EP2287062A1 - Monitoring system for detection of rails breakages and method of detection - Google Patents
Monitoring system for detection of rails breakages and method of detection Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2287062A1 EP2287062A1 EP09009648A EP09009648A EP2287062A1 EP 2287062 A1 EP2287062 A1 EP 2287062A1 EP 09009648 A EP09009648 A EP 09009648A EP 09009648 A EP09009648 A EP 09009648A EP 2287062 A1 EP2287062 A1 EP 2287062A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- sensors
- rails
- detection
- preamplifiers
- rail
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 13
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 12
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 title abstract description 7
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000007563 acoustic spectroscopy Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000002405 diagnostic procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004807 localization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000644 propagated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002269 spontaneous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008646 thermal stress Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009466 transformation Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
- B61L23/00—Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains
- B61L23/04—Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
- B61L23/042—Track changes detection
- B61L23/044—Broken rails
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
- B61L23/00—Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains
- B61L23/04—Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
- B61L23/042—Track changes detection
- B61L23/047—Track or rail movements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a monitoring device for the detection of failures in rails using the principle of mechanical energy transfer.
- the invention also relates to a method for the detection of failures.
- DE 199 54 760 discloses a method and device for monitoring rails, wherein several magnitudes characterizing the propagation of acoustic signals in the rails, that are in contact with the wheels of a moving vehicle, are captured by the sensors installed in multiple points and evaluated in a measuring station. These sound sensors are arranged on the web of the respective rail. If the rail is partly cracked or otherwise damaged, the wheel passing through generates a non-characteristic sound propagated into the surrounding area of the rail. Such sound is then compared with the characteristic sounds stored in the memory of the evaluation unit. By means of a sensor installed in a known position, the failure of the rail can be localized and the identified location can be inspected. The above method is, however, based on the necessary interaction of a wheel and thus it is not utilizable for monitoring the rail itself.
- DE 198 58 937 discloses a similar method and device for monitoring railway traffic, wherein recurring failures in the system wheel-rail are captured and analyzed, the magnitudes characterizing the propagation of acoustic signals in the rails being again captured by the sensors installed in multiple points and evaluated in a measuring station. This method is also based on the interaction of a wheel and thus it is not utilizable for monitoring the rail itself.
- EP 1000833 discloses an arrangement for the detection of a split rail.
- the solution consists in that an optical fibre is arranged underneath the head of the rail so that the fibre is cut across when the rail gets interrupted and the event is indicated in a collection site.
- optical fibres along extensive railway tracks is expensive.
- the aim of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic device that records possible failures of the railway track by scanning the signal of an acoustic emission induced by the release of mechanical energy within the rail, which release may be caused by a fracture or lateral deflection of the rail or by dismantling or cutting of the railway track or by spontaneous gradual loosening of the fasteners or other parts of the superstructure.
- the device for monitoring defects in rails wherein the rails are provided with sensors placed thereon and having associated preamplifiers installed as close as possible to the sensors, the preamplifiers being arranged in series with sequential amplifiers connected to a busbar that is a part of a computer.
- the diagnostic method is based on the principle of acoustic emission and the device using this principle enables to detect and evaluate abrupt as well as gradually developing failures, employing the non-linear acoustic spectroscopy in case of gradually developing failures. For an acoustic emission to be generated no interaction of the rail and a moving wheel is necessary because the acoustic emission originates from the release of mechanical energy inside the rail.
- the location of the components including the sensors, preamplifiers and amplifiers is combined with the location of an automatic block signal device.
- the subject of the invention also comprises the method for detecting failures of rails which method is carried out in that the rails are provided with sensors installed on them, then preamplifiers are installed as close to the sensors as possible and subsequent amplifiers are installed in series with the preamplifiers and finally the amplifiers are connected to a busbar that is a part of a computer.
- Fig. 1 shows the graphical representation of an acoustic emission originating from an abrupt event, such as a fracture of the rail
- Fig. 2 shows the graphical representation of the progression of a gradually developing failure within the frequency spectrum
- Fig. 3 shows the monitoring device according to the invention in a schematic view
- Fig. 4 presents the method for positioning sensors on the track.
- An abrupt event such as a fracture of the rail, cutting the rail and dismantling or lateral deflection of the railway track, will manifest itself in form of an acoustic emission that may have its graphical record represented in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 1 . If a gradually developing failure occurs, the event manifests itself in form of the corresponding changes to the frequency spectrum, as illustrated in Fig. 2 in an exemplary way.
- the device for monitoring abrupt and gradually developing failures is schematically illustrated in Fig. 3 . It is evident that the device comprises the sensors S 1 , S 2 to S 2n-1 , S 2n located along the section of the monitored track that may be as long as several tens of kilometers.
- the sensors are connected with associated preamplifiers PZ.
