Multi-tier system insulation monitoring paving the way for widespread upgrades

and sensitive monitoring that is set to be the new base level going forward. It is the area where we expect to see growth from companies carrying out improvements - with fewer new rail developments planned, any future investment is being concentrated on improving existing systems.

“For example, the standard has not yet been reviewed but the future architecture for new Principal Supply Points (PSPs) may be a single transformer for every single feeder. If that is adopted as the new standard, RS4 Tier 2 is the ideal equipment to monitor the systems because the Tier 2 standard is automatically achieved with functional insulation monitoring. Alongside that, routes are already indicating they prefer to upgrade to RS4 Tier 2 as a bare minimum.

Data analysis and trending is also becoming increasingly important and an easy way to access current data is via the cloud using Tier 2 equipment. Bender can enable cloud access as part of its managed service package, which means customers can access data uploaded every 15 minutes from each feeder.”

RS4 Tier 2 system measures insulation resistance and leakage capacitances to individual feeder levels on rail IT electrical systems up to 690V, in addition to delivering the overall system resistance and capacitance provided by the RS4 Tier 3 system.

Comprehensive data readings and information on the status of miles of networked cables enable operators to make a clearer overall assessment of the system condition and plan predictive and preventive maintenance to prevent downtime.

Unique solution

RS4 Tier 2 is the most cost-effective solution for upgrading previous generation Bender rail technology and can be installed with simple mechanical and wiring modifications onsite. Tier 2 compliance is achieved through the incorporation of Bender Type B current transformers (CT) and Bender COM465IP condition monitor to enable complex individual feeder measurements. It is also fully upgradeable to deliver a Tier 1 solution.

Bender also offers a range of support systems and services, including remote condition monitoring designed to integrate seamlessly with future smart infrastructure, and advanced analysis of data collected by Bender and third-party devices. This supports end users with the identification of warnings and trends to help minimise failures, improve the efficiency of rail network maintenance, enhance safety, and reduce operating costs for the network.

Condition monitoring data from Tier 3 systems is reported back to the Network Rail central system known as RADAR. This is monitored 24/7 by Intelligent Infrastructure technicians who utilise the information to predict an asset failure, providing guidance to front line teams.

RS4 Tier 1 increases the functionality level to provide accurate individual cable section and FSP switchgear level insulation resistances. RS4 is an approved Tier 1 solution that doesn’t require trackside connection to 650V for safer and more cost-effective installation without the need to switch off power. Bender’s Tier 1 solution is capable of separately reporting on the insulation status and performance of the switchgear and cable.

This unique solution enables unobtrusive working with dual end fed reconfigurable systems, so that in the reconfigured state, monitoring can be changed to match the new systems without trackside intervention.

Atco Trade EOOD’s Rope Safety Device (RSD) is an innovative concept for platform safety using highstrength steel rope elastic barriers with a large span vertical opening.

The system can be installed on any type of passenger platform to prevent accidents and unauthorised access to rail track and promises quick installation without the need to interfere with train operation schedules. It is a tailor-made robust solution requiring very low power consumption.

Applicable on conventional rail and metro lines, high speed, or light railways, the RSD system offers unrivalled efficiency at various train length and door configurations. The RSD meets the requirements of SIL 4; offers aesthetic integration in any architectural environment; is applicable for both automated and non-automated train operations; makes maximum use of natural lighting and ventilation; and allows for the passing of high-speed trains. It improves the passenger experience and makes the choice of rail transport an easy and attractive one.

Rail passengers use their phones intensively whilst travelling and surveys show that customers would like more charging points. They feel that their experience is enhanced if they can charge their phones and other portable devices on their journey.

With the long service life of a train, installing and maintaining a rail industry-approved charging service that is reliable, future proof and available to all passengers, requires innovative hardware, careful planning, and a complete charging system approach.

The way phones are charged is evolving towards wireless charging. Nearly all new phones now have wireless charging receivers and a charging port, but will USB sockets become extinct? Engineers refurbishing and designing trains need to think of today’s passenger needs through USB sockets and consider that wireless may well be the future of portable device charging.

