The RTMS Track Temperature Monitoring System delivers accurate, real-time rail temperature measurements with automated remote alerts, enabling infrastructure managers to monitor critical track locations from anywhere even those devoid of cellular coverage 24/7/365. The system monitors for excessive heat and summer and cold in winter, thanks to the unique use of the ultra-reliable LEO Iridium satellite network.

The RTMS’s innovative design is able to monitor both the rail temperature and to provide an indication of OHL temperature too. This enables maintenance teams to predict ice formation or potential line sag. This is achieved by monitoring the solar gain of the system’s solar panel which is a low thermal mass surrogate from OHL apparatus, without the hazard of actually connecting to the OHL.

Designed for installation outside the four-foot the RTMS’s controller gathers the rail temperature measurements from a wireless sensor, clamped on the underside of the running rails or alternatively on a short offcut length of test track placed at the side of the line.

The RTMS track sensor is a rapid fit design which can be attached without the need for tools or evasive drilling. It uses an approved insulator clip making it visible to track maintenance gangs and equally ensuring that track circuits are not compromised.

Communications between the sensor and the trackside RTMS controller is achieved using radio telemetry, using the industry proven RDNET1000 data protocol. Both this and the Iridium messaging system are non-IP based making the system innately cybersecure.

Data is transmitted in virtual real time or at user-defined reporting intervals, providing flexible monitoring to suit operational and/or power constraints.