Axle counting systems
Smart digital axle counting systems are the backbone for railway operations
Proven technique
Innovative Siemens Mobility axle counting soultuons 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.
State-of-the-art technology
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.
Low lifecycle costs
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 Mobility 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.
Safe and secure operations
The whole range of our Clearguard axle counting systems have 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.
Smart digital track vacancy detection for connected railway solutions
Applications
- Evaluation, management and monitoring of track sections
- Transmission of fail-safe track free/occupied status information to interlocking
- Optional block data transmission ACM-ACM
- Usage in main and secondary routes, station and point areas
- Proven in extreme cold, warm and rainy environments
- Reliable under all types of traction
- Applicable with all common trains, locomotives and wagon types
- Fast track status changes to interlocking
- Track sections of any length
- Train speeds of up to 400 km/h (250 mph)
Key benefits
- Modular 2-out-of-2 system architecture
- Standard serial interface via Ethernet (RaSTA, WNC+) and relay interface
- HTML communication for easy configuration and user-friendly diagnostics
- Maintenance-free ACM module
- Quick configuration exchange with minimum or no impact on line availability
- Ethernet redundant communication
- Minimum building space required for high density applications
- Reliable off-the-shelf network switches and power supply units available worldwide
Versatile and scalable for broad-ranging applications
Our Clearguard ACM 200 and 250 evaluators with the ZP D 43 counting head provide a cost-effective axle counting solution for all types of railway topologies and operations.
Clearguard ACM 250
The Clearguard ACM 250 is the latest of our axle counting system, which offers a more digital and economical solution for both standalone and larger, holistic projects. Thanks to its serial Ethernet interface, the module provides a cost reduction in terms of installation effort, cabling and maintenance. It also includes a redundant communication network for increased availability. Improved by means of dual configuration of power supply units and network switches, engineering efforts are also reduced by using plug-and-play HTML-based software.
Clearguard ACM 200
The Clearguard ACM 200 is a well-established module with more than 7,000 units in operation all over the world. It offers a cost-effective solution for both relay interlockings and isolated environments. Engineering efforts are reduced to a minimum, thanks to its simple graphical interface and the low number of configuration parameters. It provides an Ethernet connection for ACM-ACM communication, facilitating remote block and track status transmission. Compatible with the newer Clearguard ACM 250.
Clearguard ZP D 43
The Clearguard ZP D 43 is the counting head technology for both ACM 200 and 250 axle counting systems. The system detects wheel passage and transmits this information via a two-core cable to the indoor Clearguard ACM 200/250 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 ACM 200/250 modules, 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.
Future-proof technology
The Clearguard ACM 200/250 are flagship Siemens Mobility axle counting systems and will be further developed according to the market needs. Certain features already planned for future developments include:
- IT Security Level 3 according to IEC 62443 standards
- Remote diagnostics via OPCUA interface
- Remote upgrade services for future security and system releases
Scalable track vacancy detection system for highly available and dense railway operations
Applications
- 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)
Key benefits
- 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
The perfect combination for installations in highly-dense areas
Clearguard AC 100
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.
Clearguard ZP D 43 i
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.