Block force measuring

Trust is good. Measurement is better. The flawless function of freight train brakes is not only vitally important when the train is running. Even when a train is parked, the brakes must still apply their full braking effect – not least via the handbrake. A large number of mechanical components interlock in these parts, so they must always be appropriately lubricated.

Brake cylinder pressure & force on brake block

Freight wagons have a six-year overhaul cycle. This means that they taken every six years to an Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) workshop, where they are subjected to a thorough inspection. Although proper lubrication of mechanical components is prerequisite after servicing in the workshop, it is still no one hundred percent guarantee for the vehicle handbrake maintaining its full efficacy beyond the end of the overhaul cycle.

Flawless function of the brakes on freight trains is absolutely essential for safe rail freight traffic.

Now safety is being further improved with state-of-the-art measurement technology. During the course of every freight wagon service and overhaul, the brake cylinder pressure is measured directly on the wagon. With the new block force measuring device, we can determine precisely whether the necessary force is also arriving at the brake block. Not least when the handbrake is operated.

Compact, robust and easy to use

The new measuring equipment consists of a powerful computer running special software, a measurement amplifier and a measurement sensor which is installed in an adapted brake block. The compact, yet extremely robust force sensor can record compressive forces of up to 50 kilonewtons. Thanks to its compact construction, it is easy to handle and perfectly designed for dynamic measuring tasks. Making measuring equipment simple to handle for the freight wagon technician is key to efficient maintenance.