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Ultrasonic rail testing made easy

Continuous rail testing with the SoniQ Rail Explorer

Be prepared for all track challenges

Ensure long-term rail safety with continuous rail testing and our ultrasonic rail testing solution. Identify hidden defects before they cause failures, reduce maintenance costs and extend track life. 

With the SoniQ Rail Explorer – a joint development of Vossloh and the Fraunhofer IKTS – you will discover the future of mobile ultrasonic inspection. Our smart solution ensures precise defect detection, keeping tracks safe and reliable. With advanced technology and data-driven insights, rail maintenance becomes even more time and cost efficient. See now how you can keep your rail tracks monitored and maintained.

 

Is the SoniQ Rail Explorer right for your track maintenance needs? Choose between purchasing your own SoniQ Rail Explorer including training and software or having your rails inspected as a service. We’ll be happy to advise you. Let’s talk!

Rely on our innovative ultrasonic rail testing technology

 

  • Inspecting from as close as one millimeter, the nine probes in the test wheel capture an accurate picture of the rail‘s condition at an inspection speed of 3 km/h.

  • In addition to the base and web of the rail, the nine probes in the ultrasonic test wheel cover nearly 100% of the rail head, reliably detecting reflectors from volumetric defects 5 mm below the surface of the rail on both the gauge corner and field sides.

  • Linked to an encoder (incremental distance marker) for positioning accurate to the millimeter.

  • Guide system ensures that the probes sound the rail from the best possible position (important: the waves from the vertical probe must go through the rail’s web).

 

New technological standards with the SoniQ Rail Explorer

  • More reliability with the analysis and interpretation of data 

  • Test results can be immediately integrated into a digitalized chain of processes 

What makes the SoniQ Rail Explorer so special? Precisely identify, localize and predict operations-related irregularities in the rail's interior

In addition to the measuring methods and devices for documenting the rail’s longitudinal and transverse profiles, ultrasonic inspections serve to localize operations-related irregularities in the rail’s interior. Thanks to testing electronics and software from the PCUS pro® family, the SoniQ Rail Explorer detects reflectors from volumetric defects on both the gauge corner side and the field side and even deep squats and head checks as well as corrosion in the rail base according to DIN EN 16729-1. The ultrasonic roller unit has nine test probes that insonify the rail from various different angles.

What makes the SoniQ Rail Explorer so special? Manganese steel compatible

For the first time, achieve deep, precise defect detection in manganese steel crossings with our cutting-edge Ultrasonic Rail Testing technology. While traditional inspection methods struggle with manganese steel, the manual probes developed in collaboration with UltraRS detect discontinuities inside the manganese cast intersection to a depth of at least 60 mm below the running surface. Without interfering trackside signaling and switching equipment, our solution is successfully tested on Vossloh switches. 

What makes the SoniQ Rail Explorer so special? The SoniQ Rail Explorer is future-proofed

  • Artificial Intelligence-compatible software 

  • Augmented Reality for upgraded display options 

  • Inspects both sides of the rail

Further product highlights

 

  • Balanced weight distribution 

  • Center of mass located in the middle 

  • Very easy to carry 

 

 

  • Does not interfere with track signaling & switching equipment 

  • Attestation from DB Systemtechnik 

 

 

  • Optimized couplant use 

  • Regulated valve operation and distribution by brushes 

  • Battery containing individually replaceable conventional lithium-ion cells 

 

 

  • Hardware and software from the same source 

  • Designed and manufactured in Germany 

 

 

  • Customizable user interface 

  • Modular system 

  • Automatic rail height detection 

  • Gain adjustment without changing the DAC curve’s characteristics 

  • Can be integrated into all asset management systems 

 

 

  • Optional storage of raw data 

  • Volume scan of all the raw data – signals displayed depend on the gate settings (slider) 

 

You need all technical details? Get the complete data sheet!

Need precise insights for smarter track maintenance? Our continuous rail testing and ultrasonic rail testing technologies provide in-depth defect detection, ensuring rail integrity with every inspection. Download the complete data sheet now and discover how our cutting-edge solutions keep your tracks safer and longer.

SoniQ Rail Explorer - Technical Datasheet

Track data Collect and analyze track data in real time.

Maximize the efficiency of track maintenance with smart data solutions. Our continuous rail testing technology captures, analyzes, and transfers real-time insights, ensuring precision in every inspection. From ultrasonic rail testing to AI-driven defect detection, our system transforms raw data into smarter maintenance decisions keeping your tracks safer and more reliable.

Data logging

Capture all raw data or only above a threshold and store up to 30 km of rail data.

Data analysis

Analyze data in real time and get various insights from the collected values.

Data transfer

Send files via LTE, WiFi, USB, or SD card for seamless access.

Optional components Increase your track maintenance efficiency with optional components

Take your track maintenance strategy to the next level with cutting-edge continuous rail testing and ultrasonic rail testing technologies. Our advanced tools and optional components help optimize inspections, reduce downtime and extend rail life. Stay ahead of wear and tear – get expert advice and discover how to improve your maintenance operations today. 

  • Camera for precise rail inspection with location-related imaging
    Every photo of the rail surface is saved with the ultrasonic testing data under the same location reference → Comprehensive documentation of the rail’s condition including its maintenance history 

  • Artificial Intelligence supports the evaluation process
    Automated detection (pre-classification) of the reflectors of serious rail defects through the use of learning algorithms with the results displayed to the inspector → Assistance with the evaluation process 

  • Augmented reality for rail inspection: See more, fix faster 
    Perspective-accurate display of the indicators detected as 3D volumetric VR image overlay of the rail → Simplified interpretation & classification of the findings 

Sophisticated design & easy to use

Objectives when developing the design: light-weight, easy to use and extremely sturdy for use trackside

 

  • The trolley‘s compact size:In operating mode: 870 x 300 x 930 mm (L/W/H); Transport dimensions 1,100 x 300 x 580 mm (L/W/H) → fits in the back of a car no problem

  • Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic for a weight of under 20 kg

  • Slimline body design ensures weight is evenly distributed and makes the device easy to carry

  • Suitable for left-handers as well as right-handers

  • Optional shoulder strap also available

  • If required, the SoniQ Rail Explorer can be upgraded to inspect the left and right rails simultaneously

Ready to revolutionize your track maintenance strategy? Our continuous rail testing and ultrasonic rail testing solutions provide the precision, efficiency, and reliability your rail network needs. Get in touch with our experts today and discover how we can help you keep your tracks safer, longer, and more cost-effective.

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