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Servoactuator for railway cross switching

Advantage of smart hydraulic closed-loop in multipoint railway switch


The closed-loop system in multipoint railway switch represents the ideal solution for reliability, precision, and resistance to adverse conditions and contribute to ensure the safety and efficiency of global railway network.

Hydraulic systems in multipoint railway switch

In the complex world of railway systems, reliability is the pillar upon which safety and efficiency rest. Hydraulic systems, particularly cylinders, play a vital role in ensuring the flawless operation of railway switches. Hydraulic servoactuators, renowned for their robustness and precision, are the core of railway switch control systems.
Cylinders, often operating in adverse environmental conditions, must ensure swift and secure operations without compromising the integrity of the railway system. When a train encounters a junction or a crossing, precision is essential to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth traffic flow. Hydraulic actuators, with their control capabilities, ensure that railway switches move precisely where and when needed. Railway environments can be extremely hostile, with fluctuating temperatures, contaminants, and constant vibrations.
Hydraulic actuators, constructed with durable materials and reliable seals, maintain consistent performance even in these extreme conditions. In conclusion, hydraulic systems, especially cylinders, are vital components in railway systems. Their reliability, precision, and resistance to adverse conditions contribute to ensuring the safety and efficiency of global railway networks. Preventive maintenance is the key to preserve their performance, ensuring that trains travel safely and punctually across the entire network.
Multipoint railway switch Multipoint railway switch

The smart hydraulic system

With the aim of improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of railway systems, one of the most intriguing developments in this context is the introduction of hydraulic multipoint railway switch systems, a technology that promises to transform the way trains navigate switches. Hydraulic multipoint systems utilize closed-loop hydraulic technology to provide more precise and efficient management.
These systems consist of an interconnected network of hydraulic devices that intelligently control the position and orientation of railway switches. Each switch is equipped with hydraulic servoactuator that allow real-time adjustment to ensure a smooth and safe passage for trains. The use of closed-loop hydraulic technology enables much more precise control compared to traditional mechanical systems.
The basic operation of a closed-loop hydraulic multipoint railway switch system can be summarized as follows:
  • Built-in position Transducer: it detects the current position of the railway switch and communicates this data to a centralized control system.
  • Proportional Valve: the control system uses this information to adjust the hydraulic pressure in the actuators connected to the railway switch, maintaining it in the desired position.
  • Hydraulic Actuator: controlled by the proportional valve, it moves the railway switch to the correct position and provides real-time position feedback throughout its travel, enabling precise positioning.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: during the passage of a train, the transducersconstantly monitor the position of the railway switch to ensure a safe and seamless passage.
Atos proportional directional valves Atos proportional directional valves

Technologies & design

The placement of servoactuator within the railway switch mechanism and its confined spaces lead R&D Atos to develop a compact servo-cylinder design with innovative solutions for both the selection of the transducer and its positioning.
The choice of stainless-steel materials for the actuator has also been used to ensure no corrosion in the exposed railway switch environment.
This combination of technologies and technical choices culminates in a smart product that ensures high-precision performance even in harsh environmental conditions, successfully validated according to railway guidelines DI TCSS ST IS 00 402 A Cat. 5V in conformity to norms IEC 60068-2-6:2007, IEC 60068-2-64:2008 and IEC 60068-2-27:2008 to grant a long operating life.
Stainless steel servo-cylinder Stainless steel servo-cylinder

Advantage of Atos closed-loop system

In the multipoint railway switch systems the Atos servoactuator, with is closed-loop smart systems, represent a significant advancement in railway technology, offering precise and dynamic switch management. This innovation promises to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of railway networks, thus contributing to a more sustainable future for railway transportation. These systems play a pivotal role in the global railway networks evolution.
  • Operational Precision: closed-loop hydraulic technology allows for precise adjustments, reducing the risk of derailments and ensuring smooth train passage through railway switches.
  • Wear Reduction: the high corrosion resistance of stainless steel improves the components wear resistance, reducing maintenance and train downtime.
  • Enhanced Safety: dynamic railway switch management contributes to improved railway operation safety, reducing the risks associated with track changes.
  • Adaptability: these systems can be implemented on existing railway networks, providing a flexible option for infrastructure upgrades.
  • Predictive maintenance: the many feedback given by the new smart solution can be exploited to grant a pro active predictive maintenance.
Railway switch Railway switch

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Source: PR13