Beginning in 2009, TVEMA launched the production of a new generation of NDT vehicles series VD-UMT-1. These are allweather vehicles, which differ from the preceding series by more comfortable space and the use of more efficient ultrasonic and magnetic inspection equipment. For the first time, the detection of defects is carried out by three non-destructive testing methods: ultrasonic, magnetic, and optical.

The VD-UMT-1 NDT vehicles are intended for routine application and provide detection and logging of rail defects by two alternative methods, ultrasonic and magnetic. The magnetic method is applicable at temperatures below minus 50°C.

In general, the need for all-weather operation was the primary initiative to develop this system. The VD-UMT-1 NDT vehicle was designed with the consideration that up to 70% of rail breaks occur in the winter period, when the operation of ultrasonic NDT equipment of both, total and secondary inspection is often complicated, and at temperatures below -30°C, actually becomes impossible.

The vehicle is equipped with the NDT inspection bogie with pivoted assembly, providing permanent contact of the wheel pairs with the rails, thereby ensuring their seamless rolling at curves and switches. Positioning of the ultrasonic skid with respect to the rail head is performed by the probe system itself and not through mechanical

contact with rails. This is achieved by a contact less magnetic method, which is a pioneering approach for such an application that has no equivalent in the industry. The contact less probe system employed on the VD-UMT-1 provides the following advantages:

  • exclusion of mechanical contact of the tracking system with a rail, which could entail appearance of acoustic interference and reduce the life of the tracking system;

  • minimizing the effect of the tracking system on the condition of rail head working surface;

  • prevention of acoustical contact loss due to snow ejection in front of the probe system;

  • unhampered passing of the probe system in switches of any design;

  • increased inspection speed.

The vehicle is equipped with a multi-channel ECHO-COMPLEX 2 NDT system contributing to improved inspection reliability.

Apart from this, the VD-UMT-1 is equipped with high-resolution cameras, which are part of the system for visual detection of defects (SVOD-2). This system automatises the tedious process of continuous optical (visual) monitoring and rules out the human factor, and thereby drastically reduces the probability of errors.

The vehicle is also equipped with the reinforced magnetising system MARS, whose magnetic flux exceeds one and a half times that of any similar system operating on Russian and CIS railways. The Magnetic NDT system, based on electromagnets, facilitates the applicability of the inspection by the applied field method, which provides

deep magnetisation of a rail. MARS makes it possible to discover defects at an early stage of their development at temperatures ranging from -50°C to +50°C, all of which is very helpful for equipping railways operating in severe climatic conditions.

The VD-UMT-1 NDT vehicle can be applied in any season and any time of day, in conditions of snow and rainfall, at temperatures ranging from -50°C to +50°C and air relative humidity up to 98%.

The vehicle is equipped with a state-of-theart HVAC system, an independent power supply system, fire protection system and other life support systems providing the crew with comfortable and safe working conditions for long-term stays in a selfcontained environment. Workplaces in VD-UMT-1 are designed by considering the requirements of ergonomics, operability, and safety. The vehicles are equipped with cutting-edge inspection systems.

Apart from five excellently furnished crew compartments, the vehicle also has a canteen, a lavatory/shower compartment, an operator compartment, an engine and a switchboard compartment.

Detected defects:

According to NTD-TsP-1-93:10.1-2, 11.1-2, 17.1-2, 20.1-2, 21.1-2, 24, 25, 26.3, 27.1-2, 30G.1-2, 30V.1-2, 38.1, 52.1-2, 53.1- 2, 55, 56.3, 66.3, 69, 70.1-2, 79, DR.21.2, DO.20.2, DSN.20.2, DO.60.2, DSN.60.2, DUN.21.2, DU.22.2

According to UIC Code 712 R: UIC111/211, UIC411.1/421/431, UIC471/481, UIC112/212, UIC113/213, UIC133/233, UIC132.1/232.1, UIC132.2/232.2, UIC135/235/236, UIC154/254, UIC100/200, UIC301/302, UIC412/422, UIC127/237, UIC125/225, UIC124/224, UIC133/233, UIC154/25