Recently, BJMTR welcomed a new “member”-the Rail Intelligent Comprehensive Inspection Vehicle. It serves as an all-around "rail doctor", combining track inspection and rail flaw detection functions into one, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as ultrasonic detection, intelligent inspection, defect recognition algorithms, etc., to accurately “diagnose” the metro track. This can greatly enhance the efficiency of inspections and the reliability of track equipment, providing strong assurance for passenger safety. This innovative pilot of the Rail Intelligent Comprehensive Inspection Vehicle by BJMTR integrates track inspection and rail flaw detection functions, marking the first integration application of its kind in the domestic rail transportation industry.
Multi-functional vehicle accurately “diagnosing” the track
As the “track” for train operation, the metro track directly affects the safety of metro operation and passengers. To ensure the track’s condition and the reliability of related equipment, BJMTR conducts track inspection and rail flaw detection operations according to plan after the metro shuts down daily. Track inspection is part of routine checks, involving a comprehensive examination of the appearance of track equipment and its ancillary facilities, as well as the surrounding environment. It aims to promptly identify and address track damage and hidden dangers that affect safe train operation. Rail flaw detection involves regular“check-ups” on the rails, using ultrasonic flaw detectors to detect defects and damage inside the track. These two tasks complement each other, providing dual protection for track safety.
To further improve detection efficiency and efficiently complete track inspection and flaw detection work within limited nighttime operations, BJMTR has proposed a diversified concept for comprehensive track inspection. By developing the Rail Intelligent Comprehensive Inspection Vehicle to assist in manual inspection, simultaneous track inspection, flaw detection, and other tests are carried out, accurately diagnosing the track and ensuring passenger safety during travel.
By combining two systems, efficiency is multiplied. The Rail Intelligent Comprehensive Inspection Vehicle integrates track inspection and rail flaw detection functions, enabling the efficient collaboration of these two systems. During a single inspection process, it can simultaneously conduct trackbed, tunnel, and rail surface inspections, as well as ultrasonic and rail flaw detection tasks, with a detection speed of 15-20 kilometers per hour. Equipped with high-precision line scan cameras and intelligent image recognition algorithms, it accurately captures and analyzes tunnel track defects. Additionally, the multi-channel high-speed ultrasonic flaw detection system can accurately detect hidden damage inside the rails. Since the launch of the inspection vehicle, pilot application data has shown a 33% increase in track inspection efficiency and a 150% increase in rail flaw detection efficiency compared to manual inspection.
Modular design for flexibility and versatility. The Rail Intelligent Comprehensive Inspection Vehicle adopts a modular design, with components such as the chassis, seats, and display screens being detachable. Workers can assemble or disassemble the vehicle within 3 minutes. Additionally, the inspection and flaw detection modules can be flexibly configured based on actual requirements to meet the detection needs in different scenarios. Furthermore, the free combination feature of the detection modules provides more possibilities for future functionality expansion.
Intelligent operations for safety and efficiency. The Rail Intelligent Comprehensive Inspection Vehicle is equipped with intelligent operation features, including automatic centering, obstacle avoidance warning, and panoramic recording of tunnel sections, significantly enhancing the safety and efficiency of the inspection process. Additionally, it can achieve track surface video surveillance, simultaneous playback of data on the same section, real-time uploading of detection data, reducing the time needed for data organization and analysis. This assists workers in continually optimizing maintenance strategies.
The relevant personnel of BJMTR have stated that the application of the Rail Intelligent Comprehensive Inspection Vehicle is an important innovation in the field of metro maintenance for BJMTR. This innovation not only improves the accuracy of track inspection for railway transportation infrastructure but also achieves integrated operations across multiple disciplines. Within limited nighttime operation hours, it enhances maintenance efficiency, further ensuring operational safety and driving the transformation of maintenance models in the metro industry. In the future, we will continue to optimize maintenance strategies, enhance operational management, and service capabilities and levels. We will also leverage our experience in engineering management and operational services to carry out ongoing research and development projects on intelligent maintenance systems for multiple disciplines such as vehicles, signals, and tracks. We aim to contribute more to the intelligent development of urban rail transportation.