Forward-Looking Infrared Radiometry (FLIR) Application for Detecting Ballast Fouling

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
SayedMohammad Hosseini ◽  
Yongwen Tan ◽  
Mehdi Ahmadian
Keyword(s):  
Field Testing ◽  
Measured Temperature ◽  
Water Drainage ◽  
Fouled Ballast ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Environmental Variations ◽  
Infrared Radiometry ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Railroad Applications ◽  
Forward Looking

Abstract This paper is intended to assess the practical aspects of the previously proposed approach for detecting railroad ballast fouling using an off-the-shelf Forward-Looking Infrared Radiometry (FLIR) Technology. FLIR is among the technologies that are becoming more prevalent in railroad applications [1,2]. The method discussed in this paper takes advantage of the temperature differences measured by the FLIR camera between the top surface of clean and partially fouled ballast samples as an indicator of fouling. The method is intended to potentially serve as an efficient and time-effective manner for detecting early stages of ballast fouling prior to it requiring a costly intervention. Ballast fouling is a common maintenance-of-way issue for the railroad industry, which occurs as a result of contaminants clogging up the ballast and preventing water drainage. The water retained at the sublayers diminishes the strength of the foundation and could result in other undesirable conditions such as clay pumping and reduced track strength. In this study, experiments are performed to study the thermal behavior and characteristics of clean, and partially- and fully-fouled ballast using a FLIR camera. The FLIR camera is set up in a stationary configuration for ease of testing and also providing a more direct approach to analyzing the data, to keep the test conditions highly repeatable and reduce any environmental variations. The results indicate that the cooling and heating rate at the top surface for clean, partially fouled, and fouled ballast are different during the daily heat-up cycle. It is determined that although the FLIR camera is able to measure some changes in the ballast temperature for the fouling conditions that are evaluated in the study, the differences may be within the range of variations that could occur in field conditions. The paper includes the range of measured temperature by the FLIR camera and discusses the pros and cons of using this approach in practice. Additional field testing is needed to validate or dispute the initial findings of the study.

scholarly journals Photogrammetric and Satellite Mapping of the Margin of the Inland Ice, West Greenland

1986 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 164-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.H. Thomsen
Keyword(s):  
Surface Feature ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Water Drainage ◽  
Feature Maps ◽  
Hydro Power ◽  
Surface Features ◽  
Power Stations ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Inland Ice

Glaciological investigations have been carried out in areas proposed for local hydro-power stations in Greenland, A mapping programme was set up, to provide data for mass balance and simulation of run-off, as well as glacier dynamics.Two types of glacier map have been produced, covering the margin of the Inland Ice: detailed photogrammetric maps, based on plotting from vertical aerial photographs and a new type of surface feature map, based on digitally-processed Landsat data. The photogrammetric maps, plotted on a scale of 1:25 000, include surface topography and surface features, such as crevasses, lakes, moraines etc. The surface feature maps, plotted on a scale of 1:100 000, show surface features related to ice and melt-water drainage, as well as subtle, topographic features, related to the subglacial topography.The maps have so far been used for preliminary delineation of drainage areas on the Inland Ice and for planning tracks of radio echo-soundings.

scholarly journals Soil Amendment with Biochar Affects Water Drainage and Nutrient Losses by Leaching: Experimental Evidence under Field-Grown Conditions

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Libutti ◽  
Anna Rita Bernadette Cammerino ◽  
Matteo Francavilla ◽  
Massimo Monteleone
Keyword(s):  
Application Rate ◽  
Water Drainage ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Technical Operation ◽  
Field Unit ◽  
Linear Regressions ◽  
Modelling Approach

Leaching of soluble elements from cultivated soils is a major concern to meet the target of agricultural sustainability in most areas. The effect of biochar application to a cultivated soil on water drainage and the consequent solute losses was assessed during a trial carried out over two consecutive growing seasons. Biochar was added to a loam-texture soil, at 0, 1, and 2% d.w. rates. A lysimeter-like set-up arranged in the experimental field-unit, allowed collecting the percolating water. Two multiple linear regressions (ANCOVA models) were applied to detect biochar effect on: (1) The seasonal amount of drained water; and (2) the concentration of solutes in the drained water. The statistical comparison among a set of slope coefficients as affected by treatments (growing season and biochar) was used as modelling approach. The lower biochar application rate (1%) significantly reduced both the amount of drained water and its concentration in solutes. Conversely, the higher biochar application rate (2%) showed no significant effects. Nitrate and chloride showed a significant interaction with biochar application rates. Higher biochar application increased nitrate leaching while reduced that of chloride. Biochar application within a rate no more than 1% resulted in a useful and quite effective technical operation.

