Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection of Rails at JSPL – Ensuring Safety and Reliability

Safety and reliability of a railway system primarily depends on the soundness of the critical components and their freedom from defects. With increased rail traffic carrying heavier loads at higher speeds, a quicker more efficient way of inspecting rails at manufacturing stage is now mandatory. At Jindal Steel and Power Ltd., India, a highly reliable and effective flaw detection method has been, therefore installed, for prevention against failures may originate from these defects. This paper describes the special features of on-line laser-based straightness measurement system, on-line eddy current testing and on-line ultrasonic testing system in details. A laser-based system inspects the straightness of rails using a unique mathematical algorithm, which computes the true horizontal and vertical longitudinal shape of the rail surface out from the measurement data. Typical defects, which are originating during manufacturing in rail is detected by On-line eddy current eddy current testing system with special probes and mechanics. On-line ultrasonic testing system detects internal imperfections, such as laminar defects, inclusion, tension cracks, etc. in the railhead, web and base.