IAD Rail Systems - Leaders in Switch Actuation

IAD Rail Systems provides whole-life, cost effective solutions for demanding high integrity rail applications requiring safety related and safety-critical equipment.

With extensive experience in the design, integration, qualification and manufacture of equipment in which reliability, availability, maintainability and safety are standard entry level requirements. The goal is to exceed customer expectations in terms of pro-active response, and adding value beyond just price competitiveness.

High integrity actuation for rail applications

As an operating division of Claverham, IAD Rail Systems centres on the creation of actuation systems and associated products for the rail industry. Drawing on specialist knowledge of safety-critical, high-reliability aerospace practice available within its sister operations, the division has developed rail products, which offer particular benefits.

These include techniques which preserve safety levels in the event of gradual or perhaps sudden loss of function, and integral design features which provide sustained performance over extended operating times, including high long term reliability in the working environment.

IAD Rail Systems develop actuation equipment from concept through to production incorporating reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (RAMS) philosophy as an integral part of the design process.

High performance switch system (HPSS)

Working in collaboration with its customer, Railtrack, and its partner, Balfour Beatty Rail, IAD Rail Systems developed a next-generation electrically operated HPSS.

The HPSS incorporates a number of innovative features, notably the most up to date, reliable, actuation, locking and detection technologies available. These are integrated with proven in-sleeper mounted torsional back-drives, and the latest enhanced trackwork features.

The result is a highly reliable, robust, low maintenance, low through-life cost switch and crossing system.

HPSS has successfully undergone extensive testing and trials during a seven-year development programme. It has now gained product safety acceptance certification.

HPSS is now being ordered and is poised to significantly reduce points failures which cause delay to rail traffic.

Key operational features of HPSS

• More reliable than existing points machines, meaning improved train performance
• Able to provide data to condition-monitoring systems
• Very low maintenance
• Lower whole-life costs
• High-speed traffic potential
• Machine tampable

Design features

• In-sleeper design
• Contact-free rail detection using linear transducers
• DC brushless motor
• Electronic control
• Reduction gearbox/leadscrew drive arrangement
• Rails locked in position by leadscrew/duplex brakes
• Duplex detection of all "safety critical" features
• Hand-held computer for commissioning /diagnostics
• Tolerant of gauge spread (with safe limits)
• Tolerant of rail creep