Eurailscout - Excellence in Rail Infrastructure Monitoring

Eurailscout was founded in 1998 by two railway contractors - the German Knape Group and the Dutch Strukton - to establish an independent inspection and analysis company for railway infrastructure. In the UK, Eurailscout GB was founded in 2002 to provide infrastructure monitoring services to Network Rail.

MULTI-PURPOSE TRACK RECORDING TRAINS

The first vehicle developed during the company's foundation phase was the UFM120, a multi-purpose track recording train. This innovative monitoring vehicle was the first to combine the following contact-free measurement systems in one single train:

• Track geometry
• Rail profile
• Rail surface defect detection
• Acceleration
• Overhead line
• Video survey

The UFM160 was developed with the same measuring capabilities as the UFM120 but it was designed to fit the tight loading gauge in the UK.

Today the range of measurement systems on our UFM trains is even greater - corrugation, overhead line wear and conductor rail measurements now complement the comprehensive measurement techniques on our trains, which are capable of recording at speeds up to 160kph.

ULTRASONIC RAIL INSPECTION

The second area of activity we work in is the ultrasonic inspection of rails. The international experience of the NS Ultrasoon Bedrijf (the Dutch ultrasonic rail testing division) was brought in-house. This enabled both hand measurements and inspection with the Ultrasonic Test Train UST96 to be carried out right from the start.

EDDY CURRENT MEASUREMENTS, HEAD CHECKS AND SQUATS

Eurailscout now owns the most advanced rail-examining train in Europe, the UST 02. This vehicle combines well-known ultrasonic inspection with eddy current measurements for the detection of head checks, squats, welds, etc. The latest digital picture-grabbing technology enables a visual view of the running edge of the rail to be achieved. This combination means a step change in fault identification, research possibilities and training capabilities. Measurements can be carried out at speeds up to 70kph.

Beside these fields of activities, Eurailscout also offers train-borne turnout surveys, radio coverage and signal strength measurements, and ground penetrating radar.

RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Analysis and consultancy is a growing area of activity. With our comprehensive knowledge, we are able to evaluate the status of a rail network from subsoil to overhead wire. We survey the network on a regular basis with our highly accurate measurement systems and analyse the data in sophisticated software (IRISSys). By doing this, we are able to make the change in the quality of the network visible. We can also assess any associated risks.

By generating this comprehensive picture of the railway infrastructure, the network owner and maintainers can confirm that resources are being targeted successfully. The cost of maintenance can then be reduced. The transparency of information makes interfaces and decision making easier.

RAIL INSPECTION AND TREATMENT ADVICE

By combining all information gathered to assess the quality of the rail (ultrasonic inspection, eddy current, rail profile and corrugation measurements, as well as high-resolution pictures of the running edge of the rails) we are also able to give professional guidance for the life cycle of the rails (e.g. grinding or recharging and maintenance of rail joints). This allows us to predict when rails will require changing.

By advising the best suitable action, life-cycle costs of the rails can be dramatically reduced. The comprehensive train-borne surveys can replace all patrolling and the majority of the manual inspection of the infrastructure. This automated approach to infrastructure monitoring guarantees that safety is kept at a very high level.