Frauscher Sensor Technology has completed the divestiture to Wabtec Corporation.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Supplementing Audio Frequency Track Circuits with Axle Counters | USA
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Supplementing Audio Frequency Track Circuits with Axle Counters

Operator
Charlotte Area Transit System
Country
United States of America
Partner
HNTB
Segment
Metro
Application
Level Crossing Protection
Products
RSR180, FAdC
Year
2022
Scope of project
6 counting heads

At the Charlotte Area Transit System, frequent false red signal overruns resulted when electromagnetic interference caused “bobbing” of the line’s audio frequency track circuits. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC was subsequently considered as an alternative to these track circuits to eliminate the occurrence of false red signal overruns.

The operators of the Charlotte Area Transit System, at the advice of consultant HNTB, agreed to utilise the FAdC for a shadow mode trial to determine if it would solve its prevalent issue of false red signal overruns. The main reason for consideration of the axle counter was its high immunity to the electromagnetic interference, which was causing this issue, as well as its ability to interoperate with the existing audio frequency track circuits. The trial was conducted at the Archdale Interlocking for nine and a half months, generating the expected positive results. The data indicated that although numerous events of track circuit “bobbing” occurred during the trial period and generated false overruns, the axle counter data showed that if it had been in service, these overruns would have been prevented. The FAdC was able to increase the availability and safety, ensuring consistent and smooth operation of this light rail line. The axle counters were then used to entirely replace the existing AF track circuits, after the vital testing was successfully completed and the personnel was fully trained. After finalisation of these important steps, the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC was placed in revenue service.

Elimination of false red signal overruns

Protection against environmental conditions and electromagnetic interference

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
Train DetectionCanada

City of Calgary Grade Crossing Upgrade

The City of Calgary in Alberta, Canada was seeking an upgrade to the existing signaling system at a crossing near a station in the downtown area, to alleviate shunt issues caused by winter conditions. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC and Wheel Sensors RSR180 were chosen to augment the existing system. During the eleven month trial period, the axle counter ran in shadow mode with the legacy system to gauge performance and compatibility. After the axle counter was proven during the trial with no faults or errors, the city was able to implement a hybrid crossing design using both the axle counting system and track circuits.
Train DetectionFinland

Kokkola

Frauscher supplied one of Finland’s busiest railway lines with new axle counters. The line was extended from a single to a double track section and Mipro was looking for a solution which can interface with their interlocking system in an efficient and cost effective way.
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Class 1 Yard Project

Frauscher was approached by a North American Class 1 railroad planning a major expansion of one of its yards, and the required time to completion was short. The scope of the expansion was to build an operational multitrack flat yard on vacant land within six weeks with a signalling solution to protect switches during operations.
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Reducing Delays in a Metro (subway) Environment

A large metro operator was researching ways to reduce bottlenecks that were causing significant delays at a busy station. With two routes dividing in close proximity to the station and a complex auto-routing system that required the use of a 30-second timer to release switches, trains would frequently back up when approaching the station.
Train DetectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Maintaining the past, creating the future

The Dean Forest Railway (DFR) operates a historical 7 km passenger service line running north from Lydney Junction to Parkend, in the Forest of Dean. Due to extensions of the line and an additional turnout being added at Parkend, an update and modernisation of the existing train detection and signalling system was necessary. Being a heritage railway, it requires high standards in terms of signalling and safety, whilst maintaining the historical touch of the line.