|
 In
common use as a preventative maintenance tool to detect
electrical faults, Infrared Thermal Imaging cameras can
easily identify problems with connectors, where the
fault is apparent as a change in temperature. However
they are unable to determine the condition of
insulators etc on Catenary, where the fault produces minimal if any
change in temperature. Corona cameras can easily
identify these faults, as they are clearly visible in
the UV Spectrum.
In order to undertake a thorough Catenary inspection on
the
Gorkovskaya rail network in Russia, it was
decided to use both thermal and ultra violet methods of
measurement. This enabled testing on the wires,
insulators and armature of the contact grid.
Both cameras were placed onto the
rail diagnostic vehicles,
enabling all possible faults to be identified and noted
for
 further investigation. Measurement took place
while the vehicle was moving at speeds of 45 km/h and
above. The results of the testing were conclusive enough
for DayCor corona cameras to be installed on all rail
diagnostic vehicles by the end of 2007.
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