Railway Track & Structures - February 2008 - (Page 21) A less-elusive rail flaw Advances in training, equipment and technologies ensure that a train derailment isn’t the first sign of a rail flaw. ENSCO’s Joint Bar Inspection System vehicle. W Dapco hen it comes to rail-flaw detection, new equipment and technology combinations are helping the science behind it become more exact, while proper training advances the art of detection. The primary products at Dapco Industries, Inc., are rail inspection services and computerized flaw detection equipment for the inspection of rail, axles and wheels. “We introduced new technology for the automatic inspection of wheels while in a train formation at speed of four to six miles per hour,” said Dominick Pagano, president of Dapco. “This past summer we also deployed a ‘game changing’ railflaw inspection technology (patent pending) for the detection of gauge corner detail fractures; this type of defect has historically been responsible for 70-90 percent of all service failures.” Pagano points out that the biggest challenge is dealing with rail wear and surface and sub-surface conditions (shelling) that would otherwise mask potential critical rail defects. “We have undertaken a comprehensive study to determine the genesis and physical characteristics of the more difficult and problematic flaws with the objective that it will lead to the development of technology that will allow the detection of defects in their infancy,” said Pagano. According to Pagano, detection of flaws in their infancy has been difficult and the industry is increasing inspection cycles in an effort to detect flaws before they lead to a service failure. Pagano notes that the trend is partly driven by risk management in an effort to minimize service failures and potential derailments between testing periods. “Since Dapco Industries has reentered the rail inspection market, we have reby Mischa Wanek-Libman, assistant editor Multi-Purpose Grinder 1805 2nd Avenue North, Moorhead, MN 56560-2310 218.236.0223 / portaco.com www.rtands.com PortaCo, Inc. builds a wide variety of standard hydraulic power units and tools as well as custom design power units to meet your particular needs. • Grinds on horizontal or vertical plane • Simple position change • Adjustable handle • Rail arm guide Railway Track & Structures February 2008 21 http://www.rtands.com
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