- the wiring scheme of the entire measuring system including the sensors S 1 a S 2 is evident from Fig. 3 that clearly illustrates that the preamplifiers PZ 1 and PZ 2 must be located as close to the sensors S 1 and S 2 as possible.
- the preamplifiers are connected to subsequent serial amplifiers Z 1 and Z 2 that are in turn connected to the busbar NI incorporated into a computer.
- Fig. 4 presents the method for positioning the components of the monitoring device on the track. Be supposed that the sensors having odd numbers are placed on the right-hand stretch of rails, while the sensors having even numbers are placed on the left-hand one.
- the locations of the components including the sensors, preamplifiers and amplifiers can be preferably combined with those of a automatic block signal system (identified as N 1 , N 3 , N 2n-1 in Fig. 4 ) if the track is equipped with the latter.
- An automatic block is a device securing the service of consecutive trains wherein a series of subsequent signal devices are interconnected, the spacing between them being typically 1,000 meters. If there is a train in a section, the signal device at the beginning of that section is in the "stop" position (red light) while the signal device of the preceding section shows the "caution" signal (amber light).
- the localization of the signal devices of an automatic block system can be also utilized for the parallel operation of the monitoring device according to the invention, i.e. for the parallel location of the elements of the same.
- the monitoring system may be set up either in the continuous monitoring mode or in the standby mode.
- the system When being operated the latter mode, the system is switched on if the signal strength of an acoustic emission exceeds the preset detection threshold, see Fig. 1 , and switched off after the signal level of the acoustic emission drops below the preset limit.
- the signal After being captured, the signal is processed by means of the Fourier transformation in order to obtain a frequency spectrum, such as that illustrated in Fig. 2 .
- the frequency spectrum obtained in the above described way is then compared with the database stored in a PC and containing characteristic spectrums. This enables to determine the type of the failure detected.
- An acoustic event arising between two consecutive odd or even sensors is usually detected by both the sensors.
- the time period, within which the signal characterizing that acoustic event reaches either sensor can be used for the calculation enabling the point of the failure to be localized.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)
- Machines For Laying And Maintaining Railways (AREA)
Abstract
Device for monitoring failures of rails and method for the detection of such failures, wherein the rails K are provided with sensors S1, S2 to S2n-1, S2n placed thereon and having associated preamplifiers PZ1 and PZ2 to PZ2n-1, PZ2n installed as close as possible to the sensors S1 and S2 to S2n-1, S2n, the preamplifiers being arranged in series with sequential amplifiers Z1 and Z2 to Z2n-1, Z2n connected to a busbar (NI) that is incorporated into a computer (PC).
Description
- The present invention relates to a monitoring device for the detection of failures in rails using the principle of mechanical energy transfer. The invention also relates to a method for the detection of failures.
- Railway tracks are subject to mechanical and thermal stresses when used in a common manner. In addition, frequent attacks on the part of criminal elements occur who attempt to dismantle the railway track or parts of it for various reasons. Mechanical and thermal loads of the rails under operation as well as deliberate damages to the railway tracks often result in endangering the safe railway traffic.
- In the past, railway tracks were regularly inspected by trackmen. Nowadays, however, the inspections are carried out in prolonged time intervals. Increasing speeds of railway vehicles in combination with possible tampers on the railway tracks may have fatal consequences for passengers, railway staff and other affected individuals.
- When a rail is broken, cut away or dismantled, the resulting mechanical energy is emitted into the rail. Such energy is then radiated into the rails, that form e.g. a contact less track, as if it would be transferred through a waveguide. Similarly, various other defects of the railway track, such as loose fasteners, cause an acoustic emission when being in contact with a moving railway vehicle.
- Acoustic emissions originating as a result of a sudden event (such as fracture or cut), and especially acoustic emissions, that are associated with a non-linear acoustic spectroscopy in case of a gradually developing defect (such as fasteners becoming loose), are able to prevent considerable casualties, personal injuries and damages to the property when employed in combination with appropriate devices.
-
DE 199 54 760 discloses a method and device for monitoring rails, wherein several magnitudes characterizing the propagation of acoustic signals in the rails, that are in contact with the wheels of a moving vehicle, are captured by the sensors installed in multiple points and evaluated in a measuring station. These sound sensors are arranged on the web of the respective rail. If the rail is partly cracked or otherwise damaged, the wheel passing through generates a non-characteristic sound propagated into the surrounding area of the rail. Such sound is then compared with the characteristic sounds stored in the memory of the evaluation unit. By means of a sensor installed in a known position, the failure of the rail can be localized and the identified location can be inspected. The above method is, however, based on the necessary interaction of a wheel and thus it is not utilizable for monitoring the rail itself. -
DE 198 58 937 discloses a similar method and device for monitoring railway traffic, wherein recurring failures in the system wheel-rail are captured and analyzed, the magnitudes characterizing the propagation of acoustic signals in the rails being again captured by the sensors installed in multiple points and evaluated in a measuring station. This method is also based on the interaction of a wheel and thus it is not utilizable for monitoring the rail itself. -
EP 1000833 discloses an arrangement for the detection of a split rail. The solution consists in that an optical fibre is arranged underneath the head of the rail so that the fibre is cut across when the rail gets interrupted and the event is indicated in a collection site. However, such installation of optical fibres along extensive railway tracks is expensive. - The aim of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic device that records possible failures of the railway track by scanning the signal of an acoustic emission induced by the release of mechanical energy within the rail, which release may be caused by a fracture or lateral deflection of the rail or by dismantling or cutting of the railway track or by spontaneous gradual loosening of the fasteners or other parts of the superstructure.
