RIFTEK - Wheel and Rail Wear Measuring Systems

RIFTEK is a private enterprise specializing in the development and fabrication of electronic instrumentation for measuring geometrical, magnetic, mechanical and optical quantities.

We offer integrated solutions to control and automation problems – from sensing devices to multifunctional measuring and control systems. The basic product line includes:

• Raster-type and inductive displacement transducers
• Laser triangulation position sensors
• 2D and 3D laser scanners
• Optical sensors
• Magnetometers
• Data acquisition, processing and indication systems
• Control systems
• Devices for control of movement, distance, size and shape of articles
• Digital cameras for machine vision

One of our areas of expertise is the rail sector, including wheel and rail wear measuring systems.

Wheel diameter measuring gauge

This electronic gauge is designed for measuring the diameter of wheel rolling circles. Measurements are made directly on rolling stock without wheel set rollout.

The measurement of the diameter is performed according to the 'three points' technique, without the complete wheel coverage. The gauge contains a numeric display to show the wheel's diameter.

Laser wheel profilometer

The laser wheel profilometer is employed for measuring geometrical parameters of the wheel flange (thickness, slope and height) and tire thickness, taking a full profile of the wheel roll surface.

An RF603 laser module placed inside the profilometer casing performs linear scanning of the wheel surface. A sensor placed inside the grip makes it possible to measure the tire thickness.

Automated measurement systems for wheels' geometric parameters

We can supply automated measurement systems for geometric parameters of wheel pairs, locomotive wheel sets and wheel centres.

The system for automatic measurement of 27 geometric parameters of wheel pairs of wagons can be used in the course of incoming and outgoing inspections carried out in railcar / wheel shops, wagon depots, and wheel pair repair and gathering workshops.

Our system for automated measurement of 17 geometric parameters of locomotive wheel sets, and of eight geometric parameters of wheel centres, can be used during repair processes.

Rail scaloping wear indication system

The rail scaloping wear indication system is designed for both mainline and underground railways. It can be used for the periodical monitoring and testing of longitudinal profile of the rail-wing head roll surface and for planning the lap work volume and the subsequent lap quality check.

The rail scaloping wear indication system accumulates the real-time information on the nature of short continuous irregularities and on the path, traversed while moving with the binding to the track coordinate.

It also continuously visualizes the short irregularity parameters for each of the track ways, in the form of traversed paths at the display of the computing unit.

Portable laser rail profilograph

The PRP-1 portable laser rail profilograph is a manual diagnostic device for registering flaws in the functional surface cross-direction profile of railway tracks.

It periodically monitors and tests the rail longitudinal profile, and therefore establishes what volume of rail-grinding trains and rail-grinding equipment is required to keep track functioning safely.

Controlled parameters include:

• Vertical wear of rail head (hB)
• Lateral wear of rail head (hb), measured at 13mm down from the top of its head
• Lateral wear of rail head (hbL45), measured at 45° angle with respect to rail symmetry axis, going through the middle of the lateral operating fillet