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Point machine H715 - a sprinter in operation.
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Point machine H715 in an EOW, Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Emden

Top performance on the point: The H715 - a “sprinter” in electrical locally-set point (EOW) applications

When hearing of sprinters, one generally thinks of high-speed runners like Usain Bolt who cover 100 metres in under 10 seconds. In railway jargon, however, a “sprinter“ is a point machine which covers the 220mm setting distance in under two seconds. But being fast is not enough. The high-speed point machines must also manifest durability, and they must operate reliably for many years.

This top performer among the point machines is deployed in electrical locally-set points, which we call EOW for short. While classic shunting operation with manual point activation calls for muscle power, electrical locally-set points are set at the push of a button. Conveniently, quickly and safely.

On shunting yards and depots of industrial railways and factory sidings where driving is at sight and low speed, points operated manually per switch lever were standard up to now. This proven technology is inexpensive to acquire and maintain, but operation is personnel intensive and not always efficient.

Electrical locally-set points are an interesting alternative. HANNING & KAHL‘s electrical locally-set points rationalise rail operations and make life easier for operating staff – simply and efficiently, and with manageable investment in comparison to electronic interlocking technology.

The points are activated by shunters or locomotive drivers on stationary operating stations via robust pushbuttons, and set, locked and monitored with electric point machines. End position is displayed by point position indicators. Accidental settings on crossings and wear-intensive trailing procedures are prevented by rail-vehicle detection systems and the HANNING & KAHL EOW point controller.

Points can be set at speeds up to 15 km/h from moving trains, without the train consist having to stop and start up again. This saves energy and reduces wear. Accidents while mounting and dismounting can be prevented, and working conditions for operating staff improved. Complete shunting routes can also be set from stationary operating stations. This accelerates operating sequences and allows more shunting runs on available tracks.

In addition, point machines for electrical locally-set points have to set points in less than two seconds and summon high forces to do so. Double-crossing points with their two coupled tongue pairs require high setting forces. This tests the limits of commercially available high-speed point machines with a setting force of 3,300 N.

“One for all, all for one!“ With its ingenious modular system, the H715 can demonstrate its advantages. The setting force can be increased from the standard 3,300 N to 4,300 N, also subsequently in the track. This ensures safe setting in less than two seconds even when points are stiff. Conversion from right to left installation and back takes less than 10 minutes. This means that operators only have to order and stock one type of point machine for all types of points.

As standard, the H715 is deployed on electrical locally-set points without tongue detector and, as such, carries SIL2 approval. Tongue detectors can be deployed on request. This increases the safety integrity level of the point machine to SIL4.

The electro-hydraulic drive and the well-devised construction of the H715 make for high availability and low life-cycle costs, which you as operator profit from. Clearly visible layout and distinct lock components accelerate and simplify maintenance and setting work.

HANNING & KAHL electrical locally-set points with point machine H715 have already demonstrated their operational performance on numerous installations. Have you any questions, or are you planning to install points? We would be delighted to cater for any special requirements you may have – for example individual cover locks, lockable crank flaps or lock visualisation. Just let us know what you need.