- The above disadvantages are largely eliminated by the device for monitoring defects in rails according to the invention, wherein the rails are provided with sensors placed thereon and having associated preamplifiers installed as close as possible to the sensors, the preamplifiers being arranged in series with sequential amplifiers connected to a busbar that is a part of a computer. The diagnostic method is based on the principle of acoustic emission and the device using this principle enables to detect and evaluate abrupt as well as gradually developing failures, employing the non-linear acoustic spectroscopy in case of gradually developing failures. For an acoustic emission to be generated no interaction of the rail and a moving wheel is necessary because the acoustic emission originates from the release of mechanical energy inside the rail.
- In a preferred embodiment, the location of the components including the sensors, preamplifiers and amplifiers is combined with the location of an automatic block signal device.
- The subject of the invention also comprises the method for detecting failures of rails which method is carried out in that the rails are provided with sensors installed on them, then preamplifiers are installed as close to the sensors as possible and subsequent amplifiers are installed in series with the preamplifiers and finally the amplifiers are connected to a busbar that is a part of a computer.
- The invention will be further explained by means of the accompanying drawing wherein
Fig. 1 shows the graphical representation of an acoustic emission originating from an abrupt event, such as a fracture of the rail,Fig. 2 shows the graphical representation of the progression of a gradually developing failure within the frequency spectrum,Fig. 3 shows the monitoring device according to the invention in a schematic view, andFig. 4 presents the method for positioning sensors on the track. - An abrupt event, such as a fracture of the rail, cutting the rail and dismantling or lateral deflection of the railway track, will manifest itself in form of an acoustic emission that may have its graphical record represented in a manner similar to that shown in
Fig. 1 . If a gradually developing failure occurs, the event manifests itself in form of the corresponding changes to the frequency spectrum, as illustrated inFig. 2 in an exemplary way. - The device for monitoring abrupt and gradually developing failures is schematically illustrated in
Fig. 3 . It is evident that the device comprises the sensors S1, S2 to S2n-1, S2n located along the section of the monitored track that may be as long as several tens of kilometers. The sensors are connected with associated preamplifiers PZ. The wiring scheme of the entire measuring system including the sensors S1 a S2 is evident fromFig. 3 that clearly illustrates that the preamplifiers PZ1 and PZ2 must be located as close to the sensors S1 and S2 as possible. The preamplifiers are connected to subsequent serial amplifiers Z1 and Z2 that are in turn connected to the busbar NI incorporated into a computer. -
Fig. 4 presents the method for positioning the components of the monitoring device on the track. Be supposed that the sensors having odd numbers are placed on the right-hand stretch of rails, while the sensors having even numbers are placed on the left-hand one. The locations of the components including the sensors, preamplifiers and amplifiers can be preferably combined with those of a automatic block signal system (identified as N1, N3, N2n-1 inFig. 4 ) if the track is equipped with the latter. - An automatic block is a device securing the service of consecutive trains wherein a series of subsequent signal devices are interconnected, the spacing between them being typically 1,000 meters. If there is a train in a section, the signal device at the beginning of that section is in the "stop" position (red light) while the signal device of the preceding section shows the "caution" signal (amber light). The localization of the signal devices of an automatic block system can be also utilized for the parallel operation of the monitoring device according to the invention, i.e. for the parallel location of the elements of the same.
- The monitoring system may be set up either in the continuous monitoring mode or in the standby mode. When being operated the latter mode, the system is switched on if the signal strength of an acoustic emission exceeds the preset detection threshold, see
Fig. 1 , and switched off after the signal level of the acoustic emission drops below the preset limit. After being captured, the signal is processed by means of the Fourier transformation in order to obtain a frequency spectrum, such as that illustrated inFig. 2 . The frequency spectrum obtained in the above described way is then compared with the database stored in a PC and containing characteristic spectrums. This enables to determine the type of the failure detected. - Many types of failures, especially those gradually developing, manifest themselves by producing different frequency spectrums depending on the actual loads induced by railway vehicles. For this reason, the complete monitoring process requires using an evaluation software based on the principle of non-linear acoustic spectroscopy.
