On-board Hot Journal Detection
An on-board Hot Journal Detection System enabling continuous monitoring tailored to specific train characteristics, triggering alarms for any deviations from acceptable temperatures, and ensuring timely safety measures are implemented. Also known as Hot Axle Box Detection or HABD.
What is a Hot Journal Detection System?
A hot journal detection system is a device used to monitor the temperature of the journal boxes on train wheels and/or gearboxes to check for overheating bearings, which could potentially lead to mechanical failures or even fires. These can be wayside or on-board systems.
Why Choose EKE for Hot Journal Detection System?
The on-board Hot Journal Detection system offers real-time, configurable solutions for different train types and designs. With over 1,800 Hot Journal Detection systems installed, you can rely on our extensive experience and trusted performance to ensure optimal safety and efficiency for your fleet.
On-board continuous temperature monitoring for hot journal boxes provides superior bearing condition insights over traditional trackside equipment. Unlike intermittent trackside measurements, on-board systems deliver constant real-time data. Monitoring both wheel and gearbox temperatures offers a comprehensive view of journal health, allowing early failure detection and improved safety.
Unlike traditional wayside detection methods, which are limited to monitoring journal boxes located on the outside of the wheels, the system seamlessly integrates into the train itself, ensuring comprehensive surveillance of all journal points. This ensures that potential issues, such as overheating, are detected immediately, regardless of journal box location, reducing the risk of costly equipment failures, minimising downtime, and safeguarding your operations.
Our monitoring system’s versatile sensor compatibility and flexible configuration allow precise customisation to meet unique customer needs and operating conditions. This tailored approach improves detection accuracy and effectiveness. It accommodates various train models, bogie designs, and bearing properties, providing a bespoke, efficient solution for railway operators
Key Features
A Fully Redundant System
The Hot Journal Box Detection system is a fully redundant system ensuring the highest level of reliability and safety in railway operations. Redundancy involves incorporating multiple independent sensors and backup components that continuously monitor the journal box temperatures.
In the event of a sensor failure or any other malfunction, the redundant system seamlessly takes over without interrupting the monitoring process. This setup guarantees that there is no single point of failure, significantly reducing the risk of undetected issues.
Configurable Alarm Levels
Configurable alarm levels are essential to enable tailored safety responses that enhance train operations. Operators can set specific temperature thresholds based on various factors like train types, bearing properties, and operational conditions.
Customising these levels allows the system to accurately detect abnormal temperature rises, signalling potential bearing failures. This optimisation ensures each train receives appropriate monitoring and intervention, thus enhancing safety and reliability across diverse rail networks.
Automatic Alarms and Actions
The system is equipped with preset temperature ranges, automatically triggering an alarm if deviations occur. This enables timely interventions to prevent accidents or disruptions.
In addition to alarms, the system can take immediate actions, like triggering the train emergency stop. Taking immediate action not only prevents potential accidents but also minimises disruptions to rail operations.
How does Hot Journal Box Detection work?
The Hot Journal Box Detection system is an essential safety feature in railway operations, designed to monitor and prevent overheating in journal boxes and gearboxes. The system operates through a series of precise steps:
- Temperature sensors: Sensors measure the journal box and gear box temperatures.
- Calculate average temperature: The temperature is measured ten times per second. The ten second average is used for calculation.
- Assess the temperature level: The temperature is assessed to determine if it has crossed one of the four thresholds.
- Alarm or action: A notification is issued if the temperature has exceeded one of the four thresholds either giving an alarm or to undertake a given action such as triggering the train emergency stop.
