Technology in Track Digital Axle Counters Reshaping the Railway Infrastructure

Highlights

• Technology used in track digital axle counters
• Applicability of these devices
• The global perspective of the industry
• Key developments in the domain

A track digital axle counter is a type of device mostly used in railways to detect a train passing between two points on a track. The device mostly consists of wheel sensors and an evaluation unit for counting the axles of the train both into and out of the railway track. It acts as a modern safety signaling system for trains. It monitors the berthing tracks in station areas & yards and is used in level-crossing warning systems using axle counter. This device offers maximum efficiency and safety as it does not depend upon various track parameters such as length, ballast, condition, drainage, voltage, and currents. This device is robust and offers better performance irrespective of climatic condition.

What is the technology behind a track digital axle counter?

This device is equipped with sensors that detect the individual axles of a train by using mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic methods. A detection point is installed at each end of the track. Once the train passes the detection point at the start of the track, the axle counter records the data. This detection point comprises of two different sensors that detect the speed and direction of a train by the order and time in which the train passes the sensors. If the train passes a similar axle counter sensor at the end of the section, the device compares the recording taken at the beginning and end of the railway track. If the two counts are the same, the section is considered as clear.

This process of detecting clear signals is carried out by centrally located computers called evaluators with the help of dedicated sensors located at different sites in the railway tracks. These sensors are connected to the evaluator through dedicated copper cable or through a telecommunication transmission system. This allows the sensors to be located at a significant distance from the evaluator, enabling them to be used as centralized interlocking equipment.

Deployment of track digital axle counter redefines railways

The digital axle counters are commonly used in railway signaling for track vacancy detection. These counters do not permit two trains within the same section of track at the same time, showcasing the concept of block signaling. This decreases the chance of collision as it divides the track into blocks, ensuring enough space between trains and allowing them to stop before any chances of hitting each other. Furthermore, these axle counters are used to switch on and switch off warning equipment at level crossings, enabling pedestrians and motor vehicles to cross the railway lines safely after the train passes through the crossing area. These devices are used to switch and prevent train cars from being routed to tracks that are occupied by other cars.

The global growth prospects of the industry – A focus on safe railway infrastructure development

The track digital axle counter industry has experienced significant growth due to the increased need for track digital axle counters as they ensure precise train detection, enhance overall railway safety, and reduce expectancy of signaling errors. The industry is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2023 to 2032.

Furthermore, on the basis of region, the industry is analyzed across North America, LAMEA, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Among all, Europe is expected to hold the highest share in the industry. This is mainly due to an increase in demand for efficient railway infrastructure owing to rapid industrialization across the region. Moreover, the expansion in agriculture and construction sectors has increased demand for robust railway infrastructure for the transportation of goods in the region. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to a rise in population and urbanization across the region.

By country, India is expected to hold a dominant share in the industry, by manifesting a CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period. On the other hand, the Middle East is expected to hold the second highest share in the sector and is projected to rise at a CAGR of 13.1% over the estimated period.

Siemen’s ACM 200 and Network Rails’ favorable acquisition

Many leading players in the domain have adopted strategies such as new product launches and made alliances to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. For example, in April 2023, Siemens AG, a German multinational technology conglomerate, announced the launch of ACM 200, the latest version of the track digital axle counter, to ensure the safe operation of railways by accurately detecting trains, control signals, and interlock systems.

In December 2021, Network Rail, the infrastructure manager of most of the railway network in the UK announced its acquisition of Thales, a French multinational company that designs, develops, and manufactures electrical systems. With this acquisition, the companies aim to enhance level crossings with improved reliability in the UK and Germany by developing and supplying Ax LX, a new electronic treadle.

To conclude, the incorporation of track circuiting, data loggers, block-proving axle counters, and related systems in railways to reduce the occurrence of train collisions is expected to foster the growth of the industry in the years to come. Moreover, the continuous technological advancements in developing track digital axle counters are expected to bring immense growth opportunities in the future.

To gain more insights into the track digital axle counter industry, feel free to talk to our industry analysts today! They help you identify new business opportunities across various regions.

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