UK’s second predictive maintenance TrainScanner enters operation

Alstom has revealed a second TrainScanner device will be installed at Oxley depot near Wolverhampton, following successful testing of the predictive maintenance prototype.

A second TrainScanner will enter operation at Oxley depot in the West Midlands after successful testing of the prototype on Virgin’s fleet of Pendolino trains in Manchester which serve the West Coast Main Line.

TrainScanner determines the status of rolling stock, infrastructure and signalling automatically

TrainScanner is part of HealthHub solution. HealthHub is Alstom’s predictive maintenance solution which makes it possible to determine the status of rolling stock, infrastructure and signalling automatically, and to identify any components that need to be repaired or changed and the replacement date. According to Alstom, TrainScanner automatically analyses the data gathered by laser or 3D camera measurement systems using a diagnostics portal through which the train passes. It collects information on the condition of certain equipment and then predicts its remaining service life. Correct quantities of materials can then be ordered and delivered at the right time.

With two machines in operation on the West Coast Main Line, the Pendolino trains will receive a maintenance scan every five days on average. This provides the opportunity to carry out a more detailed assessment of condition of the equipment.

Rob Whyte, Managing Director Regional and Intercity, Alstom UK&I, said: “Now we have proven Alstom’s new technology works well, we want to bring a second machine to the UK at Oxley. This will massively increase Alstom’s maintenance capability here in Britain. The investment will also allow Alstom to take its prototype here in Manchester and turn it into a fully industrially designed solution. This will drive down the cost and allow easy deployment of TrainScanner to our customers worldwide.”

Alstom has also announced the new, more modular design of the second TrainScanner will be the design that is rolled out to Alstom’s customers worldwide.