Ballast Cleaning Machines in Railways

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum load capacity of the Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine (FRM-80)?

25.0t

15.0t

20.0t (correct)

18.0t

Which component is NOT part of the Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine (FRM-80)?

Muck Conveyor Belt

Hydraulic System (correct)

Distribution Conveyor Belt

Excavating Conveyor Belt

What is the width of the Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine (FRM-80)?

1500 mm

1200 mm

1000 mm

900 mm (correct)

What dimension corresponds to the maximum axle diameter of the Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine (FRM-80)?

3090 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which driving axles measurement is provided for the Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine (FRM-80)?

15000 mm Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible advantage of attaching two extension pieces together?

Saves time in the block work Signup and view all the answers

Why is manual deep screening necessary in certain cases?

To maintain homogenous track resilience Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of not performing manual deep screening?

Deterioration of running quality Signup and view all the answers

How can the distribution of screened ballast be controlled?

By adjusting the ballast guide plate Signup and view all the answers

What does the working direction from switch to crossing indicate?

The primary movement direction of machines Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario can the entire ballast bed not be excavated or screened by the BCM?

In the case of a crossover Signup and view all the answers

What role does the ballast guide plate serve in the machine work?

It ensures even ballast distribution Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the figures showing working directions?

Preferred direction of work Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ensuring that the ballast is not heaped before the clearance of the block?

To prevent infringing on the unrestricted movement of trains. Signup and view all the answers

Which unit is responsible for lifting and slewing in the RM-80 ballast cleaning machine?

Lifting and Slewing Unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the width of the ballast cleaning machine RM-80?

4015 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the RM-80 is primarily used for the excavation of ballast?

Excavation Unit Signup and view all the answers

How many passes are typically needed to achieve the target ballast profile?

Generally more than one pass may be needed. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Ascending/Decending Chain Guide assist with in the RM-80?

Facilitating the vertical movement of components. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the RM-80 ballast cleaning machine?

Navigation System Signup and view all the answers

In the RM-80, what is the significance of dimension measurements being in millimeters?

To ensure precision in the manufacturing process. Signup and view all the answers

What is the load capacity of the wheel in the RM-80 ballast cleaning machine?

3140 kg Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the RM-80 is responsible for the primary function of cleaning ballast?

Screening Unit Signup and view all the answers

What type of brake is used specifically in emergencies when the KE valve is enabled?

Emergency Brake Signup and view all the answers

Which machine throws muck in the front during operation?

Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine - FRM 85F Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal width of excavation on either side of the track?

1,530 mm Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance to the end of the plough from the center of the track?

1,790 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which type of brake requires a hand-operated valve on each driving seat?

Parking Brake Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the safety brake when air system pressure drops below 3.5 bar?

It applies automatically Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following machines is not mentioned as part of the Indian Railways?

Ballast Retaining Machine - FRM 90 Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum width of excavation that can be covered by the excavating unit?

4,150 mm Signup and view all the answers

How many hand-operated brake valves are provided in each cabin for the indirect brake?

One Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect differentiates the FRM 80 from the FRM 85F?

The direction muck is thrown Signup and view all the answers

Which model has the highest total length?

RM-80-92U Signup and view all the answers

What is the wheel diameter for both models?

900 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which model has a greater axle load?

RM-80-92U Signup and view all the answers

What is the axle load difference between the two models?

0.8t Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension is common in the specifications of both models?

Wheel diameter Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a dimension listed for the RM-80-92U?

4015 mm Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum width listed for the ballast cleaning machines?

3140 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which model features a larger dimension for point E?

RM-80-92U Signup and view all the answers

What is the dimension for point D in both models?

1830 mm Signup and view all the answers

How does the wheel diameter compare to the axle load in both models?

The axle load is larger Signup and view all the answers

What modification can be made to the ballast guide plates during operation?

They can be adjusted to drop more ballast on one side. Signup and view all the answers

Which BCM model is equipped for deep screening with extension pieces?

BCM model RM76 Signup and view all the answers

What happens to excavated material when the ballast guide plate is fully retracted?

It falls onto the main conveyor belt for disposal. Signup and view all the answers

How does changing the mode from cleaning to total excavation affect operation?

It is possible during ongoing operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum cutting width achievable with the RM76 and RM80-92U models when using extensions?

1000 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which side of the BCM model is designated for attaching extension pieces?

