Own development

Balise Protect

Name: Balise Protect
Brand: KAMPA

Plastic extenders close the gap in the derailment provision at ERTMS balises, reducing the unguided opening from 650 to 330 mm.

Balise Protect closes the gap that ERTMS balises force in the derailment provision. Plastic extenders lengthen the ends of the steel guide rails while the required metal-free opening of 650 mm is maintained, so even derailed wheels with a small diameter are guided correctly past the balise.

A connector between the left and right guide rails compensates for the weakening caused by the interruption. Mechanical tests showed that the extenders are adequate in stiffness and strength, with a load capacity roughly three times the acting transverse force. The system has been in service at various locations for several years.

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Close-up of the Kampa extenders on the ends of the derailment guide rails — Plastic extenders lengthen the ends of the steel guide rails towards the balise.

The problem it solves

ERTMS balises force an interruption in the derailment provision.

Today's practice

A derailment provision in the centre of the track guides a derailed train and prevents greater damage. In the immediate vicinity of an ERTMS balise, however, no steel may be present, so the steel guide rails are interrupted over a short distance.

That interruption makes the guidance less effective. A derailed wheel, especially one with a small diameter, may not be guided properly past the balise, and the derailment can escalate. More and more lines, with widely varying speeds and track geometry, are to be fitted with ERTMS in the years ahead.

Benefits

Derailment guidance

From 650 to 330 mm.

The extenders reduce the unguided opening from 650 to only 330 mm. Even derailed wheels with a small diameter are guided correctly past the balise.

ERTMS

The balise keeps working, and stays accessible.

The plastic extenders do not interfere with the functioning of the ERTMS balise, and they do not obstruct its maintenance.

Strength

Stiffened free rail ends.

A connector between the left and right guide rails compensates for the weakening caused by the interruption and stiffens the free ends. Dekra Rail measured a load capacity roughly three times the acting transverse force, regardless of line speed or curve radius.

Maintenance