The Production Transit Grinder is a self-propelled module which can be configured for an 8 to 32 stone consist. Control cabs on each end provide bi-directional grinding and driving capabilities. This grinding train is combined with flexible functions and systems which allow grinding of switches and road crossings as well as mainline.
The operator cabs are climate controlled, acoustically insulated, and air pressurized providing an excellent working environment. This all protects the computer equipment from damage due to exposure to dust, heat, vibration, and other adverse elements.
The grinding unit contains rail measurement equipment that measures and records both the profile and the corrugations of the grinding surface of the rail head. This assists the operator in selecting grinding patterns. In addition, this system provides the operator with a real-time method of monitoring the grinding performance.
Track Vacuum
The vacuum system on the control car clears the track bed of unwanted grinding residue. A telescoping vacuum hood saddles each rail and utilizes a special "push-pull" vacuum system.
Grinding Computer System
User friendly point and click operation along with graphics based control screens allow the operator to easily navigate through the screens or select control functions. The grinding computer system is flexible, allowing the grinder to work with pattern sequencing, and allowing up to seven patterns queued for each rail.
Obstruction Avoidance
The grinding motors are automatically lifted to avoid hitting obstructions (frogs, road crossings, etc.) The operator programs into the grinding computer the exact location of the obstructions for each rail. Location is tracked using axle mounted encoders.
Longitudinal Profile Measurement System
Corrugations are measured using a pair of measuring wheels which travel along each rail. The two measuring wheels are housed in a uniquely designed carriage which acts as a rolling straight edge reference beam. Eddy current displacement transducers send signals to the profile measurement computer for graphical and numerical display of the rail corrugations.
Traverse Profile Measurement System
The computerized profile measurement system assists the operator in selecting grind patterns by graphically overlaying the desired profile on the measured profile for comparison. The measured profile is obtained through a laser light and camera system which views the head of the rail from the gauge face bottom to the field face top.
Dust Collection System
The dust collection system, located in each of the grinding cars, picks up air-borne grinding debris through intake hoods that are located above each grinding carriage. A filtration compartment filters out the debris and has a side door for easy cleaning.
Fire Control
The fire control system extinguishes wood or paper fires. On each end of the grinder there is a hose reel, water tank, and pump mounted on each side of the coupler. The pump creates a powerful water stream used to extinguish any ground fires that may occur as a result of grinding sparks.
Performance Data
- Travel Speed & Gradability - 25 miles (40 km) per hour @ 4% grade 50 miles (80 km) @ 1.5 % grade
- Low Emissions (for underground operation) - 50 parts per million CO, 50 parts per million, NOx 5 parts per million, HC 5 parts per million S02
- Low Noise Level - 70 dBA @ 15 meters while grinding
Mechanical Data
- Engine - Two Cummins LTA 1O diesel engines, 314 HP (235 kW) @ 1900 RPM
- Generator Set - 100 kW generator, rated at 60 Hz, 120/208 VAC, three phase
- Propulsion - Four hydrostatic two-speed transaxles, automatic computer controlled
- Brakes - WABCO 9A system w/ spring applied parking brake
- Fuel Reservoir Capacity - 120 U.S. gallons (460 liters) per car / sufficient for 9 hours at full load
- Hydraulic Oil Capacity - 300 gallons (1135 liters) / tank in each grinding car
- Wheels - 28 inch (711 mm) diameter
- Chassis - Welded tubular frame rated for compressive end load of 100 T (110 tons)
- Dust Collection - Captures 80% of the air-borne dust around the perimeter of grinding area (self-cleaning filters)
- Track Vacuum - "Push-pull" system collects grind residue from the track bed (self cleaning filters)
- Operators Cab - Climate controlled, air pressurized, acoustically insulated.
- Grinding Stones - 16 stones total (8 per module), producing 6000 RPM each. 20 HP (15 kW) grinding motors.
- Suspension - Chevron type elastomeric suspension.