Ensuring Optimal Maintenance and Safety in Railroads and Trains with Acoustic Imaging

FLIR Si-Series acoustic imaging cameras offer an advanced solution for detecting issues affecting railroads and trains in real time, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and efficiency in railway operations.

Railroads and trains rely on complex systems that require frequent monitoring to prevent issues like partial discharges and air leaks. These problems can cause equipment failure, service disruptions, or even accidents if not detected and addressed at an early stage. For example, undetected leaks in pneumatic systems controlling train doors, air brakes, and switch points can compromise operational safety, lead to reduced performance, or result in costly repairs. Likewise, partial discharges in electrified lines can signal serious electrical faults that might lead to network outages or failures. Traditional maintenance approaches may struggle to identify these issues in time, especially in noisy, large-scale railway networks.

FLIR Si-Series acoustic imaging cameras provide an advanced solution for detecting and locating both leaks and partial discharges in real time. These cameras are particularly effective in noisy railway environments, where they can scan large areas and pinpoint hidden leaks or electrical faults quickly and accurately.

Inspecting Pneumatic Actuators in Railroad Switchers, Train Doors, and Air Brakes

Pneumatic switch machines use air pressure to control the movement of switch points, allowing trains to be guided from one track to another at junctions or where a spur or siding branches off. These machines play a critical role in switching lanes for freight, load, and passenger trains. Railway air brakes, powered by compressed air, are essential for controlling train deceleration and acceleration. Running through a switch incorrectly can damage it, while operating through a damaged switch risks derailment. Additionally, air leaks in pneumatically operated train doors can gradually degrade their performance, potentially disrupting service.

FLIR Si2-Pro Acoustic Imaging Camera with advanced software for automated reporting, seamless Data Integration and efficient Fleet Management.

Acoustic imaging is ideal for inspecting the following systems and components:

• Pantograph Operation: Compressed air raises and lowers the pantograph, which collects power from the overhead catenary wire.
• Horn and Whistle: Compressed air powers these essential safety devices.
• Suspension Systems: Air suspension ensures a smoother ride by adjusting the train’s height relative to the tracks.
• Sanders: Compressed air blows sand onto the rails to improve traction, especially in slippery conditions.
• Couplers and Uncouplers: Automatic couplers are operated by compressed air, facilitating the connection and disconnection of train cars.

• Cooling Systems: Compressed air is used in cooling systems for various train components.

FLIR acoustic cameras enable regular inspections of switch points, train doors, and air brakes, ensuring the performance of pneumatic actuators remains unaffected by leaks.

Safeguarding Railway Safety Through Regular Partial Discharge Inspections in Electrified Systems

Regular inspections for partial discharge (PD) detection are critical in preventing potential issues in electrified overhead lines and insulators. Monitoring PD evolution in medium-voltage overhead line equipment helps rail networks plan timely maintenance. FLIR acoustic cameras can effectively detect PDs in electrified railway networks, though accurate analysis is only available for AC systems, as some older railway networks operate on DC. The FLIR Si2-PD acoustic imaging camera for partial discharge detection even provides on-device severity assessment for immediate, in-the-field decision support and proactive measures.

Key components to inspect with an acoustic imaging camera include:

• Insulators: Prone to PDs due to contamination, surface wear, or damage.
• Rail Joints: Poor maintenance can lead to electrical arcing and PDs.
• Switchgear and Transformers: PDs may result from insulation degradation or internal faults.
• Cable Joints: Can develop PDs from faulty installations, loose connections, or mechanical stress.
• Electrical Equipment: Onboard systems like traction motors, inverters, and converters are susceptible to PDs from insulation deterioration or faults.
• Faulty Installations: Poor installation, improper maintenance, or aging infrastructure can exacerbate PDs.

Key Benefits of Using Flir Acoustic Cameras for the Maintenance of Railways and Trains:

• Enhanced Safety and Performance: By identifying leaks in pneumatic systems, the cameras help maintain optimal performance, reducing the risk of accidents or service interruptions.
• Predictive Maintenance: The early-stage detection of partial discharges in overhead lines allows for timely interventions, preventing more serious electrical failures and prolonging the life of critical infrastructure. The Cloud software, Flir Acoustic Viewer, is a perfect platform to organize the results from the inspections and create reports rich on analytics and insights.
• Operational Efficiency: The cameras provide real-time analysis and actionable data on leaks and partial discharges without requiring the shutdown of rail systems, ensuring maintenance can be performed efficiently.
• Cost and Energy Savings: By detecting leaks early, the cameras help minimize energy waste, reduce repair costs, and extend the lifespan of key components, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective rail operations.
• Minimal Training Required: The acoustic cameras are easy to integrate into existing maintenance workflows, requiring minimal training and enabling quick adoption across teams

It is important to keep in mind that environmental factors such as pollution, humidity, temperature changes, and lightning can further intensify PDs in railway electrification systems.