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5/31/2017

Frauscher: Preventive and predictive maintenance based on FOAD

Over the past few years, Fiber Optic Acoustic Detection (FOAD) has attracted a lot of attention throughout the global railway industry, Frauscher Sensor Technology officials say. By combining this technology with proven wheel detection systems and axle counters, the company has created a system called Frauscher Tracking Solutions FTS.

FTS continues being developed with the cooperation of operators and other partners at trial installations. Besides the promise of numerous train tracking and security applications, there's a "huge potential" for asset condition monitoring, according to the company.

Real-time monitoring of track and train assets
Using a single fiber within a fiber optic cable, each FTS unit can continuously monitor up to 50 miles of track. Along this distance, it's possible to identify asset damages such as broken rails, flat wheels or rock falls.

Additionally, FTS combines this information with inputs from wheel detection systems. This allows it to not only detect but also identify the exact positions of these events.

Prevent and predict
The possibilities are encouraging for railroad monitoring and defect detection leading to preventative maintenance strategies, Frauscher officials say. Ongoing monitoring of assets allows the identification of asset deterioration; this can trigger maintenance work before serious damage occurs.

Besides supporting sustainable maintenance strategies, this technology allows railroads to reduce wayside equipment over long track distances, resulting in  financial and operational improvements.