DeltaRail Papers and Publications

Selected DeltaRail Papers and Publications

MNR Installs Wheelchex Wheel Impact Load Detection System

Reducing the impact of flat spots on wheels has been a major initiative in operating MNR’s fleet of vehicles, particularly during the fall. When ‘flat spots’ are of significant size they can damage wheels and rails producing poor ride quality and noise.

To combat this problem MTA Metro-North Railroad has installed a new Wheel Impact Load Detection (WILD) system to sense flat spots on wheels. WILD is based on the WheelChex system developed by DeltaRail Group Ltd.

The WILD system uses sensors applied to the rails to measure the stress induced by a passing wheel. This information, together with the train and car identifier is relayed to a computer server that analyses the information. When stresses exceed certain levels the wheels are removed from service for correction. There are no additional labor positions associated with WILD/WheelChex but it does provide a reduction in risk, increased car availability, reduced damage to the vehicle bogies and tracks, reduced wheel maintenance costs and improved planning for wheel corrective actions.

Prior to the installation of the WILD/WheelChex system it is estimated that the average fleet (wheel) dynamic to static load ratio was 2.5. This has now been reduced to 1.8, a reduction in peak track loading of 28%.

This paper describes the WILD system, explaining how this condition monitoring system has been successfully implemented on all four tracks of the Park Avenue Tunnel, where the Harlem, Hudson and New Haven lines converge on the way into Grand Central Terminal.

Download: APTA Wheel Impact Load Detection System - APTA Rail Conference - June 2011