High temperatures transport

Currently, the correct identification and monitoring of the articles are an essential aspect of logistics and production management. However, the technology is so useful for parcel services was not suitable for rail freight wagons and their contents. The needs are too complex and too extreme conditions. Available electronic modules could not ensure reliable tracking in extreme conditions.

To address this problem, HARTING has developed UHF RFID transponders (RFID), which are sufficiently strong to ensure reliable service in these demanding conditions. Trains in transit can be identified and properly locate the RFID transponders HARF LT 86 (HT), which allows everyone involved to keep track of freight wagons and their contents. This can make a crucial advantage in the market so competitive, the freight rail logistics.

Identification even at high speeds
Now that the EPC Gen2 protocol has become an established standard in the world of RFID and other manufacturers offer long-range transponders mounted on metal surfaces, logistics companies and systems integrators around the world are paying more attention to rail freight applications. The speed of data between units transponders and read / write is so high in EPC Gen2 you can read the identification numbers of trains passing at speeds of between 80 and 100 km / h (50 - 60 mph). Depending on the volume of data write operations take longer, but that's not even a problem if sufficient time is available at terminals or loading areas.
But back to the identification in motion, you can place units read / write robust and resistant to the elements that are installed on poles along the tracks. You can read and write data to the transponders on the rolling stock from a distance of 2 meters. To reduce installation costs in the railway, two transponders must be mounted on each freight car, so you only need a reader for acquiring information of trains traveling in both directions. To keep track of shipments, it is enough to put readers in strategic locations such as joints and link stations or network using Ethernet industrial.

The transponder is tested in harsh conditions
The first freight tracking systems that incorporate RFID transponders railway already in operation. And the HARTING Technology Group has taken a considerable challenge transponders high temperature for a copper smelter. Systems integrator Marie Bentz these transponders mounted on wagons carrying hot slag (Figure 1). The transponders read the identification numbers that are generated in an automatic weighing operation. These numbers provide information on the residual concentration of copper in slag. Based on this information, the plant operator has been able to significantly improve the recovery rate of copper. The tracking system also helps improve the use of wagons and always ensures that sufficient capacity is available. The application of RFID technology adapts to customer needs. The write capability of the transponders are used when necessary.

Dynamic weighing system for freight wagons with automatic data acquisition in extreme conditions.
In a field where others are reluctant to get involved, HARTING RFID transponders offer a reliable service discreetly. The conditions are very harsh for the output of blast furnace slag in the copper in Bulgaria (Figure 2). UHF transponders HARF LT 86 (HT) and passive operate continuously without failure even in this extremely demanding and dusty environment (Figure 3), withstanding high temperatures near the hot slag. A robust and hermetically sealed enclosure and the use of plastics with an extremely high melting point ensures that transponders withstand these harsh conditions without failure (Figure 4), every day, constantly.

Challenge: the goal was to implement an automatic weighing and identification of freight wagons to include the monitoring of products.

Implementation: June 2007, the testing phase continued until August 2007.
Software: Marie Bentz, Winscales ®.

Application: Weighing, product statistics, identification, transit time of freight wagons.

Freight Wagons: load capacity of 120 tons gross, with metal bowl covered with masonry.

Product: Waste (slag) blast furnace (blast furnace).

Special considerations spills occur during loading and, therefore, place of assembly must be protected at the top and sides. The transponders also were coated with asbestos for protection from uncontrolled splashing of the slag during the download. The horizontal distance between transponders and readers is 5 feet, and minimum distance between 2 transponders is 1 meter to ensure that the cars can be properly identified. The transponders are mounted on locomotives and wagons slag have been operating flawlessly since it went into operation.

The authors of the article
Gerhard Benitzien, Technical Director Marie-Bentz, Burgas Gerhand Bentzien.

Jörg Hehlgans, Director of Marketing and Sales Mitronics, HARTING Technology Group.

Author:

Gerhard Benitzien and Jörg Hehlgans