Nedap AVI

Automatic train refuelling Dutch Railways  

The big leak

In the past the refuelling of the railway equipment was done with conventional refuelling terminals at the shunting yards. The Dutch Railways however set up a specification for modern refuelling platforms for all their sites. These requirements consisted mainly of automatically registration and leak free refuelling of their railway equipment with an optimised management over the storage tanks and diminished fuel.

From environmental point of view Dutch Railways felt obliged to eliminate the fuel loss and waste of the refuelling operation. Important data as operator name and material number had to be inserted manually on the fuel automate. Missing fuel and data caused administrational gaps and strength them to think about a better way to control their refuelling operations.

Intelligent refuelling

For the revamp of all the refuelling platforms in Holland, of all the refuelling platforms in Holland, the Dutch Railways selected the Nedap microwave identification, TRANSIT, as the most appropriate system for identification of their railway material. The railway material is equipped with Heavy Duty Tags, containing their unique material number. These tags are specifically developed for operations in hazardous areas where, due to the certification requirements, conventional identification systems are not permitted.

The refuelling system incorporates an over-fill prevention device to give total control over the refuelling process. When the train enters the refuelling platform a movement sensor is activating the TRANSIT. This unit is linked to the refuelling terminal, identifies the train and authorises the operator to start the process. After mounting the hose valve to the tank opening, the operator is identified by his ID card, and is allowed to type in the fuel type and the number of litres. Then the refuelling process is started. The hose valve will be blocked when, detected via the built-in sensor, the train is moving before the refuelling operation is ended.

LONG RANGE IDENTIFICATION

The Nedap TRANSIT system provided the necessary solution of a reliable, secure and convenient identification of the train at the fuelling station.

ADVANTAGES

• Easy implementation to refuelling terminal
• Convenient for operators
• Error free automated registration
• Optimised administration of refuelling operations