Following a trial last summer Network Rail has extended the use of Radio-Tech’s Rail Temperature Monitor (RTM) to another 200 sites across the UK Network. The fully automatic, battery powered system is designed for critical rail temperature management. It enables temperatures to be monitored constantly, anywhere on the network, providing early warning of the risk of track buckling without endangering personnel.

The trial featured loggers at 34 key points on the west coast main line between London and Crewe. The results gave Network Rail the confidence to extend use to just over 200 other sites throughout the UK network. Installed between May and July, the RTM systems seem to have met expectations, and Network Rail is assessing the impact to see if there is justification for even greater investment.

Until now, temperature monitoring was carried out manually at previously assessed critical areas by personnel on-track. To increase safety for staff and provide a more efficient system of temperature monitoring Radio-Tech developed the new RTM system. The system can be deployed anywhere on the rail network including tunnel mouths, cuttings, areas liable to flooding and restricted areas such as red zone working prohibited areas.

Up to eight non-invasive rail-mounted temperature probes at each location transmit to a track-side wireless data logger with a 70 metre reception radius. This in turn reports back to the central server running the RTM application software, where temperatures can be monitored. The server can also export data over the internet, an intranet or via SMS text message, enabling personnel to remotely access all information.

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