RELIABILITY EVALUATION OF A BRAKE PIPE FLOW INDICATOR FOR USE WITH REMOTE CONTROL LOCOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT

The test data presented in this report show that the Type "B" Brake Pipe Flow Indicator is mechanically capable of operating one million cycles under laboratory conditions without failure or loss of sensitivity. Under prolonged exposure to high temperatures the diaphragm showed some effects of heat aging which is to be expected with molded rubber products not specifically synthesized to withstand high temperature environments. The apparatus developed for the cycling tests was realistic in terms of simulating a number of significant operating parameters of a flow meter used on locomotives in service. It appears therefore that the flow rater as used for a control function in remote-controlled locomotives is functionally adequate and no special precautions need be considered in relation to normally testing and maintaining this part.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by the Ad Hoc Committee on Remote Controlled Locomotive Unit Power.
• Corporate Authors:

  Association of American Railroads Research Center

  3140 South Federal Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60616
• Publication Date: 1971-3

Media Info

• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: 11 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air brakes; Brakes; Braking; Control; Instrumentation; Locomotives; Reliability; Remote control
• Old TRIS Terms: Braking control; Locomotive brakes; Remote control locomotives
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00080121
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
• Report/Paper Numbers: R-108 Proj. Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 16 1976 12:00AM