Centre for Advanced Transport Engineering and Research (CATER) - Rail Inspection Systems

The Centre for Advanced Transport Engineering and Research (CATER) develops innovative and cost-effective rail inspection systems. These systems offer ease of data collection and comprehensive analysis through reliable and proven engineering.

CATER provides quality engineering in the rail industry focused on predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, flaw trending, and ultrasonic and visual information.

Ultrasonic rail flaw detection (RFD) system

ULTRAWave is an ultrasonic rail flaw detection (RFD) system that reduces the cost and risk of testing (or not testing) for rail network operators. Rail networks can tailor the system to specific requirements, a feature that was previously unavailable to rail operators. Networks can select from a range of carriers and ancillary functions to provide a cost-effective maintenance regime for a particular situation.

Rail condition monitoring system and rail foot corrosion identification

ULTRAWave, the ultrasonic RFD system, is fully configurable for each rail network to provide an opportunity for rail networks to trend rail condition and develop a predictive regime of maintenance.

ULTRAWave has the unique ability to accurately identify rail foot corrosion and is a powerful tool for the early identification of rail damage.

Portable RFD tester

HANDWave, a portable RFD tester, is a powerful and economical alternative to RFD vehicles as it has virtually identical performance to larger RFD vehicles.

Only one continuous test of the rail section is needed to detect flaws. HANDWave is a robust and lightweight ultrasonic rail flaw detection tool with powerful detection, display and processing features for flaw verification of main track, sidings, depots and yards.

Dual operation modes of Location and Detection and Hand Verification (optional) are available in one testing unit. HANDWave needs only a single pass to test in continuous mode, saving time and improving performance. Hand-held probes are used like a traditional hand tester to verify specific flaws for spot checking.

Rail imaging with Video Location and IDentification System

CATER’s Video Location and IDentification System (VLIDS) is used to inspect and visually confirm the UT information. VLIDS has the dual function of being a stand-alone (independent) system and being able to align images with other test information in post-processing.

VLIDS uses continuous high-speed imaging to aid the assessment and verification of potential flaws in the rail environment in real-time and during post-processing. Synchronization with the ultrasonic information in post-processing improves the accuracy of rail flaw assessment and reduces time by incorrect identification.

VLIDS can provide verification for immediate or later review of not only accurate inspection of the rail surface but also tie (sleeper) condition, ballast, absence of clips and debris on or near the rail. Accurate location images, within 300mm, can be viewed immediately in real time or when post-processing.

Post-processing with Rail Intelligent Permanent Way Analysis ViEwer

CATER's Rail Intelligent Permanent Way Analysis ViEwer (RIPWave) is a powerful post-processing analysis tool for genuine condition monitoring solutions and flaw trending. RIPWave collates, synchronizes, filters and reports on all UT and visual information.

The software identifies, classifies and verifies potential problems associated with the rail environment. ULTRAWave ultrasonics, VLIDS images, information from portable to rail-bound carriers and the incorporation of historical data demonstrates the capacity of RIPWave to support an extensive reporting capability.

Run-on-run comparison and RFD system software

All information, including ultrasonic and visual, is captured and stored for future run comparisons, leading to the understanding (trending) of where and when rail flaws may develop.

All screens, controls and interfaces are similar for all four carriers of the RFD system. Cost efficiencies are available through ease of training, common maintenance parts and analysis of shared information. All software is PC-based for lower cost and shorter down-time.

Customer focus for more effective RFD systems

CATER embraces developing better systems in response to customers’ needs. The company is focused on expanding its market nationally and internationally with individual solutions for effective RFD systems.