Axle counters, track circuits, point (switch) machines, check points, light signals, level crossings, and others are elements that reinforce the safe movement of trains. Thales axle counters provide vital train detection for a variety of applications. Special information handling techniques, performed by a remotely located vital detection unit, ensure that the wheel detection function is executed in the proper manner. Crossing systems can be effectively deployed to protect the public from trains at any speed.
Reducing costs
Axle counters provide a cost effective solution, improving availability and reliability of track vacancy systems, hence guaranteeing seamless operation of the railway asset. LED signals can significantly reduce the life cycle costs of your signals. Electro-hydraulic point (switch) machines can be integrated into the sleeper to reduce maintenance and installation costs.
Ensuring train movement safety and staff and public protection Field equipment along the tracks ensures the safe movement of trains by means of visual indications, train detection devices for automatic track occupancy monitoring, and point machines for safely securing the routes. Level Crossing systems can be effectively deployed to protect the public from trains at any speed.
Improving vital train presence detection
FieldTrac axle counters provide vital train presence detection for a variety of applications. Special information handling techniques, performed by a remotely located vital interrogation unit, ensure that the wheel detection function is executed in the proper manner.
Axle Counter System Az LM
The Axle Counter System Az LM (FieldTrac 6315) consists of a 2-out-of-2 or 2-out-of-3 multiple section axle counter evaluator (ACE) and corresponding field proven detection points Zp30H and Zp30K. The comprehensive multi-section axle counter solution in Thales’ portfolio is capable of managing almost any train detection application, regardless of the railway segment and complexity. An ACE can simultaneously evaluate up to 32 detection points per ACE and monitor up to 32 sections and the system is fully scalable.
Key Benefits
- Optimal safety for each type of railway
- Versatile for every signalling system architecture
- Availability scalable to every need (2oo2; 2oo3; indoor&outdoor redundancy)
- Best in-class life-cycle cost
- Cyber Security
- Vital SIL4 2oo2 or 2oo3 central Axle Counter Evaluator (ACE)
- 32 detection points per ACE
- IP interface to neighbouring ACE
- 16 additional detection points from neighbouring ACE
- Classical copper or IP interface to the detection points Zp30H and Zp30K
- Train speed up to 380 km/h (optional 440km/h)
- Relay interface or IP interface to the control system
- Centralised diagnostic system
More Information on the Axle Counter Az LM
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Axle Counter System Az LS
The Az LS (FieldTrac 6316) axle counter system couples low investment with highest reliability and SIL4 safety. Az LS consists only of trackside equipment; simplifying track modernization and keeping infrastructure costs at a minimum.
It utilizes Thales’ high performance axle counter technology, which has proven itself in many main line and urban rail applications around the globe.
Az LS consists only of trackside equipment. All electronics comes ready with an outdoor housing. No indoor electronics. This compact yet simple system guarantees railway operators SIL4 fail-safe automatic track occupancy detection directly at the trackside. Track clear/occupied information is transmitted to the interlocking/block equipment at each end of a section. The monitoring of the section occurs reliably independent of section length or ballast and shunt conditions.
Especially designed for small applications, track upgrades and easy transition from track circuits to axle counter systems; unmistakable and simple configuration.
Key Benefits
- suitable for main line, urban rail and mixed gauge tracks
- guarantees stable long-term performance of the railway infrstructre assets
- no investment in indoor equipment
- track occupancy status directly at trackside
- maximum line availability
- virtually maintenance free
- easy configuration via DIP-switches
- training needs highly scalable to any level
More Information on the Axle Counter Az LS
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CheckPoint FieldTrac 6393
Thales CheckPoint is the world’s first solution to automate manual train condition supervision – providing at least the same level of safety as direct visual observation – and therefore contributing to the reduction of operational costs. The CheckPoint sensors can perform a wide variety of operations including measuring wheel and axle loads, measuring wagon load distribution, as well as detecting derailed wagons, blocked brakes, displaced loads, flat spots and hot boxes. CheckPoint’s gauge monitoring system pays particular attention to extended antennas on cars or trucks being transported on wagons.
The CheckPoint sensor system is modular, so it can be specially designed and configured for particular sites and operating conditions. The modular design also means that CheckPoint can easily be extended to include new functions.
CheckPoint sensors are designed to deliver accurate results at speeds up to 250 km/h under severe operating and environmental conditions. In addition to automating the monitoring process, a key CheckPoint advantage is its ability to detect deviations from predefined values with greater accuracy than possible with the human eye.
Point Machine L710H
FieldTrac 6342 L710H is an electro-hydraulic point machine with internal lock. The design is based on the successful model FieldTrac 6341 L700H adapted to include internal locking. The machine can be supplied as a trailable or non-trailable version and is especially suitable for application in severe environmental conditions such as snow, ice, etc. FieldTrac 6342 L710H is designed for right- and left-hand layouts.
Key Benefits
- Adjustable throwing force
- Adjustable retaining force
- Highly reliable
- Suitable for right-hand and left-hand layout without changes to the machine
- Virtually maintenance-free
Point Machine L826H
FieldTrac 6343 L826H is a new-generation electro-hydraulic point machine with variable stroke, which can also be integrated into the sleeper. Its design enables a major part of the point to be pre-assembled at the production plant. This, in turn, leads to decreased installation time, reduced maintenance costs and increased availability.
Key Benefits
- Standardised devices
- Modular layout
- Variable stroke
- Adjustable throwing force
- Throwing time is independent of the stroke
- Adjustable retaining force
- Adjustable retaining force
- High availability
- High reliability
- Suitable for left- or right-hand layouts
- Virtually maintenance-free
Automatic Warning System SCWS
FieldTrac 6392 SCWS is a fix installed automatic warning system connected to an interlocking. The product family FieldTrac 6392 SCWS was developed in cooperation between Thales Austria and the German company Zöllner. The system is based on a modular concept combining the Thales-designed warning centre with Zöllner designed autonomous warning devices.
At the moment the system is being extended by realizing an interface to RBC (Radio Block Center) for lines equipped with ETCS Level 2, which optimizes the accurately prediction when the train arrives at the construction site. Warnings are sent to mobile warning devices via GSM-R/ GPRS.
Key Benefits
- Highest operation availability of the infrastructure while maintaining safe operations
- Reduces cost and duration of railway construction while providing maximum safety for construction crews
- Provides a universal warning system for all types of applications
- Achieves Safety Integrity Level SIL 4
- Connecting and warning via GSM-R/GPRS
- Allows multiple work zones to be protected simultaneously
LED Signal RaiLED
Signal lamps with LED technology
The Thales RaiLED FieldTrac 6366 signal lamps use 6-9 High-Flux LEDs, which have been proven extremely reliable in traffic signals, as their light source. The central arrangement of the LEDs and the optical design simulates a central light
source. The RaiLED’s modular design enables it to be provided in a variety of sizes.
Key Benefits
- Significant reduction in Life-Cycle costs
- Extremely high availability and reliability, SIL4
- Can be used on all types of interlocking systems
- 15 years service life
- Optical appearance of a filament lamp
- Can replace existing signal lamps without impacting the interlocking system