Advanced Solutions for High-Speed Ultrasonic Testing of Railway Track Rails
Versatile Chassis Options for the OKOSCAN-73HS Family of Ultrasonic Testing Systems
Undercarriage component of the railway car-mounted OKOSCAN-73HS system
Truck-mounted version of the hi-rail OKOSCAN-73HS system
Pickup-mounted version of the hi-rail OKOSCAN-73HS system
The OKOSCAN-73HS systems can be mounted on various chassis to meet diverse user requirements. A railway car or hi-rail truck with a dedicated cabin offers ample space for large displays and ensures comfortable working conditions for operators — essential for continuous inspection of extensive railway tracks.
Hi-rail trucks are particularly versatile, as they enable inspections to start and finish at any crossing, simplifying planning in areas with high train traffic. Off-road hi-rail pickups offer similar capabilities but come with some limitations, such as reduced space for large screens, smaller contact liquid tank capacity, and less comfortable operator conditions. However, they present an economical option, ideal for inspecting smaller sections of track across wide distances.
Depending on user requirements, the system can be equipped with either the high-speed OKOSCAN-73HS electronics for maximum inspection speeds of 40–60 km/h (depending on the configuration) or the more economical OKOSCAN-73MS variant, which supports speeds of up to 20–25 km/h.
Regardless of the chassis or electronics selected, the OKOSCAN-73HS/MS system ensures continuous ultrasonic rail inspection with full data recording and reliable detection of dangerous defects in compliance with standards such as EN 16729 and AREMA.
Live visualization of testing results
Inspection results are provided in real-time through various B-Scan and A-Scan formats, offering operators detailed insights into inspection quality parameters like acoustic coupling and the position of ultrasonic wheels relative to the rails. If necessary, operators can adjust wheel positioning remotely via electric actuators, even on curves.
All inspection data, along with settings and reliability parameters, is stored in a comprehensive database, offering robust tools for organizing, analyzing, and monitoring the overall condition of railway tracks.
Intelligent Data Analysis Software for OKOSCAN-73HS/MS Systems
Automated identification of indications resulting from detected defects and track components.
To optimize the processing and interpretation of large volumes of inspection data, a dedicated intelligent machine analysis software module has been developed for the OKOSCAN-73HS/MS systems. This advanced software analyzes the acquired inspection data, effectively filtering out inevitable noise artifacts and compiling a comprehensive table of suspect indications. Each indication is assigned a defect classification code based on UIC 712R or other relevant standards.
Operators benefit from a streamlined workflow, as they only need to confirm or reject the system’s diagnostic findings. The software interface allows seamless navigation between individual indications, making the review process highly efficient. Depending on the user’s specific requirements, the system can generate a variety of detailed reports to support maintenance planning and track condition assessments.
Future Enhancements in OKOSCAN-73HS/MS Software Capabilities
Looking ahead, plans are underway to further enhance the software capabilities of the OKOSCAN-73HS/MS systems. One of the key planned features is the ability to export detected defect indications as navigation tags. These tags could be accessed through a smartphone application, allowing inspectors to view the precise location of defects relative to their current position in real-time.
This innovative feature will significantly simplify confirmatory and in-depth testing procedures, enabling more efficient use of ultrasonic inspection trolleys and manual flaw detectors. The result will be faster, more accurate maintenance operations and improved overall safety of railway tracks.