Right-hand side Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the main conveyor belt in the ballast cleaning process?

It conveys excavated material for disposal. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for effective cleaning as per the operational setup of the BCM?

Preventing the ballast from being heaped up. Signup and view all the answers

What is the wheel axle width of the BRM GEMAC model?

915 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which model has the largest overall length?

BRM 2000 SWS Signup and view all the answers

What is the axle load of the BRM 2000 SWS model?

20.0t Signup and view all the answers

What is the dimension measurement for point B of the BRM GEMAC?

640 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension corresponds to the wheel diameter for the BRM 2000 SWS model?

850 mm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine (SBCM)?

To clean shoulder ballast and improve track drainage Signup and view all the answers

Why should ballast recoupment activity be synchronized with deep screening activity?

To facilitate raising speed to normal after packing Signup and view all the answers

What role do Engineering Indicators play in the operation of ballast cleaning?

To guide the arrangement and placement prior to and during work Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of posting a watchman at the location where the cutter bar and chain are left?

To prevent unauthorized access or tampering Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the working principle of the SBCM?

It employs two excavating cutter chains to clean ballast Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect to ensure before clearing the BCM block?

Checking and adjusting clearances for OHE and structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for conducting manual deep screening in certain areas?

To achieve homogenous track resilience. Signup and view all the answers

In group working of BCMs and allied machines, what is primarily considered?

The effective utilization of the block Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of using the SBCM effectively in track maintenance?

Improved ballast quality and drainage Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is it deemed necessary to attach two extension pieces together?

To save time in the block if feasible. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of not properly distributing the screened ballast?

Deterioration of track durability. Signup and view all the answers

How does the excavating mechanism of the SBCM function?

Through operating two excavating cutter chains in a vertical plane Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical challenge encountered during ballast cleaning operations?

Ineffective synchronization of cleaning activities Signup and view all the answers

How can the distribution of ballast guide plate be adjusted during machine operation?

By realigning the ballast guide plate. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the working direction from switch to crossing in the ballast cleaning process?

The sequence of operations for cleaning track. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial when assessing the feasibility of manual deep screening?

The total length of the ballast bed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios outlines a limitation of the BCM in ballast cleaning?

Complete excavation of all sleeper blocks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the broom sweeper conveyor system in the machine?

To remove ballast from the top of sleepers Signup and view all the answers

Which ploughs can be used simultaneously on the machine?

Either front plough or centre plough, but not both Signup and view all the answers

What element of the setup aids in determining the working direction during operation?

The ballast guide plate's design. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the welded-on-tunnels in the machine?

To prevent flooding of the rail area with ballast Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is most important for ensuring effective ballast cleaning?

The operational alignment of ballast guide plates. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the capacity of the hoppers on the machine?

The model of the machine Signup and view all the answers

What should be aimed for when managing the excavation process in ballast cleaning?

Achieving uniformity in ballast quality. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is directly responsible for the maneuvering of the front plough?

Hydraulic actuator from the cab Signup and view all the answers

How is ballast disposed of from the broom during track dressing operations?

It is thrown via a guiding duct onto lateral conveyors Signup and view all the answers

What type of brake is applied directly on the bogies of the machine while running?

Direct brake Signup and view all the answers

What material are the flexible tubular pieces in the broom made from?

Rubber Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the centre plough compared to the front plough?

It is hydraulically operated Signup and view all the answers

What functionality does the brake system provide on the machine when the air system pressure drops?

It activates the safety brake Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Direction of Work

The direction of work for a machine cannot be altered frequently, so it needs to be positioned correctly.
It is recommended to attach two extension pieces to save time when working on a block.
The ballast bed of points and crossings cannot be completely excavated using a Ballast Cleaning Machine, so leftover sleepers should be screened manually to ensure uniform track resilience.
Ballast guide plates are used to control the distribution of screened ballast.

Ballast Guide Plate

When working from the switch toward the crossing, the ballast guide plate is positioned in the middle of the excavation area.
When working from the crossing towards the switch, the ballast guide plate is positioned to the left side of the excavation area.

Ballast Cleaning Machine Types

There are two types of Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machines available on Indian Railways: FRM 80 and FRM 85F, both manufactured by Plasser India.
FRM 80 throws muck to the backside, while FRM 85 throws it toward the front, all other features are the same.

