Safety assessment of rail track welds Rail track NDT inspection is one of the ways how the current state of weld integrity can be assessed. Over half a century, radiographic examination of welds is a well known established technology that can provide a detailed report of the weld under inspection. Although several new inspection methods have emerged as alternative method of inspection, the ability to examine the rail welds against flaws from the * Surface defects or flaws * sub surface defects * Internal material buried defects leads a way forward to a customer to have greater confidence in radiographic approach. Similar to hospitals which have more diagnostic value in X-ray radiography for treatment and diagnosing of patients
Rail Track welds, switch blades and fish bolts can be all examined with the CIT/ Digital radiography System. The technology enables the + Rail weld foot + middle web + Rail head sections to be examined with a minimum of time e.g. 5 to 10 minutes per weld, the fastest inspection technique for weld and switch examination. Key defects like S transverse cracking can also be detected and corrective action can be in place to avoid major disasters.
The technology has been developed by using X-rays and CR digital radiography equipment. Previously used Isotopes had presented problems of shipment. The X-ray radiography enable a more practical approach towards radiography. Digital Radiography, as it requires less dosage & exposure time becomes more cost effective and can move along the track to enhance productivity.
Railway regulators and safety assessment operators can benefit from the CIT/Centralised NDE Rail weld information management system to manage the rail track infrastructure and carry out condition management. While the satellite system carry out the NDT radiography in the field.