Typically, rail projects can pose significant challenges for clients. The access issues associated with rail projects can often mean there is restricted or no plant access available, making use of traditional concreting solutions impossible.

Concrete Canvas is a flexible, concrete-filled geosynthetic, that hardens on hydration to form a thin, durable, and waterproof concrete layer. Essentially, it’s concrete on a roll: you just add water.

Concrete Canvas can be specified in man-portable batched rolls, eliminating the requirement for heavy plant equipment, allowing installations to be carried out on sites which would otherwise be inaccessible, and allowing contractors to minimise or avoid line possession entirely.

The speed and ease of installation means Concrete Canvas is well suited to time-critical track-side work, reducing line possession and improving safety. It has been widely used by Network Rail across the UK for over 10 years and is an industry-accepted alternative to conventional concrete. The geosynthetic has been specified by Route Directors, Senior Asset Engineers (Drainage), and minor works teams across the five Network Rail regions and their 13 routes.

Manufactured entirely in Wales, Concrete Canvas offers a lower carbon, environmentally sensitive solution for erosion control and weed suppression applications when compared to traditional concrete solutions.

EAO is an expert partner for the design of railway device charging systems and incorporates both wireless and USB fast charging into its Passenger Interface range which includes seatback mounted chargers and a range of table mounted chargers. When combined with the latest rail approved power supplies, custom connection cables and a full installation design service - EAO offers a complete charging solution.

The EAOtag electronic gateway connects passengers to the charging systems and enables train operators to monetise their phone chargers through the possibility of marketing messages from sponsors and by encouraging app downloads.

To find out more call 01444 236000 or visit: eao.com/passenger interface.

Established in 1979, Electrowind is an independent, family owned and operated company, offering a strong commitment and continuous passion for its work.

Electro-Wind Limited has over 40 years of experience in the manufacture of transformers for signalling power supplies. At our manufacturing facility we carry out the design and production processes and adhere to strict quality control guidelines. The design and production management team ensure we maintain our high standards and manage our systems in accordance with our ISO 9001:2015 accreditation.

We regularly deal with a wide range of nationally recognised companies including, but not limited to, Network Rail. Growth of our range of railway equipment is ongoing. The design and manufacture of trackside service pillars have been a prominent feature in several recent new railway maintenance depot upgrades. Electro-Wind pursues everything it does with enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering the highest quality solution and great results, no matter how big the project or how small the request.

Lubcon Lubricants UK LTD is the UK subsidiary of Lubricant Consult GmbH, a worldwide operating German lubricant manufacturer of high-grade greases, oils, pastes, and lube systems for nearly all industrial applications and manufacturing sectors.

The company was founded in 1980 and has since established a wide network of subsidiaries and sales representatives around the globe. It offers an extensive range of specialty lubricants and services as well as its long-time expertise for all applications related to rail, train, and wheel.

Lubcon offers a versatile product portfolio of tested and approved lubricants for the railway industry, such as biodegradable greases and friction modifiers to reduce wear and noise-intensive friction between wheel and rail. Its focus is to provide sustainable cost saving solutions by using the right products and methods, leading to reduced consumption, extended lifetime, reduced downtimes and a minimised number of different stock items.

HR Kilns Ltd, trading as HR Fibreglass, was established in 2005. Based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, the company specialises in GRP/FRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic).

HR Kilns / HR Fibreglass is one of the UK's leading manufacturers and suppliers of GRP Gratings, Walkways, Embankment Steps & Landings, GRP Handrails, Anti-Trespass Panels, GRP Pultruded Profiles, Risers and GRP Troughs. It offers 3D cad design to manufacture and installation, and provides a bespoke GRP service to suit all of its customer’s requirements.

Any hand-layed products can be manufactured in the company’s workshop from tanks, water collection units, troughs, and any special shapes required. HR Kilns / HR Fibreglass offers cost effective solutions for all new and existing composite requirements from, design, manufacture, fabrication and installation. It offers installation teams nationwide.

HR Kilns / HR Fibreglass offers a free cutting service on all materials with its Vertical Wall Panel Saw and bench saws. It’s production department can fabricate GRP products to suit any requirements.