The drive in the rail sector is towards extending maintenance intervals. This is an area where digitalization is making a major difference. With this in mind, SKF has launched an entirely rail-focused version of its highly successful Multilog IMx platform, combining rolling stock and track condition monitoring in a single, easily customised solution.

SKF’s latest offering for the railway industry, Multilog IMx-Rail,is a multi-channel, on-line condition monitoring system based on new rail approved components. It is the next step in train digitalization, allowing operators to implement condition based maintenance that can help achieve goals such as TCO reduction, higher availability, the avoidance of unplanned stoppages and longer maintenance intervals.

Available for OEM installation and as a reftrofit solution, the Multilog IMx-Rail offers advance warning of rolling stock rotating part issues on wheel bearings, gearboxes and motors, as well as data collection from many other components. The system can also provide a track health map with line faults located, identified and recorded with market-leading accuracy.

The Multilog IMx-Rail system can also be integrated easily with SKF’s Cloud services for data storage, data sharing and for SKF Remote Diagnostic Services. Its versatility, combined with SKF’s expertise at monitoring rotating components across many industries, enables the quick analysis and prioritisation of any planned rolling stock maintenance.

Filip Rosengren, manager of the railway segment at SKF comments: “Maintenance costs are the single biggest concern for the industry, due to aging train fleets and the increasing need for train availability. With IMx-Rail, operators can reduce life cycle costs, prevent on track failures and better plan maintenance. As rail traffic increases, the role of digitalization and condition monitoring solutions, such as the Multilog IMx-Rail, will become increasingly more important to extend maintenance intervals and boost rolling stock efficiency.”

SKF also has a range of additional condition monitoring solutions for the rail sector, including systems to monitor wheel bearings, traction motors and gearboxes.