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.
