Conducting tests and measurements
In the world of rail transport, safety and reliability are of the utmost importance. To ensure these standards are met, extensive testing and measurements are essential. Enotrac organises and carries out measurements on the rail system, for example, for evidence in the context of approval procedures, for weak point analyses (problem analysis) or for accident investigations. Enotrac has the ability to verify theoretical calculations with the help of practical tests and measurements on site. All test and measurement campaigns are meticulously prepared.
Thanks to our good contacts with railways and industry, we are able to optimally coordinate and deploy the experts involved, who are often numerous, and to carry out the measurements according to plan even under difficult conditions. With the appropriate equipment and an optimal personnel and time commitment, the measurements are carried out and the results are then evaluated, assessed and passed on to the customer in a suitable form.
The necessity of tests and measurements
Enotrac plays an essential role in ensuring quality and safety in rail transport. Through extensive testing and measurements, as well as careful planning and coordination of projects, the company helps to maintain the high standards in the rail industry. With state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive expertise, Enotrac is a reliable partner for rail transport projects.
In an era in which mobility and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, quality assurance in rail transport is of crucial importance. Enotrac contributes to the safety and efficiency of rail transport by carrying out precise tests and measurements. From monitoring power distribution to investigating accidents, Enotrac handles all investigation processes.
The planning and implementation of rail transport projects require a precise verification of the theoretical calculations. It is important to us that the actual performance matches the expected results. This applies in particular to approval procedures, weak point analyses and accident investigations. Our experts at Enotrac are specialised in meeting these requirements through precise measurements and tests.
Preparation
One of Enotrac’s key competences is the careful preparation of test and measurement campaigns. Working with rail operators and industry, we coordinate a team of highly qualified experts and carry out measurements even under demanding conditions. This process requires optimal equipment, well-trained personnel and a clear timetable.
Careful preparation of measurement campaigns is a crucial step in achieving accurate and reliable results. Enotrac has a team of qualified experts who work in close cooperation with rail operators and industry. This ensures that measurements can be successfully carried out under all conditions.
Range of standard measurements
The range of standard measurements offered by Enotrac is wide-ranging and covers all important aspects of rail transport. From power distribution in overhead contact lines to the investigation of magnetic fields, Enotrac’s experts ensure that no important parameters are overlooked.
Enotrac offers a variety of standard measurements to monitor the various aspects of rail transport.
Current distribution in overhead lines and cables
A reliable power supply is essential for the safe operation of rail vehicles. Enotrac measures and analyses the current distribution in overhead lines and cables to ensure that energy is transmitted efficiently and reliably.
Return current distribution (stray currents)
Return current distribution or stray currents can lead to undesirable effects, such as corrosion. Enotrac investigates these phenomena in order to identify and rectify potential problems at an early stage.
Network feedback
Rail vehicles are integrated into the power grid, and their activities can have feedback effects on the grid. Enotrac analyses these interactions and thus ensures the stability of the power grid.
Traction currents and interference currents
Measurement of traction currents and psophometric currents is important for the correct functioning of the electrical systems in rail vehicles.
Contact voltages
Contact voltages can be dangerous for people and equipment. Enotrac checks these voltages and thus maintains safety standards.
Magnetic fields (NISV certificates)
Magnetic fields can have various effects on the environment. Enotrac determines and documents these fields to ensure that they do not exceed the prescribed limits.
Contact wire heating
Excessive heating of the contact wire can cause damage. Enotrac measures and evaluates contact wire heating to identify potential problems.
Accident investigations
In the event of accidents in rail transport, a thorough investigation is essential. Enotrac provides support in analysing and evaluating accidents to determine the causes and improve future safety measures.
Modern measuring equipment
To carry out these measurements, modern measuring equipment is essential. Enotrac uses high-quality transducers and data loggers to collect accurate data. The use of portable PC-based measurement systems makes it possible to take measurements directly on site and ensures efficient data acquisition.
