Non-Contact Rail
Head Integrity Scanning

Athena’s RAGA Rail Scanning System is a high speed, non-contact Rolling Contact Fatigue measurement tool for detecting and quantifying cracks and spalling in the running surface. RAGA scans from the field corner to the gauge corner covering the running surface of both rails and takes measurements at speeds up to 45km/h (25 mph aprox).

A tablet computer is used by the operating technician to monitor and acquire data from the trolley mounted RAGA sensors.

RAGA uses Athena’s proprietary Electromagnetic Field Imaging (EMFI) technology to rapidly identify RCF severity and type while maintaining a 10 mm liftoff from the rail surface.

Each EMFI sensor generates an individual shape-controlled AC magnetic field that extends across the rail head. The sensors measure the 3-dimensional changes of the generated magnetic field as the sensor moves over a target area.

Technical Information

  • Maximum: 25 MPH / 45 KPH

  • Spalling

    Cracking

  • Shaped Electromagnetic Field Imaging (SEMFI)

  • No Couplet is required for RAGA sensors or trolleys

  • 10 mm working distance from rail

  • Unaffected by rain, snow, mud, sand, dust or grinding residue

General Information

  • Without tow Bars (WxHxL)

    • 165 x 42 x 21 (cm)

    • 65 x 8 x 42 (inch)

  • Trolley (No Tow bars): 45kg (99.5lbs)

  • 11- 16V DC

  • Trolley: IP53

    Sensors: IP 63

    Operating Temp: -20C - +50C

    Storage: -30C - +50C

 

A GPS unit is incorporated in all RAGA trolley systems to allow accurate correlation between detected defects and geophysical location on the rail.
Data acquired from scanning runs is stored on a ruggedized tablet computer for later download and analysis. Reports can then be generated from this analysis.

 
 

Data is acquired through a tablet computer which is used by the operating technician to monitor and acquire data from the trolley mounted RAGA sensors.

Data acquisition is controlled by a distance tracking odometer that ensuring accurate spacing of the data samples.

Rail head damage, such as cracks and spalling, affect the magnetic field shape differently thereby allowing the type and extent of surface damage to be detected.

Cracks cause a distortion in the magnetic field shape that is proportional to the depth of the crack and can be measured up to a maximum depth of 6mm.

Spalling events cause a reduction in the local field density. The magnitude of this reduction is proportional to the depth of the spalling damage.

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