Generalized Kinematic Modeling of Reconfigurable Machine Tools

1998 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Mo Moon ◽  
Sridhar Kota
Keyword(s):  
Machine Tools ◽  
Screw Theory ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Mathematical Representation ◽  
Kinematic Modeling ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Systematic Selection ◽  
Motion Characteristics ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Representation Scheme

To accommodate frequent changes in product design and to be able to process a family of products in a timely and cost-effective manner, the next generation of machine tools should be reconfigurable. Reconfigurability enables reduction not only in machine design lead time but more significantly a reduction in machine set-up and ramp-up time. The essential characteristics of Reconfigurable Machine Tools (RMTs) include modularity, convertibility, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a mathematical representation scheme using screw theory that lays the foundation for systematic design of reconfigurable machine tools. The motion characteristics of a set of desired machining tasks as well as stored library of machine modules are captured in a common representation scheme. A simple design example to illustrate the application of this methodology for systematic selection and synthesis of reconfigurable machine tools is presented.

Comparative Field Measurements of Tire Pavement Noise of Selected Texas Pavements

1998 ◽  
Vol 1626 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Mcnerney ◽  
B.J. Landsberger ◽  
Tracy Turen ◽  
Albert Pandelides
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Test Procedure ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Noise Barriers ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Pavement Noise

The effects of traffic noise are a serious concern in the United States and in the rest of the world. One significant component of traffic noise is tire-pavement interaction. If tire-pavement noise can be reduced at the source instead of through the use of traffic noise barriers set up to protect individual receivers, then potential savings can accrue. This research effort conducted field testing on 15 different pavement types found in Texas, and on six pavement types found in South Africa. A test procedure was developed with roadside microphones and microphones mounted on a test trailer to record and analyze the differences in tire-pavement noise. The test procedure was designed to develop comparisons of pavements while other variables were kept constant. The results, measured on the standard A-weighted scale, indicated for the 15 test pavements in Texas a difference of roadside noise levels of up to 7 dBA. Additionally, a roadside noise level of one pavement measured in South Africa was more than 2 dBA quieter than any Texas pavement.

Influence of z/w relation in Chill Block Melt Spinning (CBMS) process and analysis of thickness in ribbons

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo R. Pagnola ◽  
Marcelo Barone ◽  
Mariano Malmoria ◽  
Hugo Sirkin
Keyword(s):  
Melt Spinning ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Magnetic Cores ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Model Set ◽  
Chill Block ◽  
Set Up

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis over own and other authors data related to the process of Chill Block Melt Spinning (CBMS) and propose a model of analysis for interpreting. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used in this work is to present the data analyzed by other authors, organize own data similarly to establish comparison, and established models and propose a possible physical processes interpretation. Findings – Similarity between own experimental data. with others data reported by other authors, both z/w ratio and the thicknesses of the films produced has been found. This allows us to establish an exponential decay of the parameters studied and possibly link it the Newtonian cooling to which the samples are subjected in its production. Research limitations/implications – This work is the first model set up to predict dimensions in design process by CBMS as a function of parameters of the ribbon production process. Practical implications – The prediction of the product dimensions, with adjusting the initial parameters, allows to improve the process of ribbon production, this saves tuning time of the machine and provides certainty in the molten material ejection. Social implications – The efficient production of magnetic materials lets save efforts in the raw material process preparing in magnetic cores for the energy sector. This, improves production besides benefit society by the final product and the energy savings. Originality/value – The value of this paper is to propose a model of analysis that allows standardize production parameters, and could even allow the use of these models in computer programs, process simulators in a more effective manner.

Testing and Validation of Long Trains Under High Flow and Gradient Conditions

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abe Aronian ◽  
Kim Wachs ◽  
Michelle Jamieson ◽  
Karen Carriere ◽  
Edward W. Gaughan
Keyword(s):  
Air Flow ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Signal Propagation ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Distributed Power ◽  
Extensive Field ◽  
Train Length ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Operating Instructions ◽  
Work Done

The need to extend train lengths has been a primary business target of the railway industry, due to its obvious benefits. However, winter train operating conditions, excessive in-train slack action, deterioration of air brake signal propagation and the added stress on infrastructure and equipment has naturally kept the average train lengths at bay. The introduction of advanced equipment, new concepts and strategies have now enabled Canadian Pacific to change this mindset. Long Train make up is now very possible, taking into account the Distributed Power configuration. Making a very long train resemble a series of short trains coupled together, each with its own locomotives, synchronously connected to the Lead unit’s commands, makes such trains very safe and efficient. Extensive Field Testing and Train Simulation work done over the last two years at CP has shown that with the use of Multiple Remote Locomotive set-up, it is in fact very possible to safely contemplate extending the limits of today’s maximum allowed 60 CFM of total train air flow, into uncharted territory, possibly approaching a total of 90 CFM. CP has pursued to implement on a permanent basis, operating instructions that would permit Multiple Distributed Power trains to depart from a train brake test location with combined air flow of up to 90 CFM, provided the flow at each DP locomotive consist is not greater than 60 CFM and train length sections between locomotives are not exceeded. This paper investigates the operation of Distributed Power trains at higher levels of air flow and, through detail field testing and evaluation techniques, substantiates the validity of extending the safety limits of train leakage and gradient for such trains.

