ITALY: Infrastructure manager RFI plans to install train inspection portals at around 100 key locations on its network, including border crossings and tunnel entrances.
Each portal will subject passing trains to a thermal scan using photovoltaic sensors as well as a clearance check. During a clearance check the portal scans around 3000 profiles/sec with 2000 points per profile to obtain a 3D image of the train.
If located on double track, the portal will be able to scan two trains travelling in opposite directions at the same time.
Designed to comply with SIL4 safety standards, the inspection portals will be linked to the signalling system. This will enable trains to be halted immediately if a clearance infringement is detected or a temperature threshold exceeded.
RFI initially called tenders for seven portals, with MerMec obtaining contracts for five of them.
