Technology news – Page 119
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NewsSuburban EMU converted into mobile ERTMS laboratory
UK: A Class 313 suburban electric multiple-unit leased from Beacon Rail has been converted into a mobile laboratory as part of infrastructure manager Network Rail's ETCS programme. Alstom's Wembley depot has fitted dual-system 25 kV 50 Hz/750 V DC unit number 313 121 dating from 1976-77 with on-train ETCS equipment, ...
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NewsRussian diesel engine joint venture agreed
RUSSIA: Engine manufacturer Tognum and rolling stock supplier Transmashholding have agreed to establish MTU Transmashholding Diesel Technologies, a joint venture which will produce engines at Kolomna near Moscow. Investment in the project is expected to be €80m, with the design of the new plant to be completed by November and ...
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NewsQuieter and camel-free railways
RUBBER: Rosehill Rail’s anti-trespass and cattle guard panels are rubber mats with large pyramidal protrusions designed to prevent access to the track from platform ends, level crossings and similar locations. A trial installation in the Middle East is intended to stop camels wandering on to railway tracks, and testing is ...
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NewsWatching out
SECURITY: Genetec has announced the release of Security Center 5.2, the latest version of its unified security platform combining video surveillance with access control. New features include threat level management and software-based video walls, which Genetec says enhances collaboration in control rooms for ‘a fraction of the cost of ...
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NewsHitachi tests ETCS onboard equipment in Wales
UK: The ‘Verification Train 3’ developed by Hitachi Rail Europe to test ETCS Level 2 onboard equipment has successfully concluded a series of running trials on the Cambrian line in mid-Wales, the company reported on June 11. The overnight tests, which began on April 22, were designed to assess whether ...
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NewsLower train toilet costs
TOILET: AKW A+V Protec's train toilet bioreactor units use bacteria to break down waste (RG 5.10 p68). Heaters sterilise waste water which can then be harmlessly discharged to the track, leaving small volumes of solid waste in the tank for disposal approximately every two months. The bioreactors can be ...
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NewsResearchers to access RFF data
FRANCE: Infrastructure manager RFF signed an agreement on April 30 to share its core database of asset information with the academic community in an effort to improve the lifespan, cost and efficiency of railway infrastructure. The agreement initially covers a partnership with Ifsttar, the national transport technology and science research ...
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NewsAutomated railway inaugurated 1 365 m underground
SWEDEN: A ceremony held 1 365 m below ground on May 21 inaugurated a new level and a 12 km driverless railway at LKAB's Kiruna iron ore mine. The SKr12·4bn mine expansion is the largest investment in the history of LKAB, and is expected to generate 35 million tonnes ...
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NewsProducts & Technology in Brief
IXYS Corp is supplying hermetic power semiconductor thyristors and fast recovery diode capsules for N700A high speed trainsets. ‘The qualification of more of our products into the Japanese rail system builds on our growing business platform in the Japanese market against strong domestic competition, and continues our penetration of the ...
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NewsMTU builds engine R&D facility
GERMANY: Tognum's MTU Friedrichshafen subsidiary held a groundbreaking ceremony for a €60m engine research and development facility on May 6. The facility will have seven test stands for the study of combustion processes, control systems, exhaust after-treatment and gas engines for rail and maritime applications. 'These test stands ...
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NewsPut a truck on the track
ROAD-RAILER: The 'Trensformer' trailer developed by Dutch firm RENS is an adaptable platform intended to permit a standard road vehicle to operate as a tractor unit on rail wheels. With an adjustable length of between 4125 mm and 5025 mm, Trensformer allows a standard road vehicle, such as a tractor, ...
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NewsInsulation provides hotter points
NETHERLANDS: Heatpoint has developed synthetic insulation for use with point heaters which it says offers an average energy saving of 50%, with higher rail temperatures and thus increased turnout availability during freezing weather. Trials in Amsterdam during February found that when Isoblock insulation was applied the rail temperature was 7°C ...
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NewsInnovation on display at Railtex 2013
RAILTEX: More than 400 exhibitors and around 9000 visitors are expected to take part on the 11th Railtex exhibition being held in London on April 30 to May 2 2013.
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NewsSiemens to supply Kazakh rail mill
KAZAKHSTAN: Siemens Metals Technologies has been awarded an 'upper double-digit million euro' contract to supply Aktobe Rail & Section Works with a rail and section rolling mill. The mill is being constructed under the auspices of national railway KTZ and will supply rail for domestic use as well as export ...
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NewsFirst commercial application of Idrha+ rail treatment
CHINA: A thermal rail hardening process developed by Siemens Metals Technologies and Centro Sviluppo Materiali is to be brought into commercial use for the first time at the Baotou Iron & Steel rail mill in Inner Mongolia. The Injector Dual-Phase Rail Hardening process produces rails with improved contact fatigue and ...
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NewsWheel rolling machine
CHINA: German press manufacturer Schuler has developed a new design of wheel rolling machine for forging monobloc wheelsets. This forms a key element in a forging line currently being shipped to a Chinese manufacturer. With no mandrel, the wheel is turned using dynamic servo motors which transfer the torque from ...
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NewsFast internet means satisfied passengers
CZECH REPUBLIC: Nomad Digital is supplying on-train wireless internet technology for the five Stadler Flirt trains which Leo Express has ordered for its planned launch of Praha - Ostrava open access services in December. Nomad said the wi-fi system based on its R3500 router will aggregate all ...
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NewsHitting the right notes
AUDIO: EAO has extended its Series 56 range of sound modules with the launch of a TSI PRM-compliant offering. The module can be pre-programmed with three TSI-compliant tones that are intended to help mobility-impaired passengers board trains and orientate themselves within the saloon. The module allows volume ...
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NewsMore pressing matters
MILLIONS of wheels have been forged on the press at Valdunes' Dunkerque plant since the machine was commissioned in 1956, at a rate estimated by manufacturer DavyMarkham to be one wheel a minute. Following half a century of use, the 600 tonne press has recently undergone a three-week refurbishment ...
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News
Tracklayers arrive in Ukraine
UKRAINIAN Railways took delivery of two Desec TL 70UZ switch and crossing laying machines at the end of 2007. They have been supplied under UZ’s second contract with the Finnish manufacturer, which followed an international tender backed by the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development. The Tracklayers will be ...