scholarly journals Auf ein Neues? Erfolgsfaktoren für die Konferenz zur Zukunft Europas

IG ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-158
Author(s):  
Joachim Wuermeling
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Future ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Right ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Forward Looking

In this article, the author contrasts the experience of the Convention on the Future of Europe 2002-2003 with the mandate for the Conference on the Future of Europe which commenced on May 9, 2021. He criticises that the Conference is deprived of fundamental structural elements that were success factors for the Convention: a clear mandate, a tight leadership, and the right to self-organise. Nevertheless, the author is convinced that the Conference still has every chance of giving the European Union a forward-looking impetus for reform. He derives five recommendations for the future work of the Conference. In particular, it must be set up considering the desired outcome, by defining a product that is to be established, and directing the work toward its creation. If the Conference serves solely as a sounding board for diffuse citizen concerns, its potential cannot be fully exploited.

Delineation of Noise Signals From MRI Measured Temperature Rise During HIFU Ablation Procedure

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subhashish Dasgupta ◽  
Seyed Ahmed Dibaji ◽  
Janaka Wansapura ◽  
Matthew R. Myers ◽  
Rupak K. Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Rise ◽  
Focused Ultrasound ◽  
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound ◽  
Heat Equations ◽  
Intensity Level ◽  
Measured Temperature ◽  
Mr Thermometry ◽  
Porcine Liver ◽  
Heating Phase ◽  
Set Up

A relatively recent and non invasive method for characterizing thermal fields generated by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducers is Magnetic Resonance (MR) Thermometry method. However, noise signals generated by external RF sources infiltrate the scanner orifice and limit its ability to measure temperature rise during the heating or ablation phase. In this study, MRI monitored HIFU ablations are performed on freshly excised porcine liver samples, at varying sonication times, 20, 30 and 40 s at a constant acoustic intensity level of 1244 W/cm2. Temperature rise during the procedure is measured using Proton Resonant Frequency MR thermometry. Preliminary experiments without an adequate noise filter, failed to record temperature rise during the heating phase. A low pass R-C filter circuit is subsequently incorporated into the experimental set up to prevent infiltration of noise signals in the MRI orifice. This modified RC filter enables measurement of temperature rise during the heating phase followed by temperature decay during cooling. The measured data is within 12% agreement with the temperature rise computed by solving the acoustic and heat equations.

scholarly journals Seasonal Influences on the Impulse Characteristics of Grounding Systems for Tropical Countries

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhd Reffin ◽  
Abdul Abdul Ali ◽  
Normiza Mohamad Nor ◽  
Nurul Ahmad ◽  
Syarifah Abdullah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Soil Resistivity ◽  
Tropical Countries ◽  
Power Frequency ◽  
Seasonal Influences ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Impulse Characteristics ◽  
Over Time

One of the most important parameters of the performance of grounding systems is the soil resistivity. As generally known, the soil resistivity changes seasonally, hence the performance of grounding systems, at DC and under high impulse conditions. This paper presents the performance of grounding systems with two different configurations. Field experiments were set up to study the characteristics of the grounding systems seasonally at power frequency and under high impulse conditions. A review of field testing on practical grounding systems was also presented. It was found that the soil resistivity, RDC and impulse characteristics of grounding systems were improved over time, and the improvement was higher for electrodes that have more contact with the soils.

scholarly journals Monitoring and Detecting Fouled Ballast Using Forward-Looking Infrared Radiometer (FLIR) Aerial Technology: Possibilities and Limitations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongwen Tan ◽  
Yang Chen ◽  
Andrew W. Peterson ◽  
Mehdi Ahmadian
Keyword(s):  
Fine Particles ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Rolling Stock ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Railway Ballast ◽  
Fouled Ballast ◽  
Infrared Radiometer ◽  
Forward Looking

This paper examines the feasibility and limitations of Forward Looking Infrared Radiometer (FLIR) Aerial Technology for detecting fouled ballast. The method is intended to provide an efficient and ready-to-use approach that can help the railroads detect fouled ballast in their early stages. Ballast fouling commonly occurs as a result of fine particles clogging off water passage through them. Subsequently, this results in trapped water that often results in poor foundation strength, rotting of the ties, and other ill effects. This study includes a novel approach to evaluate the railway ballast fouling by using thermal imaging techniques. In particular, the thermal characteristics of clean and fouled ballast are studied using FLIR cameras that can be used onboard rolling stock, Hyrail trucks, or drones. Laboratory tests are primarily performed to measure the surface temperature changing rate of clean and fouled ballast in response to ambient temperature changes. For the purpose of laboratory testing, the camera is set up in stationary and moving configurations. The test results indicate that clean and fouled ballast have different thermal characteristics. In particular, different thermal patterns are obtained during naturally-occurring daily temperature change. The test results also indicate that the FLIR cameras can be used on a moving platform for quick scanning of thermal images of the ballast that could be used for assessing the early stage of fouling.

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