Salient Rail Stress Module (RSM)/StressNet™ Solution
Problem: The extensive use of continuous welded rail (CWR) has improved overall rail system performance and solved many rail structural concerns. A major problem still prevails: how to proactively detect high compressive and tensile forces in the rail to maintain safe operation. It is a well known fact that high compressive forces can cause tracks to buckle, and high tensile forces can result in accelerated rail defect growth, rail breaks, weld pull-aparts, and problems with curve alignment retention. Typically rail is installed at a high stress-free-temperature (SFT) also referred to as rail-neutral-temperature (RNT). Over time, however, this SFT has been shown to decrease due to rail movement through the fasteners longitudinally, to curves moving radially, and due to rail breaks and rail defect repair. This downward shift in SFT can result in excessively high compressive forces at elevated temperatures, which can result in track buckling and derailments, or in crippling slow-order actions. Thus the effective management of high longitudinal forces is a key safety and productivity goal for the industry. However, this goal has been prohibitively limited by an inability to measure/determine rail longitudinal forces/SFT accurately and effectively. So how can rail operators effectively manage longitudinal force when it isn’t measured?
Solution: After 25 years of research, Salient Systems has developed its current generation of the Rail Stress Module (RSM)/StressNet™ system. This is a breakthrough technology that serves as a comprehensive track safety and maintenance tool as well as a real-time monitoring system.
The RSM/StressNet™ System is a strategic
network of rugged, patented Rail Stress Modules installed along
the web of rail that routinely and continuously measure and
record the rail's longitudinal stress, rail temperature, the
Stress Free Temperature. The data are then uploaded for
reporting, analysis and action by the StressNet™ Data Management
System. Applications for RSM/StressNet™ system include:
- Continuous measurement of longitudinal force and SFT
- Detection of rail breaks
- Alerting on potential buckling hazards
- Providing hot weather slow order requirements
- More effective rail break/defect repair
- SFT readjustment management (including “smart-plug” repair technology)
- Monitoring of longitudinal rail forces on bridge approaches
The RSM's installation is a simple 20
minute procedure facilitated by a Salient Systems installation
kit which enables a permanent epoxy bonding to the rail
requiring no commercial power
RSM/StressNet™ Data Acquisition: The power management
of this current 5th generation RSM design allows for up to 10
years of useful life with no maintenance required. The ability
to collect the data with a variety of intermediate devices,
including:
- Hand held reader carried by a track personnel
- Moving platform readers such as EOT or inspection vehicle
- Dedicated wayside (fencepost) readers
RSM/StressNet™ System Industry Benefits: The
system offers a cost effective and simple way to continuously
monitor and manage CWR thermal forces and SFT for enhanced CWR
safety and performance. It is a proven technology with both US
and international field experience. It offers a “smart-system”
approach to mitigating potentially damaging thermal forces by
providing real time data on rail behavior.
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