Common Types Of Rail Inspection Techniques

By Gwen Lowe


Catastrophic rail failures are considered one of the main factors that facilitate most of the railway transportation accidents. In reference to a recent research that was conducted to evaluate matters associated with railway transportation safety, one of the main causes of these failures is poor railway maintenance. However, people have developed different rail inspection technologies to aid reduce such problems.

One major developed techniques is the use of high-tech ultrasound devices. To detect faults on rails, these devices transmit short ultrasonic pulse waves with frequency range of one and fifteen to the center of the metal being inspected. The device also receives back such waves in form of amplitude signals, which show the intensity and the distance moved, by the waves.

The application of self-induced eddy currents is also a great way to detect faults in railways. This is achieved by distributing eddy currents on the surface of conductors, which in turn induces a magnetic field. Normally, the electrical conductivity strength of such metals depends on the strength of the magnetic field. Lower conductivity in the rails would mean the rails have faults hence need for repairs.

Another commonly used approach when examining railway faults is radiography technology. This practice works by transmitting electromagnetic waves especially x-rays into certain metals at very high speeds to aid in examining the interior structure of such metals. These rays would then come back to the device in form of an image. Afterwards, high-tech machines would be used to read the details of such images to determine whether there are faults.

To detect flaws on the surface and subsurface of rails, some people also use the magnetic particle inspection technology. This technology uses the concept of inducing magnetic flux on metal surfaces like iron, nickel and cobalt. Naturally, the magnetic field per volume of metals is higher than the one for air hence if the metal does not have a continuous flow, the magnetic flux would leak.

The use of rail assessment cars is also common when detecting faults on railways. These cars are installed with high-tech probes and transducers on the examination boards that aid in the process of testing mileage and other sight problems on rails. The average speed at which these cars can move in kilometers per hour is mostly estimated to be not less than forty-eight.

Another essential technique that plays a great role when examining faults in rails is the use of electromagnetic acoustic transducers. Transducers use electromagnetic systems to instantly generate certain waves when placed over certain metals. These waves are used to determine the presence of problems on such materials that guarantees the right measures could be taken.

The main reason for people to travel by train is to have safe journeys. However, if these trains are moved through poorly maintained rail tracks, there may be cases of accidents. There are various methods, which have been developed to help people have easier time when detecting faults on railways. These methods are essential as they enable people to detect faults on certain railways to ensure the suitable measures can be taken.




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