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INNOVATIONS IN SPEED SENSING AND RUNBACK PROTECTION
FROM ROWE HANKINS
RAILTEX 2004, BIRMINGHAM NEC, HALL 1 STAND 737
Rail safety systems specialist, Rowe Hankins, highlighted developments
in their speed sensing systems at Railtex. The company is a pioneer of Hall-effect speed sensors and pulse generators.
These are proven to be more durable and reliable than optical speed sensors and are available at around half the cost.
To underpin the adaptability of their systems, the company conducted a runback protection demonstration on their stand
throughout the show.
The key technology in Rowe Hankins speed measurement system is known as MagT-su (magnetic target, Hall-effect speed sensor unit). This has two main elements, a robust magnetic target (pulse generator) with a unique and totally reliable self fixing system, and a Hall-effect sensor installed into a housing.
Targets are aluminium with a number of high-strength temperature resistant permanent magnets embedded. The number of magnets and configuration will vary with each application. Housings are of high tensile strength stainless steel with the sensor PCB encapsulated in epoxy resin. Systems are sealed from the general environment and are tolerant of large or variable gaps between the pulse generator and sensor. This promotes long-term reliability.
There are three possible operating modes for the output channel, push-pull, TTL or open collector. In push-pull mode the system can offer freedom from EMC interference.
The technology is available in two main formats, for axle end or motor shaft installation. These can be fitted as original equipment on new rolling stock or installed as upgrades on existing stock. Rowe Hankins have been supplying variants of this technology for some time. This experience has generated reliability data that proves a mean time between failure (MTBF) of 400,000 hours.
Runback protection is a critical safety feature. Precise speed monitoring in forward motion is also crucial for many safety and operational tasks on modern rail systems.
REFURBISHMENT SERVICES FOR THE RAIL INDUSTRY
Increased demand for rail travel, the high cost of new rolling stock and pressures to upgrade safety standards are all driving demand for service and renewal of critical electro mechanical systems. As an OEM supplier of circuit breakers, contactors, on-train monitoring equipment and speed monitoring systems, Rowe Hankins Components has a unique understanding of operator needs.The company is the UK service centre for Secheron on-train monitoring and recording systems. They are also equipped to undertake refurbishment of electro mechanical components such as contactors and circuit breakers. This refurbishment facility includes all Secheron products, for which Rowe Hankins are the accredited UK distributor. Rowe Hankins are also distributors for leading brands such as Eaton Heinemann, LEM and Pixy.
Field based commissioning service is another innovation. Rowe Hankins recently commissioned the Shepherds Hill substation as part of the southern zone upgrade in the UK.
All work is undertaken in an ISO 9000 quality certified environment including extensive test facilities. Due care is taken in scheduling work to ensure rapid turnaround to minimise inconvenience and down time. Rowe Hankins refurbishment services are part of their overall programme of Total Reassurance Engineering, offering support to the traction industry through the entire programme life cycle.
Uploaded: November 1, 2004
More information:
Toni Hankins, Rowe Hankins Ltd
Tel. +44 (0)161 765 3002 Fax. +44 (0)161 763 1421
Email: sales@rowehankins.com Web: www.rowehankins.com
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Rowe Hankins
Components Ltd
Power House
Parker Street
Bury
Lancs BL9 0RJ
United Kingdom
Tel.
+44 (0)161 765 3000
Fax.
+44 (0)161 763 1421
For more info please e-mail Ainsworth Maguire:
pr@ainsmag.co.uk
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ŠAinsworth Maguire
The Power House, Parker St, Bury, BL9 0RJ, England
T. +44 (0)161 761 5606 F. +44 (0)161 761 5628
E. pr@ainsmag.co.uk W.
www.ainsmag.co.uk