Features of Ballast Cleaning Machine (RM-80)

The RM-80 Ballast Cleaning Machine has dimensions as follows: Overall length of 30,600 mm, overall width of 3,140 mm, and an axle load of 18.5t.

Features of Ballast Cleaning Machine (RM-76 & RM-80-92U)

The RM-76UHR Ballast Cleaning Machine has dimensions as follows: Overall length of 24,730 mm, overall width of 3,150 mm, and an axle load of 19.0t.
The RM-80-92U Ballast Cleaning Machine has dimensions as follows: Overall length of 29,540 mm, overall width of 3,140 mm, and an axle load of 19.8t.

Features of Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine (FRM-80)

The FRM-80 Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine has dimensions as follows: Overall length of 39,470 mm, overall width of 3,090 mm, and a maximum axle load of 20.0t.
The FRM-80 has a conveyor belt for excavating, a main conveyor belt, and a muck conveyor belt.

Ballast Cleaning Machine (BCM)

BCM can be adjusted to drop more ballast on one side of the track, especially when dealing with curves
BCM can also remove all ballast and muck by retracting the ballast guide plate, allowing the excavated material to fall directly onto the main conveyor belt and then disposed off by a waste conveyor belt
Deep screening of points and crossings can be done by BCM models RM76 and RM 80-92U by attaching extension pieces that increase the cutting width
The extension is only possible on the right side of the machine (descending trough side), with respect to the direction of working
Since the direction of machine working cannot be changed frequently, the machine must work on the main line or on the turnout side depending on the direction of working
It is suggested to attach two extension pieces together to save time if feasible
A manual deep screening is desirable in the same block to maintain homogenous track resilience and avoid deterioration of running
Distribution of screened ballast can be controlled by aligning the ballast guide plate
Ballast guide plate alignment is different for working direction from switch to crossing and working direction from crossing towards switch
Ballast guide plate alignment is also different for working on points and crossing
When finishing work, the vertical and lateral clearances for OHE, signal post, and any other structures should be checked and adjusted
Ballast recoupment activity should be synchronized with deep screening activity to reduce the length of track under temporary speed restriction
A watchman should be posted where the cutter bar and chain are left on cess
Engineering Indicators should be placed as per IRPWM provisions prior to work and as it progresses
Group working of BCMs and allied machines, with training out of ballast in the same block should be considered to increase utilization of the block

Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine (SBCM)

SBCM is used to clean shoulder ballast to improve track drainage
SBCM is similar to BCM (RM-80) and has two excavating cutter chains, one on each side
SBCM excavates and picks up shoulder ballast and directs it to vibrating screens
Clean ballast is deposited on the shoulders of the ballast profile, improving drainage
SBCM can be equipped with standard fixed width ballast wings and optional variable width ballast wings
SBCM has a front plough that handles ballast between rails and can be positioned to plough out, plough in or transfer ballast to either side of the track
SBCM has a hydraulically operated centre plough that is located between the bogies/wheels and handles ballast between rails
Normally only one of the front plough or centre plough is used with a machine
SBCM has a broom or sweeper conveyor system that can be used to remove ballast from the top of sleepers; fill under-ballasted cribs; and place extra ballast on the shoulders for final regulation and dressing
SBCM has a hopper that collects excess ballast via the broom sweeper conveyor system and places it on the shoulder
SBCM has rail fastening sweepers to remove ballast from over the fastenings
SBCM has welded-on-tunnels that cover the rail and fastening area to prevent flooding
SBCM uses a brake system on both bogies/axles and is operated by one hand brake valve

Ballast Regulating Machine (BRM - GEMAC)

Gemal BRM has a cabin, front centre plough, rear centre plough, side plough, and side conveyors
The Gemal BRM has a wheel axle width of 915mm and wheel diameter of 18.8t
The Gemal BRM has a load of 3080mm

Ballast Regulating Machine (BRM 2000 SWS)

The BRM 2000 SWS has a broom, conveyor belt, hopper, side plough, and mid centre plough
The BRM 2000 SWS has a wheel axle width of 850mm and wheel diameter of 20.0t
The BRM 2000 SWS has a load of 3180mm

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Description

This quiz covers essential procedures and equipment related to ballast cleaning in railways, including the direction of work, the use of ballast guide plates, and types of ballast cleaning machines available in India. Test your knowledge on best practices for ensuring uniform track resilience and efficient operations.