With momentum gaining on reinvigorating South Africa’s freight rail network through private-sector participation to better support economic activity, meeting growing demand for increased throughput, more efficient operations and enhanced overall safety are vital.

The country has announced 11 train operators to service 41 routes, taking a significant step in opening freight rail to the private sector.

However, in a bid to boost output, there are higher risks of derailments, potential fatalities and financial losses. Subsequently, it becomes increasingly difficult to balance efficiency with operational safety.

The Institute for Marine Technology (IMT), a division of State-owned company Armscor, showcased its Ultrasonic Broken Rail Detection (UBRD) system developed for the African railway industry at the fourteenth SARA Rail Conference and Exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg.

The UBRD system addresses the growing threats of broken rails, which can cause delays, derailments and have negative economic impacts.

IMT senior manager Dr Vusi Malaza says the technology can be used in a stand-alone configuration or be seamlessly integrated into existing digital systems, interfacing with a client’s power, communication and data visualisation infrastructure to aid informed decision-making.

In so doing, the system, which can be combined with an operator’s safety mandate, gives users access to real-time monitoring, he highlights.

The UBRD has been installed by satisfied rail operators (domestic and international) numerous times since 1998 and is currently in its fifth design iteration.

“The system brings maturity as well as reliability, ensuring that we integrate into your growing network,” explains Malaza.  

The technology ultimately turns rail into an ultrasonic waveguide – using the injection of ultrasonic waves into continuously welded rail using transmitter and receiver stations spaced about every 1 500 m. If the rail is severely cracked, fractured or broken, an alarm is automatically sent to the rail operation centre.

The highest quality standards are maintained during manufacturing and testing the UBRD system. Designed to be modular and mobile, the easy-to-install and maintain system provides detailed track and system health notifications in near real-time.

“Operators are given peace of mind, knowing that the system is there to protect their rail 24/7,” adds Malaza.

IMT’s highly skilled team is committed to training and supporting clients on-site or remotely. The division can also help operators to integrate the UBRD system into their rail operational environment.

IMT aims to contribute to the maturity and reliability of Africa's railway networks, promoting a common strategy for stakeholder collaboration and growth within the industry through the adoption of the UBRD system.

Based in Simon’s Town, in the Western Cape, IMT operates an ISO 9001-accredited facility. The division strategically provides science-based technological and engineering support to the South African Navy and other members of the maritime community, locally and globally.