Wavetrain LX Protection: PA05/06636, CENELEC SIL2
Wavetrain Systems AS
Wavetrain Systems AS was founded in September 2009. The novel idea of using acoustic signals in the rails to detect trains was a collaborative adventure between Wavetrain researchers and Jernbaneverket, Norwegian Rail. Proof of concept was reached in 2011.
The offer, Wavetrain Level Crossing Protection (WLXP), is a unique CENELEC SIL2 certified and Network Rail Type Approved product, interfaced with type approved lights and sounder for a complete O-MSL offer.
Acoustic sensors attached to the rail head picks up the energy from trains on approach. These signals are sent to the onsite control unit to activate lights and sounders. Installation is carried out at the crossing with a minimum of train interruption.
Approved by Network Rail
The WLXP is type approved for single and double-track level crossings. It is installed in a day by two installers with a minimum of service interruption. No lengthy cabling to strike-in points since all equipment is installed at the crossing itself. This secures shorter installation and commissioning times and reduced life-cycle cost compared to its conventional competitors.
The WLXP is autonomous, and independent of the signalling infrastructure. The system retains required data for potential unwanted events at the crossing and has an accepted communication through mobile networks for maintenance messages.
Unprotected Level Crossings
The market estimates that more than 50% of level crossings are passive and unprotected. Only signage tells the potential passer to protect themselves. The market is huge and the WLXP is positioned to fill the gap where conventional systems are too expensive or include too much service interruption to be feasible.
CENELEC SIL 2 and ISO Approved
Complying with the requirements of the railway industry includes adherence to several international and national standards and processes. The company and its product development processes are European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (“CENELEC”) SIL2 and IEC 61508 approved. The company is also certified according to the internationally recognized management systems standards ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 27001. Recent national type approval in the UK crowns the effort to open the market for the company and its product.
Wavetrain Systems AS Design Standards and Certifications
Wavetrain and Network Rail have a prosperous and long-term collaboration to secure unprotected level crossings. Design for Reliability (DfR), environmental standards, user requirements and regulatory needs are being met through the listed certifications:
- CENELEC SIL2 certified since 2015
- ISO 9001 certified since 2015 – Quality Management accreditation
- ISO 14001 certified since 2017 – Environmental Management accreditation
- ISO 45001 certified since 2020 – Occupational Health and Safety Management accreditation
- ISO 27001 certified since 2021 – Information Security Management accreditation
The Wavetrain LX Protection is the first Type Approved CENELEC SIL2 system in the market. It is thoroughly tested and approved by Network Rail and operational systems are expected in 2023.