The flexible virtual instruments used by Enotrac provide tailored solutions for specific measurement requirements. The extensive post-processing tools, including MATLABTM and in-house developed software, enable a thorough analysis of the collected data.
Performing these measurements requires specialised equipment that can capture precise data. Enotrac relies on high-quality devices from reputable manufacturers. These include:
Transducers and data loggers
Transducers and data loggers play a key role in the acquisition and analysis of measurement data. Enotrac relies on high-quality products to ensure accurate results.
Portable PC data acquisition systems
Portable PC-based data acquisition systems enable measurements to be carried out directly on site, whether on vehicles or along the track. This offers flexibility and efficiency in data acquisition.
Customised solutions with flexible virtual instruments
Enotrac uses flexible virtual instruments, such as LabVIEWTM. This enables us to develop customised solutions for specific measurement requirements.
Comprehensive post-processing tools
The evaluation and analysis of measurement data requires powerful post-processing tools such as MATLABTM and in-house developed software, which Enotrac has at its disposal.
Complete and flexible test solutions
Enotrac not only offers to carry out measurements, but also comprehensive test solutions. From the planning and organisation of measurement campaigns to the evaluation and assessment of measurement data, Enotrac offers a holistic approach to quality assurance in rail transport.
Planning, organisation and execution of measurement campaigns
The planning and coordination of measurement campaigns requires a careful approach to ensure that the tests are carried out efficiently and in a targeted manner.
Evaluation and assessment of measurement data
The collected data is carefully analysed and evaluated by our team. This enables us to draw well-founded conclusions and, if necessary, make adjustments to improve the quality and safety of rail transport.
Measurement data can be processed and interpreted during the tests
The ability to process and interpret measurement data during the tests offers the advantage of a quick response to unexpected results. This helps to minimise risks and improve test efficiency.
Tests on the train or on the track
Depending on the specific requirements of your project, tests can be carried out either directly on rail vehicles or on the track infrastructure. We flexibly adapt our methods to meet your individual needs.
Long-term measurements
Long-term measurements are helpful in identifying long-term trends and changes in rail traffic. Our services help you to create a reliable basis for long-term planning and decision-making.
With Enotrac, you not only get comprehensive testing solutions, but also the certainty that your quality and safety requirements in rail transport are always met.
Technical and organisational planning
Technical and organisational planning is another critical factor in quality assurance in the rail industry. The timely provision of vehicles for transport requires sufficient time for construction, approval and delivery. The duration of this process depends on various factors, including the novelty of the vehicle and the quality standard of the individual process steps.
The approval process is a complex and time-consuming process that requires a precise knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations. Enotrac supports customers in managing the approval process or in individual tasks and ensures that the necessary approvals are granted in good time.
In cooperation with Enotrac, numerous rail transport projects have successfully passed the approval and commissioning process. These include both vehicle projects such as the modernisation of locomotives and large infrastructure projects such as the Gotthard and Lötschberg base tunnels.
The successful implementation of rail transport projects requires careful technical and organisational planning. Various factors play a role here.
Timing
Timely planning is important to ensure that vehicles are available in time for the service. This requires sufficient lead time for construction, approval and delivery.
Duration of the process
The duration of the process depends on various factors. These include the novelty of the vehicle and the associated testing effort. As a rule, the duration for a commissioning approval for a new rail vehicle is 3 to 4 years.
Approval process
The approval of rail vehicles requires a precise knowledge of the applicable laws, regulations and rules. Enotrac supports customers in the management or partial tasks in the approval and commissioning process.
Successful projects
Enotrac has supported the approval and commissioning process in a large number of projects. These include both vehicle projects and large infrastructure projects such as the Gotthard and Lötschberg base tunnels.
Testing and measurement in the rail industry is essential for the safety and efficiency of rail transport. Enotrac has established itself as a reliable partner in this industry and offers comprehensive solutions, from the preparation of measurement campaigns to the approval of rail vehicles. Enotrac plays a decisive role in the quality assurance of rail transport thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated team of experts.
