Artificial Vision Wheelset Parameter Measuring Equipment (EVA)

EVA - Artificial vision wheelset parameter measuring equipment general description.

Controlling the wheelset profile and the measurement of its parameters is an essential requirement for any railway maintenance activity.

In keeping with the innovative spirit that characterises Talgo, we have developed the EVA (Artificial Vision Measurement System) to measure, amongst others, the following wheel parameters without any mechanical contact.

• Flange height
• qR Factor
• Distance between inner sides (DCI)
• Distance between active sides (DCA)
• Wheel diameter, calculated

This versatile system can be used by the most advanced high speed vehicle maintenance facilities, where evolution of wear and tear and maintenance of the profile's characteristics are fundamental, as well as by other types of railway companies whose trains run at lower speeds, but who also want to guarantee safety and cost-effective maintenance.

In both cases, using the EVA to control the wheelset can considerably increase reliability, safety and comfort at a low cost.

Thanks to its high precision, the EVA can also be converted into a research tool for the purpose of optimising the wheelset.

The image of each wheel is processed to obtain the parameterised profile and the values of the measurement parameters. Finally these values are transmitted to the central control computer.

The wheels are perfectly controlled so that any variation in wear and tear or any deterioration is rapidly detected.

The inspection of the wheelset is carried out automatically and does not require human intervention, which represents an advantage in terms of cost and quality.

Single and complete database for all the wheels, containing information about deteriorations, causes of turning, etc., increasing our knowledge of the wheelset and consequently, enabling us to optimise its duration, quality and safety.

D.S.R. - Wheelset Surface Defect Detection System Safety is undoubtedly the most important aspect to bear in mind when planning the maintenance of railway vehicle wheelsets. The appearance of cracks and defects in the wheels can seriously jeopardise the running safety of the trains, as well as affecting the comfort of the passengers and deteriorating the condition of the other mechanical components of the vehicle. To avoid this, it is necessary to regularly inspect the condition of the wheels, which encompasses both their geometry and the condition of the treadwear.

Periodically, the trains enter the maintenance workshops to undergo an overhaul or a repair. With a view to reducing maintenance costs, it is advisable to make it as easy as possible to rapidly locate cracks and other defects. Likewise, the automation of this task reduces not only costs, but also the risk of subjective evaluations or human errors.

In order to solve this problem, our engineers have developed the Wheelset Surface Defect Detection System (DSR), which uses an advanced ultrasonic detection system patented by Talgo.

This system is capable of identifying and quantifying any instant deterioration on the surface of the treadwear, such as cracks, wheel flats, dents, material alterations, etc.