Instrumented Measuring Wheel – Advancing Railway Safety and Track Diagnostics The instrumented measuring wheel has become one of the most essential tools in modern railway research instrumentation, providing real-time insights into wheel–rail force measurement and vehicle–track interaction analysis. Designed with high-precision wheel force sensors, these systems allow engineers to accurately monitor dynamic loads, vibration levels, and rolling contact conditions between the train wheel and rail surface. In practical applications, the railway measuring wheel forms a core part of rolling stock testing and bogie dynamics tests, helping evaluate suspension performance, wheel alignment, and overall ride stability. By capturing critical data during high-speed or heavy-load operations, it ensures that maintenance engineers can detect abnormalities early and prevent potential derailments or failures. The technology also supports track condition monitoring and track irregularity detection, serving as a key component in integrated rail diagnostics systems. When combined with railway telemetry systems, it enables wireless transmission of test data for continuous train dynamics monitoring, whether in laboratories or on actual railway lines. Furthermore, the integration of wheelset instrumentation into research bogies enhances accuracy in vehicle–track interaction studies, supporting advanced modeling and validation for improved infrastructure design. These capabilities contribute directly to enhanced railway safety equipment and optimized maintenance planning. Overall, the instrumented measuring wheel represents a cornerstone in next-generation rail research and diagnostics, empowering railway engineers to maintain safer, more efficient, and data-driven rail networks.

Hydraulic Proof Pressure Test Rig

About

The Hydraulic Proof Pressure Test Rig is a precision-engineered system designed to verify the strength and leak-tightness of hydraulic components under extreme conditions. Operating up to 700 bar, it subjects valves, hoses, manifolds, and actuators to controlled overpressure levels that simulate real-world hydraulic stress. Equipped with a multi-pump power unit, dual oil tanks, and a PLC-based Advantech industrial control system, the rig automates the entire test cycle—from filling and pressurization to dwell and depressurization—while recording every parameter in real time. Its stainless-steel test chamber, multi-stage filtration, and redundant safety interlocks ensure operator protection and contamination-free operation. Built for demanding aerospace, defence, and industrial applications, it delivers repeatable, traceable, and certified proof testing with the reliability and precision expected of Neometrix systems.
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Technical Details

Parameter Typical Value / Capability Remarks
Vertical Force (Q) 0 – 200 kN Simulated and measured
Lateral Force (Y) 0 – 100 kN For curve negotiation studies
Sampling Rate Up to 5 kHz High-frequency transients captured
Telemetry Channels 16 Simultaneous strain / aux inputs
Telemetry Gap 0.1 m Inductive coupling distance
Wheel Speed (Lab / Field) 1000 RPM / 160 km h⁻¹ Balanced instrumentation wheelset
Calibration Accuracy ±0.5% FS Verified on hydraulic rig
• Track Condition Monitoring — detection of stiffness variation, settlement, gauge widening, or alignment faults.
• Vehicle Dynamics Research — validation of suspension and bogie models.
• Ride Comfort & Safety Assessment — correlation of vertical/lateral force spectra with ride quality indices.
• Derailment Prediction & Model Verification — empirical data for NUCARS / SIMPACK and in-house RDSO models.
• Maintenance Planning — predictive intervention based on force-map analytics.
• Educational & Research Platform — postgraduate instrumentation and dynamics experiments at IIT Kanpur and RDSO.
   
        

Key Features

  • Indigenous instrumented wheelset measuring real-time wheel–rail interaction forces.
  • Strain-gauge-based sensing for vertical, lateral, and torsional load measurement.
  • Contactless inductive telemetry for power and data transmission up to 0.1 m gap.
  • Hydraulic calibration rig simulating vertical and lateral loads up to 250 kN.
  • Rugged DAQ system with 16 channels and sampling up to 5 kHz per channel.
  • Real-time GPS-synchronized data logging and force mapping capabilities.
  • Calibration accuracy within ±0.5 % FS ensuring reliable field performance.
  • Validated under RDSO field trials for dynamic diagnostics and safety research.

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Details

Overview and Purpose
Every high-pressure system—whether on an aircraft, a missile platform, or a heavy industrial press—depends on components that must not fail under extreme hydraulic stress. A single weak link, such as a leaking connector or an under-strength valve, can compromise an entire assembly. The Neometrix Hydraulic Proof Pressure Test Rig is engineered to eliminate such risks by verifying that each component can safely endure pressures far exceeding its rated operating level. This test rig is designed to conduct hydrostatic proof tests on hydraulic components. It subjects the item under test to controlled overpressure—typically 1.5 to 2.0 times its maximum operating pressure—and holds that pressure for a defined dwell time. The test confirms that the component does not leak, deform, or lose integrity under proof conditions.

Unlike burst testing, which deliberately drives a component to failure, the proof test is non-destructive. The tested item remains intact and qualified for further use. In simpler terms, if a component is expected to contain pressure, this rig ensures it truly can.

Function and Testing Principle
The rig performs hydrostatic proof testing in accordance with international and defence-grade standards. It applies a controlled hydraulic pressure using mineral oil or compatible test fluid and monitors the pressure decay or deformation response over time. The pressure ramp, dwell duration, and depressurization rate are fully programmable through a PLC-based control system.

