Remote Monitoring

Remote Performance Monitoring (RPM) provides a cellular based monitoring system and up-to-date reporting on the key status and performance parameters of trackside lubricators.

The performance of friction management equipment on track can now be monitored from a central location. LB Foster Rail Technologies has developed a global system of remote performance monitoring to provide live, up to date information on the operation of friction management equipment in the field.

Designed to enhance and support the existing maintenance regime, RPM provides advance warning of situations that may affect the optimum performance of friction management equipment.

The main purpose of RPM is to gather information that will enable maintenance staff to plan visits to units that they know are in need of attention, thus optimising the use of available track time. Available factory installed or retrofit, data collection is accomplished in two ways:

  • Where cellular communication is available using GPRS modems
  • In poor signal areas using RF modems and mobile Interrogators

Parameters Monitored and Recorded include:

  • Product level
  • Temperature sensors
  • Rail temperature (with appropriate sensor)
  • Battery voltage
  • Motor activity (peak, average, current)
  • Train travel direction (with dual sensors)
  • Controller settings (wheel skip and activation time)
  • Total pump run time
  • Total wheel and train counts
  • Compartment access events
  • 4 spare data channels

RPM is offered as a completely managed service incorporating hosting, monitoring and managing the performance of friction management equipment. Alternatively it can be provided as an off the shelf enhancement for end users to manage themselves.

 

For more information on LB Foster/Salient Systems’ comprehensive monitoring systems, view the Salient Systems performance monitoring brochure. 

Friction Management Benefits on Transit Systems

Uncontrolled friction at the wheel/rail interface results in a number of detriments including: curve noise, excessive wheel and rail wear, corrugations and rolling contact fatigue, wheel flats, SPADS (signal passed at danger due to lubricant on the rail head), higher fuel/energy consumption and potential safety issues like wheel climb derailment and high lateral focus.

A Friction Management system will extend the life of your rail asset whist ensuring increased safety, efficiency and reduced noise.

Noise Reduction

Curve noise reduction of up to 20 dB

Extend Wheel Life

Extend wheel life by up to 20x

Grinding Intervals

Extend grinding intervals by 2x

Rail Wear Reduction

35 – 60% rail wear reduction

Lower Fuel Consumption

3 – 7% reduction in fuel consumption

Lateral Force Reduction

25 – 40% lateral force reduction reduces derailment potential

We are the exclusive agents for LB Foster’s Total Friction Management solutions, which includes a wide range of proprietary systems to control friction between the wheel and rail for transit and freight rail applications.

For more than a century LB Foster has provided the materials necessary to build and maintain the world’s infrastructure and their friction management products and delivery systems provide substantial cost benefits by maximising equipment performance and minimising wear at the wheel/rail interface.