v639 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannus Wilhelmus Wouters ◽  
Jai Sankar Seelam ◽  
Klas Jan Agema
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Circulation Rate ◽  
Wastewater Management ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Day To Day Operations ◽  
And Control

The legislative norms for treated wastewater diffuse in terms of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations are becoming increasingly stringent in the EU region. Compliance with the consent values compelled the water authorities to implement moving bed biofilters (MBFs) for tertiary stage effluent polishing. However, on-site and field surveys reveal that numerous MBF units suffer from non-optimal operational conditions, logistical challenges and irregular monitoring. This makes meeting the N-P criterion quite a challenging and expensive affair. It is therefore important to optimize their day-to-day operations, facilitate access to reliable and real-time status updates, and troubleshoot the failures. In this direction, an "internet-of-things", radio frequency ID (RFID) and cloud based monitoring and control tool, Sand-Cycle, was successfully developed, tested and implemented to monitor MBFs. The current study presents full- scale application of the developed remote control and mote technology at two wastewater treatment works. Sand-Cycle illustrated real-time dashboards indicating performance grading factors viz. in-situ average sand circulation rate, active bed volume and filter homogeneity. This presented clear instructions for detected malfunctions and enabled the operators to optimize the MBF output with limited effort. Further technical and technological advancements of such IoT based setups can actively assist in tackling long-term sustainability and wastewater management issues.

Computers for data, control and simulation

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 920-921
Author(s):  
David C. Joy
Keyword(s):  
Personal Computers ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Data Logging ◽  
Data Logger ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Data Control ◽  
The Many ◽  
And Control

Personal computers (PCs) are a powerful resource in the EM Laboratory, both as a means of automating the monitoring and control of microscopes, and as a tool for quantifying the interpretation of data. Not only is a PC more versatile than a piece of dedicated data logging equipment, but it is also substantially cheaper. In this tutorial the practical principles of using a PC for these types of activities will be discussed.The PC can form the basis of a system to measure, display, record and store the many parameters which characterize the operational conditions of the EM. In this mode it is operating as a data logger. The necessary first step is to find a suitable source from which to measure each of the items of interest. It is usually possible to do this without having to make permanent corrections or modifications to the EM.

Situational Strategic Awareness Monitoring Surveillance System–Microcomputer and Microcomputer Clustering used for Intelligent, Economical, Scalable, and Deployable Approach for Safeguarding Materials

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (3) ◽  
pp. 60408-1-60408-10
Author(s):  
Kenly Maldonado ◽  
Steve Simske
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Electronic Systems ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Intelligent Surveillance ◽  
World Markets ◽  
Programming Software ◽  
And Control

The principal objective of this research is to create a system that is quickly deployable, scalable, adaptable, and intelligent and provides cost-effective surveillance, both locally and globally. The intelligent surveillance system should be capable of rapid implementation to track (monitor) sensitive materials, i.e., radioactive or weapons stockpiles and person(s) within rooms, buildings, and/or areas in order to predict potential incidents proactively (versus reactively) through intelligence, locally and globally. The system will incorporate a combination of electronic systems that include commercial and modifiable off-the-shelf microcomputers to create a microcomputer cluster which acts as a mini supercomputer which leverages real-time data feed if a potential threat is present. Through programming, software, and intelligence (artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural networks), the system should be capable of monitoring, tracking, and warning (communicating) the system observer operations (command and control) within a few minutes when sensitive materials are at potential risk for loss. The potential customer is government agencies looking to control sensitive materials and/or items in developing world markets intelligently, economically, and quickly.

Role of Rasayana in Prevention of COVID-19 - A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 716-722
Author(s):  
Sneha Dhakite ◽  
Sadhana Misar Wajpeyi
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The Body ◽  
Healthy Life ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Healthy Life Style ◽  
And Control

The “Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)” is caused by “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, a newly discovered member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses which is a highly communicable. There is no effective medical treatment till date for Coronavirus disease hence prevention is the best way to keep disease away. Rasayana proved to be highly efficacious and cost effective for the Prevention and Control of viral infections when vaccines and standard therapies are lacking. Rasayana Chikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda which helps to maintain healthy life style. Rasayana improves immunity and performs many vital functions of human body. Vyadhikshamatva that is immune mechanism of the body is involved in Prevention of the occurrence of a new disease and it also decreases the virulence and progression of an existing disease. In COVID-19 the Respiratory system mainly get affected which is evident from its symptoms like cold, cough and breathlessness. Here the drugs help in enhancing immune system and strengthening functions of Respiratory system can be useful. For this purpose, the Rasayana like Chyavanprasha, Agastya Haritaki, Pippali Rasayana, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Haridra, Ashwagandha, Tulsi are used. Rasayana working on Respiratory system are best for Prevention of Coronavirus and boosting immune system. Rasayana Chikitsa can be effective in the Prevention as well as reducing symptoms of COVID-19.

A cost-effective preventative approach to potentially save lives in the coronavirus pandemic, jointly using Vitamin D, Curcumin, and Vitamin C. Authors Bakare T A and Soar J S

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagjit S Soar
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Literature Searches ◽  
Pharmaceutical Agents ◽  
And Control

he current COVID-19 pandemic now believed to be based on the mutation of the SARS-CoV virus (first reported in 2002) to SARS-CoV-2 emerging in 2019, is naturally causing extreme worry and concern around the world with sometimes mixed and incoherent messages on how to deal with it. There is a plethora of information from previous epidemics caused by other coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS (2002) and Middle East respiratory syndrome MERS (2012) from which we can extrapolate guidance on how to deal with the current pandemic. In the current absence of specific pharmaceutical agents, we propose assessing the extended tools that we already possess in our biological armoury to combat, prevent and control the spread of this virus. Using a set of precise criteria to locate such possible contenders, we conducted literature searches to find compounds that met these criteria. We have now reduced this to a shortlist of three agents that may be the best candidates. We propose vitamin C, vitamin D and Curcumin fit our criteria well. These compounds are widely available to the general public. They are available online and over-the-counter as supplements. Otherwise healthy individuals are safely able to self-administer these agents as a prophylactic to protect themselves and to enhance their immune response. This would be especially desirable for the elderly and at risk groups. These agents can also be used as adjunct therapy, particularly for those who may have early symptoms. This preventative therapy could be implemented whilst awaiting specific pharmaceutical drugs to emerge as a treatment for COVID-19. Our suggested compounds are a highly cost-effective way to potentially reduce the mortality that is regretfully mounting as a result of COVID-19 infection. The biological mode of action and the dosing of these compounds are summarised.

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