The machine ensures compliance with the following standard methodologies:
• ISO 19879 — Hydraulic fittings and connectors
• ISO 1402 — Rubber and thermoplastic hoses
• SAE J343 / J517 — Hydraulic hose assemblies
• EN 12266-1 — Valve pressure tests
• ASTM E1003 — Hydrostatic leak test method
• MIL-STD-810 — Environmental and structural qualification for defence hardware
Each test cycle is logged automatically with time-stamped data, forming part of the component’s quality record.

Mechanical and Hydraulic Architecture
Frame and Enclosure
• Fabricated steel frame with powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance.
• Stainless steel (SS304) test chamber with drain outlet and splash-proof lid.
• Integrated viewing window for safe operator observation.
• Door interlocks and safety switches prevent pressurization when open.
• Compact footprint with vibration-damped caster base for ease of movement.

Hydraulic Power Unit
• Multi-pump configuration driven by three electric motors (visible in the base section):
o High-pressure pump for main proof testing.
o Low-pressure charging pump for prefill and flushing.
o Return pump for circulation and cooling.
• Filtration Assembly: Duplex filter setup (10 μm and 3 μm) on pressure and return lines.
• Reservoir System: Dual oil tanks (operational and clean return) with level gauges, breathers, and sampling ports.
• Valving and Piping: Stainless-steel manifolds, seamless tubing, and high-pressure fittings rated above 700 bar.
• Pressure Regulation: Precision pressure control valves and mechanical relief valves for overpressure protection.

Control and Instrumentation
• Industrial PC (Advantech S10) integrated with an AOC industrial monitor for human–machine interface.
• PLC-based automation for sequence control and interlocking.
• Real-time display of pressure, temperature, and flow parameters.
• Pressure transducers with ±0.25% FS accuracy, calibrated to traceable standards.
• High-precision analog gauge for redundant safety verification.
• Programmable test sequences: fill → ramp → hold → depressurize.
• Data logging software for generating automatic test certificates.

Performance Specifications
Parameter Specification
Maximum Test Pressure Up to 700 bar (10,000 psi)
Working Fluid Hydraulic oil (ISO VG 32 or as specified)
Pressure Ramp Rate 1–50 bar/s adjustable
Dwell Time 1 s to 60 min programmable
Pressure Accuracy ±0.25% of full scale
Pressure Stability ±0.05% of set pressure
Filtration Level 10 µm (pressure line), 3 µm (return line)
Tank Capacity 80–150 litres (dual tank configuration)
Drive Motors 3-phase induction motors (0.5 HP to 5 HP)
Control System PLC + Advantech Industrial PC + HMI
Safety Interlocks Door lock, overpressure relief, emergency stop
Construction Material Stainless steel (wet parts), powder-coated mild steel (frame)
Standards Compliance ISO, SAE, EN, ASTM, MIL-STD
Test Sequence 1. Component Installation: The test specimen is mounted using appropriate hydraulic connectors and adaptors. 2. Filling and Air Purge: Low-pressure pump fills the component and removes trapped air. 3. Pressure Ramp: Hydraulic pressure is increased smoothly to the set proof pressure. 4. Dwell: The proof pressure is held for a specified time while system monitors stability and leakage. 5. Depressurization: The system automatically vents pressure in a controlled manner. 6. Evaluation: Data logs are analyzed, and a digital report is generated indicating pass/fail results. The process is fully automated to ensure repeatability and operator safety. Safety Features • Mechanically interlocked and electrically monitored front door. • Independent overpressure relief valve and rupture disc. • Emergency stop circuit for instant depressurization. • High-pressure rated fittings, hoses, and manifolds. • Stainless-steel spill tray and drainage system. • System grounded and fused as per IEC 61010 and CE guidelines. • Operator protection through full enclosure and transparent observation window. Applications The Neometrix Hydraulic Proof Pressure Test Rig is designed for testing a wide variety of hydraulic components, including: • Hydraulic hoses and assemblies • Fittings, couplings, adaptors, and connectors • Manifolds, blocks, and valve housings • Hydraulic cylinders and actuator casings • Filters, end caps, and pressure-retaining bodies • Small hydraulic tanks or accumulators It is ideally suited for aerospace, defence, automotive, energy, and heavy engineeringindustries, as well as R&D and quality assurance laboratories. Optional Features • Dual-pressure range configuration for low- and high-pressure testing. • Automatic data acquisition and certificate generation software. • Integration with barcode or RFID-based test tracking. • Remote monitoring capability via Ethernet or VPN. • Temperature control for oil conditioning during proof test. • Custom chamber dimensions and fixture designs for special components. Documentation and Deliverables Each system is supplied with the following: • Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) documentation and calibration certificates. • Operation and maintenance manual with hydraulic schematics. • IQ/OQ documentation templates. • Recommended spares and fixture list. • Electrical and PLC wiring diagrams. • Risk and hazard analysis report in accordance with CE/PED directives. Summary Description The Neometrix Hydraulic Proof Pressure Test Rig is a precision-engineered, fully enclosed test system for verifying the pressure integrity of hydraulic components. Built with a dual-tank oil system, multi-stage filtration, and a PLC-controlled automation interface, it ensures safe and repeatable proof testing up to 700 bar. The system integrates real-time data logging, automatic certificate generation, and redundant safety features to comply with ISO, SAE, EN, and MIL standards. Designed for critical aerospace, defence, and industrial applications, this rig guarantees reliability, accuracy, and operational safety for every component it tests.

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