Railway Track Circuits Overview

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Questions and Answers

What must be strictly followed according to the frequency assignment scheme for track circuits?

  • The same frequency must be assigned to all track circuits.
  • Use of multiple frequencies for the same track circuit.
  • A prior decision on frequency assignment. (correct)
  • Installation of additional insulated bonds.

What is prohibited regarding terminal junctions on insulation joints?

  • Using frequencies from the same pair. (correct)
  • Installation of track circuits in a single location.
  • Connection of multiple track circuits.
  • Use of different frequency pairs.

What should be considered for the design and installation of field equipment?

  • Minimizing materials used.
  • Enhanced features for automation.
  • Provision for separate power sources.
  • Requirements for mechanised track maintenance. (correct)

Why should circuit pairing be observed when wiring track circuits?

<p>To reduce crosstalk in adjacent circuits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How far must TUs and ETUs be mounted from the near rail for safety?

<p>Minimum distance of two meters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must not be done in case of a track circuit failure?

<p>Adjust the gain of the receiver. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of protection must be installed on each pair of conductors connected to the outside?

<p>Protection against atmospheric voltage surges. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the bonding of fish plated joints?

<p>They must be bonded with jumpers of adequate thickness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when rusty rails are present in track circuited areas until axle counters are installed?

<p>Restrict sectional route release to essential areas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinct advantage of Audio Frequency Track Circuits?

<p>Does not require Insulated Rail Joints (IRJs) except in Point Zones (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Audio Frequency Track Circuit?

<p>Automated signaling unit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured about the operation of Audio Frequency Track Circuit?

<p>Only approved types must be used (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the features of an Audio Frequency Track Circuit?

<p>Built-in time delay, eliminating the need for a slow relay (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of configuration can Audio Frequency Track Circuits be used in?

<p>End or centre-fed configuration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be strictly followed during the installation of track circuits?

<p>Instructions specific to that type of track circuit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition prevents the installation of axle counters in relation to rusty rails?

<p>Axle counters cannot be used in parallel with rusty rail track circuits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Track Circuit Tuning Area

The area where track circuits are tuned for optimal performance, free from interference sources.

Fish-plated Joint Bonding

Each fish-plated joint in the tuning area must have adequate thickness jumpers installed for bonding.

Track Circuit Frequency Assignment

A pre-determined scheme for assigning frequencies to track circuits to prevent interference.

Terminal Junction Restrictions

Terminal junctions on insulation joints with similar track circuit frequencies are not allowed.

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Track Circuit Cable Core Separation

Do not use cores from the same cable to connect a track circuit's transmitter and receiver.

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Track Cable Circuit Pairing

When wiring the track circuit, ensure matching pairs for transmission and reception in the line cables.

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Field Equipment Safety

Track circuit installation must align with mechanized maintenance needs and staff safety.

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Atmospheric Surge Protection

Install protection against atmospheric voltage surges on each pair of conductors to limit lightning damage.

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Rusty Rail Track Circuits

Track circuits with rusty rails requiring zig-zag welding and axle counters for shunting.

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Axle Counters

Devices used to count axles of passing trains.

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Audio Frequency Track Circuits (AFTC)

Track circuits that use audio frequencies to detect trains. Use short circuits between rails rather than insulation.

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IRJs (Insulated Rail Joints)

Components preventing signal leakage in track circuits. Usually not required in AFTC.

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AFTC Time Delay

A built-in time delay in AFTC that affects the operation of a relay.

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Track Circuit Configuration

The manner in which track circuits are set up, including single rail or multi-rail modes. Single rail is inappropriate.

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AFTC Power Supply Types

AFTC track circuits can be local or remotely fed or powered.

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AFTC Components

Tuning units, transmitters, receivers, power supplies, track connections, and impedance bonds (depending on the requirement).

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Study Notes

Rusty Rails

  • Rusty rails in track circuits require zig-zag welding using steel wire.
  • P-Way staff perform this work.
  • Axle counters are required in these locations to ensure proper shunting.
  • Until counters are available, working instructions require physical verification of complete train arrival by ASM.
  • Sectional route release is restricted only when essential.
  • Axle counters are not installed in parallel with Rusty Rail Track circuits.
  • Maintenance schedule for DC Track Circuits is in Annexure 17-MS2.

Audio Frequency Track Circuits (AFTC) - General

  • Audio frequency track circuits define track limits via tuned short circuits between rails, instead of insulation.
  • IRJs (except point zones) aren't necessary for these circuits.
  • This saves impedance and offers advantages for high-speed, high-axle-load traffic.
  • Built-in time delay; QSPA1 relay (TPR) is not required.
  • Usable in AC, DC electrified, and non-electrified areas.
  • Single rail mode operation isn't allowed for these circuits.
  • Operated locally or remotely.

Audio Frequency Track Circuit Components

  • Tuning unit
  • Transmitter
  • Receiver
  • Power Supply
  • Track Connections
  • Impedance Bond (if applicable)

Installation and Maintenance of AFTC

  • Installation follows specific instructions for the type of circuit.
  • Tuning areas must be free of check rails, level crossings, and insulated bonds.
  • Each fish-plated joint must be bonded.
  • Special care to ensure connection tightness of rails and tuning units.
  • Frequency assignment scheme is crucial.
  • Terminal junctions on insulation joints with the same frequency are prohibited.
  • Cable cores for transmitter and receiver should be from the same pair. Incorrect wiring can cause cross-talk interference between circuits.
  • Field equipment design for track maintenance should prevent hazards.
  • Lightning protection, and protection against both common-mode and differential-mode voltage surges are essential.
  • Transmitter, receiver, and power supply are mounted on standard relay racks for easy maintenance and testing.
  • Equipment should be placed at least two meters from the nearest rail for staff safety.
  • When the track circuit fails, investigating the cause of receiver voltage drift before adjusting gain is necessary.
  • Impedance bond tuning ensures the frequency matches the track circuit.

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