Derail Control System G.R.S. 254-883-2200

INTRODUCTION

Global Rail Systems Derail and Blue Flag Control System is designed with safety and reliability as the primary concern. The system is able to work in any environment and provides the safety demanded in todays operations.

Description

Global Rail Systems can offer any style derail or blue flag indicator. The derail and or blue flag indication can be set up with crowders, bi-directional derails, split rail derails or any available style desired. The control system is set up for wireless control to minimize the investment needed. The control system can be through either a DTMF radio control or through central office or remote locations throughout the yard or mechanical facility. The control system also tracks activation and release, event log capability for event reconstruction and can have name of trade and time stamping with secure identification capabilities and is set up with detection circuits to ensure derail cannot be thrown while the circuit is occupied. The system can be ordered as AC or solar charged.

Position Detection

In operations where position detection is critical, the derail machine addresses the concern of knowing the derails position by monitoring the position with high quality all weather proximity sensors. The proximity sensors have an environmental range from -40 to +50 Celsius, have proven themselves reliable in all applications and are programmed to ensure a failsafe position if a failure does occur.

Communication System

In a Global Rail Systems Automated Derail Control and Blue Flag Indication System, the communication system provided depends on how the Railroad wants to monitor and control the derail. Global Rail Systems provides either a data radio for PC control or a UHF-VHF radio for DTMF radio control. The system can be integrated into any control system and will be applied when the Derail is positioned normal and will release when the switch is positioned reverse.

Global Rail Systems uses a Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Data Radio (SSDR). This radio has high reliability with a range of 20 miles and can easily network with additional Transnet radios or modems to create a network that links the field to the central control.

Control System

The control housing includes a strobe light to indicate the position of the derail and is mounted on the outside face for easy visual confirmation. The activation switch is mounted inside a lockable housing for added security.

Occupancy Detection System (OS)

In a Global Rail Systems Automated Derail System, safety is always the first priority in the implementation of our design. Global Rail Systems utilizes an audio frequency overlay track circuit at the derail for occupancy indications. The limits of the OS circuit are defined by passive signs at each end of the derail indicating the protected zone. Each sign has “Begin OS” on one side and “End OS” on the other side and will eliminate the possibility of the derail being thrown while occupied.

Global Rail Systems/SI Audio Frequency Overlay Transceiver

The track circuits are four wire, closed loop track circuits designed according to AREMA recommended practices. The indications of occupancy that are driven into the system from the units are critical to the safe operation of the system. As long as the system detects occupancy, the derail cannot be thrown with power.

System Components

Great care has been taken to ensure the highest quality components for the system in all areas. Reliability, safety, durability and value are the key considerations for the selection of all components.
1. Fully loaded tilt-over mast is designed for wind speeds of 90+ miles per hour.
2. All circuits that are directly attached to the rail are protected by lightning arrestors and surge equalizers.
3. All weather outdoor housing for all control boxes in field.