Sensor and Measurement Systems for Rail
Althen is the innovative sensor and measurement expert that creates integrated sensor and measurement solutions, either off-the-shelf or custom made. We offer a wide range of innovative measurement systems for trains, trams, subways and locomotives. All our measurement systems are based on
laser measurement technology and measure both rails and wheels.
Where in the past a lot of time and labor were needed for measurements on rail and vehicles, our high-tech tools complete accurate measurements within a few seconds.
What We Do and How We Work
Althen is the innovative sensor expert that creates integrated sensor and measurement solutions for the creators of tomorrow. In all technology driven industries who are in need of a reliable and experienced partner in an era of increasing need of intelligence.
We create integrated sensor and measurement solutions. Either off-the-shelf or custom made but always driven by our experience and knowledge. By understanding the bigger vision of our customers we work in co-creation towards a shared goal: everything can be measured. Whether you’re a customer looking for solutions that can take your business to the next level, or an individual looking to be inspired by what’s possible. Our approach is flexible, but always dedicated to your purpose.
Althen works by certain principles that we intend to bring forward into all work that we do:
Always the Right Solution
We create integrated sensor en measurement solutions. Either off-the-shelf or custom made but always driven by our experience and knowledge. By understanding the bigger vision of our customers we work in co-creation towards a shared goal: everything can be measured. Whether you’re a customer looking for solutions that can take your business to the next level, or an individual looking to be inspired by what’s possible. Our approach is flexible, but always dedicated to your purpose.
Reliable and Experienced
With a track record of over 45 years we aim for long term partnerships with our customers. Our State of the Art sensors and quality control process have set us apart, with less than 1% quality issues and the needed certifications and requirements. Our approach is flexible and transparent, ensuring open communication every step of the way. We’re a company that you can count on to deliver the very best. And we’re not afraid of that extra mile.
Future-Focused
We believe that the future is ours to shape. With our innovative use of the latest sensor technology we’re capable of delivering whatever our customers need, no matter the industry. We understand that success in the future is about staying ahead of the curve, which is why we’re always exploring new ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re committed to excellence, reflected in our partnerships andsponsorships from cutting-edge knowledge institutions to upcoming talents in schools and universities.We’re a company that invests in the future, not just for our customers, but also for a more intelligent world.
Human-Centric
Our focus on people is what drives our success. We prioritize our customers and team to create a supportive, empowering, and fun work environment. We believe that the best results come from a strong collaboration between our customers and our team. After all it’s the people who make a company great,which is why we go above and beyond to take care of everyone who comes through our doors. This way, we create a brighter future for the creators and enablers of today and tomorrow.
Project: Accelerometers for Railway Wheelset Bearings and Brake Systems
Ensuring safety, reliability, and performance of rail systems is critical. Accelerometers have emerged as a key technology in this effort, providing precision measurement and monitoring capabilities that enable railways to operate at peak efficiency while maintaining high safety standards. This project explores some aspects of acceleration sensors in railway applications, focusing specifically on the use of the low noise accelerometers for train wheelset bearing monitoring and for brake system testing.
European railway operators face recurring challenges in ensuring the reliability of critical components such as wheelset bearings and brake systems. These components are subject to significant stresses, including high dynamic loads, friction, and heat, which can lead to wear, overheating, and ultimately failure if not monitored effectively. Failure in these systems not only lead to costly repairs and downtime but also posed serious safety risks.
Key requirements for the solution included:
- High sensitivity to detect early signs of bearing wear or brake system issues.
- Durability to withstand harsh operating conditions, including vibration, temperature extremes, and contaminants.
- Real-time monitoring capability to enable early intervention and maintenance.
- Seamless integration with existing monitoring and diagnostic systems.
To address these challenges, eventually some of the finest accelerometers were selected for their proven performance in precision monitoring and harsh environments. The low noise, capacitive accelerometers were selected for wheelset bearing monitoring and brake system diagnostics due to their high sensitivity and rugged design. Thanks to its capability to measure low-frequency vibrations and its durability under high-stress conditions.
