The new WheelStar-UFPE, from GE Measurement & Control, is a purpose-built, automated ultrasonic inspection system. It allows for comprehensive non-destructive examination of rail wheels during train maintenance without the need to remove the wheelset from the rail car. Combining General Electric’s ultrasonic instrumentation platform with high-end mechanics enables railway maintenance workshops to optimize productivity while achieving full traceability of results. Technicians are guided through the inspection process by application software that is specifically developed and workflow-orientated. The automatic defect recognition (ADR) provides immediate identification of any surface or volumetric flaws in the wheel under inspection.
“Global rail operators conduct inspection of train wheels at regular intervals, primarily during the night shift to avoid traffic disruptions,” explained Matthias Schwabe, product manager at GE Measurement & Control. “Consequently, it’s important that the procedure be both fast and reliable. WheelStar can carry out a full wheel inspection in less than 90 seconds, including analysis and recording of results for traceability.”
In operation, the remotely controlled, battery-powered trolley–carrying all the mechanics and ultrasonics–as well as an integrated programmable logic controller (PLC) travels below the rail car and is positioned under the wheelset. This is then automatically lifted and the wheels are rotated before the ultrasonic probes are located on the face and tread of the wheel being inspected.
Photo: https://www.gemeasurement.com
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