Train-monitoring system

Tender description

Network Rail would like to explore alternative options for detecting failed bearings and providing condition-based bearing maintenance on railway vehicles using the railway infrastructure. This dual role system should be able to create an alarm when a failed bearing has been detected and also monitor the condition of a bearing, detailing or highlighting any developing faults. The purpose of this Request for information (RFI) is to engage with the supply base and request information relating to Axle Bearing Monitoring Systems available in the market. Further information can be found by following the below instructions: 1) Follow the link — https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html 2) From the welcome screen, access the ‘View Current Opportunities’ link and select ‘Pre-Market Engagement: Axle Bearing Monitoring System’; 3) Click on the attachment – ‘Axle Bearing Monitoring System — RFI Information’. A railway vehicle is carried on either a rigid frame or on a set of bogies, which are supported on the wheels through the suspension. The wheels are fitted to an axle that allows the assembly (wheelset) to rotate. On either end of the axle, bearings are fitted to allow the free rotation of the wheelset. The total weight of the vehicle is carried by the bearings deeming it a crucial component of a railway vehicle. A failed axle bearing on a railway vehicle creates a hazard to the safe operation of the railway. If an axle bearing fails whilst rolling stock is in-service there is the potential for a catastrophic event. A catastrophic event may result in fatalities, severe damage to rolling stock and/or the infrastructure and a risk that rolling stock may derail and/or a fire may develop. The current fleet of axle bearing monitoring systems are nearing the end of life and an alternative monitoring system is being sought. The replacement system shall provide an alarm function when a failed bearing has been detected and have the ability to supply information on the condition of the axle bearing (condition-based maintenance). There are currently 222 axle bearing monitoring systems employed across the railway network and over the next 5 years most of the systems will require replacement. Network Rail are looking to carry out trials with a number of systems in 2020. This RFI will be used to understand the current capability of the market and the types of activities required to trial these technologies on the Network Rail infrastructure. Network Rail would like to understand the following information about the system: — name of system and description, — confirmation that the system complies with our requirements, — examples of where the technology has been fitted to the railway infrastructure, — if still in development, the Technology readiness level (TRL) that has been reached, — indicative costings for the supply of the system. Should you wish to respond to this RFI please follow the below instructions: 1) Follow the link — https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html 2) From the welcome screen, access the ‘View Current Opportunities’ link and select ‘Pre-Market Engagement: Axle Bearing Monitoring System’; 3) Click on the attachment – ‘Axle Bearing Monitoring System — RFI Submission Template’; 4) Once completed please send your submission document via email as attachment to briony.toogood@networkrail.co.uk with the email subject ‘Axle Bearing Monitoring System RFI’. The response deadline for this RFI is 17.00 on 10.1.2020. Any questions or clarifications in respect of this RFI should be addressed to briony.toogood@networkrail.co.uk.