WHEEL WHISPER speed, load and the external vibrations being monitored by the vibration monitoring system. Th e Smart Infrastructure Monitoring System includes several technical innovations to ensure that the raw data generated by the array of sensors are converted into meaningful, actionable information Solid & Resilient Wheels | Gear Boxes | Axles | Gear Box & Wheel Set Repair Solid & Resilient Wheels That Outperform the Others Penn Transit Solid & Resilient Wheels set the standard for excellence. Our proprietary manufacturing process allows us to make lightweight Steel Wheels that require less energy to operate. What’s more, our 300,000+ Resilient Wheels in service worldwide offer these features & benefits: > Rubber or Ring Elements with Precise Elasticity > Superior Damping Properties > Increased Rider Comfort > Longer Operating Life By using ultrasonic and magnetic particle testing, and conducting dimensional checks, we produce the quality wheels you need to move forward. To find out how we can help, call 724.459.0302 or visit www.pennmach.com 310 Innovation Drive Blairsville, PA 15717 724.459.0302 22 | Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | FEBRUARY 2017 that is delivered to the right locations in a useful timeframe. Th is communications challenge is more daunting than it might initially appear. To achieve the most reliable but cost-eff ective solution, the overall system design uses distributed processing and analytics to reduce the demands on the communications network system while simultaneously time stamping the data generated from each location so higher trend analysis can be conducted. Th e system also incorporates self-monitoring as an essential function. Th ere are two levels of alerts. Exceedance alerts, such as an impact with the potential to create vibrations which might reach the protected zone, are set at fi xed levels based on the requirements established by the University of Washington and cannot be changed. However, Sound Transit maintenance engineers have the ability to adjust the warning level alerts so they can balance the sensitivity of the system with the work load and capacity of their maintenance resources. Alert notification utilizes email, text messages and alarm activation. Th e result is a robust system that provides around-the-clock actionable information when and where it is needed to eliminate potential failures before they happen. According to Zack Mian, President of IEM, “If you think of a wheel with a fl at spot as a wheel that’s shouting, our system helps Sound Transit to hear that wheel when it’s still a whisper. And in urban transit, whispering wheels make good neighbors.” Richard Arthur is with IEM Corp. www.pennmach.com For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/10065912 Alert sensitivity is customized to meet the needs of the Sound Transit system.
MassTransit_February_2017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above