Thermal cameras to help keep bullets on the rails
A
Flir Systems product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Dec 14, 2007
A top of the range ThermaCAM T-Series model has recently gone into service to help maintain the new UK Bullet Trains on the CTRL.
Thermography has emerged as one of the most widely applicable preventive maintenance and condition monitoring technologies for the railway sector.
It is finding favour not only with those maintaining the infrastructure but also those focusing on the efficient running of rolling stock too.
Flir Systems is now a front runner in the provision of this technology across the application span and this is direct result of the broad range of choices it offers the industry.
Flir Systems' has a high and constant commitment to funding R and D and as a result its IR cameras are innovative, future proof and represent excellent value for money.
The latest development in its mid-range is typical.
Introduced a matter of months ago, the ThermaCAM T-Series breaks new ground on many fronts.
No other camera in its class has its flexibility or functionality.
Designed for a frequent user of infra-red, the ThermaCAM T-Series has a number of time-saving features to make thermal imaging a quicker and easier job.
In this model Flir Systems has perfected the integration of visual and thermal imaging and the design includes a 3.5 inch touch screen - an industry first.
A top of the range ThermaCAM T-Series model has recently gone into service to help maintain the new UK Bullet Trains on the CTRL.
Hitachi Rail Maintenance will be using this ThermaCAM T400 for a range of tasks including checking the integrity of fixings on high voltage jumper cables, assessing the condition of contactor tips and inspecting high resistance contacts on third rail shoe gear assemblies.
Where high speed, high resolution and high sensitivity are critical performance criteria the Flir Systems ThermoVision fixed-mounted SC- range scientific grade cameras provide maximum flexibility and performance.
Complete with Gigabit Ethernet, Camera Link and USB interfaces these cameras are ideally suited for onboard image analysis.
They can be specified with a choice of software including a Software Developers Kit for custom programming.
The fast frame rates of these cameras bring important time- and cost-saving benefits.
For example when mounted on an inspection train, that train can run within the normal operating schedule instead of at service speed.
Typical applications therefore include the real-time inspection of tracks and line-side components such as signalling systems, observing the dynamic behaviour of wheels and monitoring transfer of power from third or fourth rails.
The Flir Systems SC640 combines performance with portability.
This 640 x 480 pixel camera has exceptional image quality so that dynamic events can be seen in greater detail at greater distances.
This allows real-time thermal distribution analysis of a range of targets including high voltage bonds, insulators and trackside switchgear.
Naturally in the rail sector there is a wealth of applications that do not require such advanced performance and Flir Systems therefore continues to develop its cameras designed for these find-it-fix-it tasks.
InfraCAM is typical of these troubleshooting models that are ideal for identifying hot spots and energy wastage in general track electrification such as points heating systems.
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Other Flir Systems stories
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Future-proof camera in maintenance focus
Designed for a frequent user of infra-red, the ThermaCAM T-Series has a number of time-saving features to make the job easier and quicker. -
Flir i7 investigates building faults
The Flir i7 infrared camera is designed to investigate faults in building fabric and operations, and check for electrical and mechanical faults. -
Flir adds microscopy accessories to SC5000 camera
Flir Systems will showcase microscopy accessories for its SC5000 research and development infrared cameras at Photonex 2009. -
Flir introduces electrical maintenance service
Flir Systems and Extech have come together to offer a service for finding and resolving electrical faults. -
Flir adds contrast optimiser to B600 camera
Flir Systems has introduced a contrast optimiser for the B-Series B600 thermal-imaging camera.
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