Axle counting systems

Siemens axle counting systems range from modular and flexible to high-end systems providing improved availability. The wheel detector is based on a double-side technology without electronics on the sensor – thus making it less sensitive to environmental changes, and providing high reliability and robustness.

The evaluation technology offers both a redundant product architecture and dual Ethernet network for high availability. The axle counting modules provide modern serial interfaces to interlockings as well as potential-free relay output for adaption to older technologies.

The Clearguard ACM product line ensures a competitive investment by providing a highly reliable and maintenance-free module, leanly manufactured with all main components used in most Siemens trackside components. It is simple in its design, offering a DIN rail assembly with plug connection and quick data updates, and thus reducing installation and commissioning times.

The whole range of Siemens Clearguard axle counting systems has been developed according to CENELEC EN 50126, EN 50128 and EN 50129 standards and conforms to the highest safety integrity level, SIL4. These products can be configured within a system architecture providing the required security level.

• Evaluation, management and monitoring of track sections
• Transmission of fail-safe track free/occupied status information to interlocking
• Cost-effective usage in high density areas (e.g. stations, main routes, etc.)
• Proven in extreme cold, warm and rainy environments
• Reliable under all types of traction
• Applicable with all common trains, locomotives and wagon types
• Track sections of any length
• Train speeds of up to 400 km/h (250 mph)

• High availability based on a standardized 2-out-of-3 computing architecture
• High level of integration and compact installation via 19" modular rack system
• Board replacement without interrupting operation
• Up to 36 connected counting heads per AC 100 system
• Software upload to counting head from indoor equipment thanks to ISDN interface
• No wheel detection instruments required for calibration
• Able to provide block transmission information for up to 8 track sections

Used mainly in Germany, Belgium and Algeria, the Clearguard AC 100 axle counting system offers a highly available solution for very dense areas. Thanks to its serial interface between indoor and outdoor equipment, it is possible to implement certain additional features to improve commissioning times, installation and preventive maintenance (e.g. counting head software update from indoor equipment). The module includes a 2-out-of-3 computing architecture plus a redundant communication network for increased availability. It also provides both relay and serial interfaces to the interlocking, providing vast section status capability with one AC 100.

The Clearguard ZP D 43 i detects and counts the wheels’ passage, transmitting this information via ISDN to the indoor Clearguard AC 100 equipment. Thanks to its double-side sensor, it is resistant towards false readings such as those produced by rail wear, wheel flange reduction, or small metal mass. It operates in most rail profiles – up to the maximum permissible rail wear and under all weather conditions. It offers immunity against reverse currents, magnetic rail brakes, eddy-current brakes, balise train-mounted antennas, and many kinds of EMC interferences. The system can also provide detection information to two independent AC 100 evaluators, to reduce timing and costs around fringes and station blocks. The counting head can operate remotely up to 21 km from the evaluator and at speeds of up to 450 km/h.