Sensors protect trains from derailing

Micro-Sensor, part of the Micro-Epsilon Group, has announced it will supply curve detection systems for use on high speed trains on the Haramain High Speed Rail Project in Saudi Arabia.

These passenger trains travel at speeds of up to 300km/h between Medina and Mecca. European rail industry regulations stipulate that trains that travel at speeds in excess of 160km/h must be fitted with suitable derailment safety protection systems as high vibrations resulting from the interactions between the train and the track can potentially cause a carriage to derail.

For the Haramain High Speed Rail Project, Micro-Sensor supplied bogie-mounted vibration sensors for improved derailment protection and curve detection systems to monitor carriage/wagon tilt during curves in the track.

In addition to these vibration sensors, each train is fitted with two curve detectors – one on the front carriage and one on the rear carriage. These detect when the train moves into and out of a curve, respectively, the information is sent to the wheel lubrication system to provide lubricant to the wheels precisely when - and in the volume - it is needed, reducing wear of the wheels and lubricant costs.

Micro-Sensor provides a range of acceleration, inclination, shock/vibration sensors and other industry-specific MEMS-based (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensors for a range of applications.