- An acoustic event arising between two consecutive odd or even sensors is usually detected by both the sensors. When the distance between the two sensors is known, the time period, within which the signal characterizing that acoustic event reaches either sensor, can be used for the calculation enabling the point of the failure to be localized.
Claims (4)
- Device for monitoring failures of rails, characterized in that the rails (K) are provided with sensors (S1, S2 to S2n-1, S2n) placed thereon and having associated preamplifiers (PZ1 and PZ2 to PZ2n-1, PZ2n) installed as close as possible to the sensors (S1 and S2 to S2n-1, S2n), the preamplifiers being arranged in series with sequential amplifiers (Z1 and Z2 to Z2n-1, Z2n) connected to a busbar (NI) that is incorporated into a computer (PC).
- Monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the location of the sensors, preamplifiers and amplifiers is combined with the location of an automatic block signal device.
- Method for detecting failures of rails, characterized in that the rails (K) are provided with sensors (S1, S2 to S2n-1, S2n) placed thereon, the sensors are associated preamplifiers (PZ1 and PZ2 to PZ2n-1, PZ2n) installed as close as possible to the sensors (S1 and S2 to S2n-1, S2n) and the preamplifiers are connected in series with sequential amplifiers (Z1 and Z2 to Z2n-1, Z2n) that are then connected to a busbar (NI) that is incorporated into a computer (PC).
- Method for detecting failures according to claim 3, characterized in that the elements including are installed in combination with the signal devices comprising an automatic block system.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP09009648A EP2287062A1 (en) | 2009-07-25 | 2009-07-25 | Monitoring system for detection of rails breakages and method of detection |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP09009648A EP2287062A1 (en) | 2009-07-25 | 2009-07-25 | Monitoring system for detection of rails breakages and method of detection |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2287062A1 true EP2287062A1 (en) | 2011-02-23 |
Family
ID=41361305
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09009648A Withdrawn EP2287062A1 (en) | 2009-07-25 | 2009-07-25 | Monitoring system for detection of rails breakages and method of detection |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2678521C2 (en) * | 2017-03-16 | 2019-01-29 | Денис Владимирович Федоров | Method for definition of geometric parameters of railway joints |
WO2020173646A1 (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2020-09-03 | Siemens Mobility GmbH | Device and method for ascertaining acoustic events in a track using acoustic sensors |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0514702A1 (en) * | 1991-05-24 | 1992-11-25 | Deutsche Aerospace AG | Detection method of unwanted modifications or manipulations on long vibration guiding members |
CA2242723A1 (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-02-28 | Robert Douglas Stephens | Railway hazard acoustic sensing, locating, and alarm system |
EP1000833A1 (en) | 1998-11-11 | 2000-05-17 | Alcatel | Broken rail detection device and method to make such a device |
DE19858937A1 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 2000-06-15 | Gerd Klenke | Monitoring rail traffic along railway line by evaluating sound spectrum to detect periodic events indicating faults |
DE19954760A1 (en) | 1999-01-26 | 2000-08-03 | Manfred Clauss | Monitoring railway track to determine damaged point of track to prevent derailment, using acoustic receivers directly on tracks to record acoustic signal from track for evaluation |
WO2005025962A2 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-24 | Analogic Engineering, Inc. | Method and apparatus for detecting guideway breaks and occupation |
-
2009
- 2009-07-25 EP EP09009648A patent/EP2287062A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0514702A1 (en) * | 1991-05-24 | 1992-11-25 | Deutsche Aerospace AG | Detection method of unwanted modifications or manipulations on long vibration guiding members |
CA2242723A1 (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-02-28 | Robert Douglas Stephens | Railway hazard acoustic sensing, locating, and alarm system |
EP1000833A1 (en) | 1998-11-11 | 2000-05-17 | Alcatel | Broken rail detection device and method to make such a device |
DE19858937A1 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 2000-06-15 | Gerd Klenke | Monitoring rail traffic along railway line by evaluating sound spectrum to detect periodic events indicating faults |
DE19954760A1 (en) | 1999-01-26 | 2000-08-03 | Manfred Clauss | Monitoring railway track to determine damaged point of track to prevent derailment, using acoustic receivers directly on tracks to record acoustic signal from track for evaluation |
WO2005025962A2 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-24 | Analogic Engineering, Inc. | Method and apparatus for detecting guideway breaks and occupation |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2678521C2 (en) * | 2017-03-16 | 2019-01-29 | Денис Владимирович Федоров | Method for definition of geometric parameters of railway joints |
WO2020173646A1 (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2020-09-03 | Siemens Mobility GmbH | Device and method for ascertaining acoustic events in a track using acoustic sensors |
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