A JOINT project to develop automated rolling stock condition monitoring integrated with braking systems has been established by bearing and lubrication specialist SKF and brake manufacturer Knorr-Bremse.
Signed in Göteborg on October 31 by SKF Service Division President Phil Knights and Knorr-Bremse Director Wolfgang Schlosser, the agreement covers the development of a specialised electronic monitoring board integrated with Knorr-Bremse's brake controls, and capable of recording and diagnosing condition data.
Based on SKF's IMx-R monitoring system, the board will enable remote monitoring and data collection from each bogie of a moving vehicle, providing early fault detection and enabling operators to avoid component failures leading to secondary damage. The data will also assist with condition-based maintenance, helping to reduce rolling stock life-cycle costs.
