Two related wheel conditions that have negative impact on rail efficiency and infrastructure condition are flat spots and wheels that are out of round. In the case of flat spots – literally a section of the wheel tread that has worn to a flat surface – the constant banging on the rail can significantly effect track ballast and even, under extreme circumstances, lead to broken rails and even broken wheels, both dangerous circumstances.
For many years, the primary method for detecting these conditions has involved use of rail mounted strain gauges that measure the impact of a wheel on the rail at mainline speeds. There were no viable low speed flat spot detectors. IEM has introduced to the market both high speed strain gauge based system for use in conjunction with our WISE SuperSite™ and an innovative mechanical system for detection of flat spots and out of round wheels for use in connection with our Low Speed WISE system.
