GE pilot switch installation to streamline rail freight through Durban while increasing safety
Johannesburg, South Africa, October 28, 2008 -- The overall recapitalisation of South Africa's rail network is making a positive impact on the safety and efficiency of its various operations. The recent commissioning of the GE Transportation Signalling Hydra-Switch pilot installation at Durban's Bayhead shunting yard is an excellent example.
GE Transportation rail technology solutions have an outstanding track record in South Africa, backed by decades of global experience. GE Transportation successes include several Brightstar modernisation installations and the LOCOTROL distributed power system recently implemented on the Transnet Orex line. Globally, GE is being awarded significant modernization projects such as a recent award to modernise signalling and communications on the Rotterdam Metro, which manages more than 55 kilometres of double track and 48 stations.
In Durban South Africa, GE installed 29 of our versatile 3000LP Hydra-Switch powered point machines, all wirelessly controlled by a single outdoor control panel or indoor PC control system. Barend Hanekom, GE Transportation Signalling Sales Engineer in charge of the project said: "The versatile 3000LP Hydra-Switch is the key to optimum freight train movement for Transnet, especially in a busy shunting yard like Bayhead. The system allows for trains to be switched remotely between sets of rails from a centralised operator position. Keeping the operator at a control location improves safety while reducing human effort. The centralised control improves operator awareness of the whole situation for more effective control."
GE Transportation's Bayhead single entry-point installation, at 29 switches, is the largest of three pilot switching installations commissioned by Transnet Freight Rail in order to improve safety in shunting yards.
Switching, or moving a section of rail so that it will guide, or switch, a train onto another section of the track, was an onerous job previously done manually. The Hydra-Switch solution consists of small, individual control systems, one of which is installed on each switch in the overall installation.
Each individual control system can communicate, via radio, both to other switches and to a central control point, although most communication is to the central control, whose panels can be in the yard or control-room
"An outstanding attribute of the Hydra-Switch system is its ability to detect whether or not a switch has been successfully completed. Previously, misaligned manual switches could potentially result in dangerous and costly derailments. With the Hydra-Switch, this will not happen," states Hanekom.
Modern rail control systems are powered by electricity, and power outages are a real possibility. However, GE Transportation's Hydra-Switch systems are battery-powered and the batteries are charged either by solar or AC power. Charging is continuous, so should a power failure happen, the battery will continue to operate the switch motor for up to 300 switches per charge.
Currently, most South African shunting yards switch with manual tumblers. This is an activity that involves physical and operational dangers. With the GE system, yard managers no longer have to walk long distances to supervise and control safe switching.
The possibility of human error, injuries, accidents and yard downtime is also greatly reduced, as the system simplifies and automates rail switching. Tasks can now be scheduled and entered ahead of time, and the database keeps a record of activity for later analysis.
"GE Transportation has considered all possible safety and operational issues in the design of the Hydra-Switch system, and produced equipment that is intrinsically safe, effective and efficient. As a global rail player and in many other infrastructure businesses, we are committed to the ongoing development of Africa and South Africa. We are truly here for the long haul," said Hanekom.
About GE Transportation
Established more than 100 years ago, GE Transportation, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a global technology leader and supplier to the railroad, marine, drilling, mining and wind industries. GE provides freight and passenger locomotives, railway signaling and communications systems, information technology solutions, marine engines, motorized drive systems for mining trucks and drills, high-quality replacement parts and value added services. With sales in excess of $4.5 billion, GE Transportation is headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, and employs approximately 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.getransportation.com.
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Media Contact GE Transportation:
Tom Scott
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Tom Scott