Unipart’s condition monitoring expertise continues to deliver digital transformation of UK railways
December 2024 – Northern, the UK rail operator, is the latest in the industry to benefit from Unipart’s remote condition monitoring (RCM) expertise following the install of technology on its fleet of Porterbrook Class 170 Turbostar trains.
This means that trains operating across the North of England now have a real-time, remote engine monitoring solution and data in real-time, enabling engineers to adopt a more predictive maintenance programme that can predict and prevent engine issues or failings before they happen.
Instrumentel is the Unipart business expert that designs, manufactures and supports precision measurement technology for extreme environments.
By combining sensor, thermal and optical technology, with machine learning, AI and data analytics, Instrumentel delivers unique performance improvement solutions including asset optimisation and condition and energy monitoring for supply chains in Unipart’s seven sectors.
Iain Burnett, Fleet Director, Northern, said: “Remote and real-time monitoring of track and train is something the rail industry has been working towards over recent years – and forms a central part of our Intelligent Trains programme. We look forward to the real-world benefits it will bring to fleet maintenance.”
Since introducing engine RCM on the fleet, Northern reports a significant increase in fault free running between maintenance events, freeing up capacity and helping to deliver a more reliable service to passengers, an effort which aligns with the operator’s Intelligent Trains programme launched in 2022.
Josh Kimberling, Managing Director, Instrumentel said: “Our RCM solutions deliver an efficient, accurate, and automated solution for railway asset monitoring that provides real-time information and alerts to Network Rail, train and freight operators, rolling stock owners and maintenance contractors.
“By enabling operators like Northern to have a real-time view of the health of their fleet, to proactively identify potential issues and make timely interventions, we are significantly reducing the risk of failure and improving the overall efficiency of rail networks which is great news for owners, operators and passengers alike.”
Data shows that moving just one task to condition-based maintenance can save up to 1,500 labour hours per year, freeing up time for technical and maintenance teams to focus on other areas.
The installation of an RCM system on Northern’s trains continues Instrumentel’s long-standing partnership with Porterbrook in the UK rail industry. The collaboration enables Porterbrook’s digital transformation programme, and follows RCM installations to Porterbrook fleets for operators including CrossCountry, East Midlands Rail and Chiltern Railways.
Chris Beales, Head of Digital Engineering Services, Porterbrook, said: “Our industry is changing, and we are waking up to the real world benefits a shift towards digital can afford us. This project is a prime example of how close collaboration between train operating companies, asset owners and supply chain innovators like Instrumentel, is key to realising these benefits.
“We look forward to continuing to work with all involved to revolutionise the way in which we operate and maintain these important assets.”