Information Bulletin
Axle Counters—Use of Oscillation
Tolerance
2nd June 2016 TTTBDET012 Issue 1.0
1 Applicability
All AzS350U, ACM 100 and ACM 200 axle counters that have Oscillation Tolerance enabled.
2 Information
We have recently become aware of an extremely rare combination of events and conditions that
could generate a track vacancy as a train enters a track section on the above mentioned axle
counters.
Each axle counter detection point incorporates two detectors—System 1 and System 2. Normal
counting requires that a wheel is detected sequentially on both systems as shown below.
An oscillation event is defined as a partial execution of the above sequence where the wheel
stops over and then rolls back in the reverse direction off the head.
The axle counter’s response to a wheel over the head is to occupy the section while not
incrementing the count. The response to an oscillation event depends on the oscillation
tolerance setting.
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Oscillation Tolerance OFF: The axle counter will retain the occupied state until there has
been at least one full count into the section and the net count of axles in the section is
zero.
Oscillation Tolerance ON: The axle counter will behave similarly, but the section will
clear after the oscillation event when the wheel is totally off the counting head. This is
limited to one or three attempts, depending on the oscillation. The axle counter will
operate normally for subsequent wheel passage over the counting point. Safety
application rules of using Oscillation Tolerance are explained in the manuals.
Siemens axle counter systems have been safely operating under these conditions for over 15
years.
However, there was a recent event caused by poor attempt to repair a counting point cable that
included:
normal operation of one System (eg System 1)
failure of the second System (eg System 2) such that it would both not detect a wheel
and detect the wheel intermittently
absence of valid wheel counts while the train enters the section
failure to detect the fault by testing after the repair or after running the first train
inability of the interlocking to detect the fault (eg, track sequencing would have detected
the fault)
The result can be an incorrect vacancy, while the train is entering the section. This could
typically last for 2 to 3 axles after an intermittent pulse on the second system while the first
system is detecting a wheel. The previous section would remain occupied and must be cleared
by an external reset. The section entered will also remain occupied after the train exits it.
3 Risk Assessment
Siemens has estimated that the risk of a potentially unsafe condition of these axle counters, with
the oscillation tolerance enabled, is once every 100,000 years.
The configurable Oscillation Tolerance function only impacts system availability in some
shunting applications. Our axle counters correctly handle general oscillation events with the
Oscillation Tolerance OFF.
4 What do I need to do?
Review your axle counter configuration and determine if Oscillation Tolerance is ON.
4.1 I have Oscillation Tolerance OFF
Leave the configuration in this mode.
You may wish to document that Oscillation Tolerance should not be changed.
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4.2 I have Oscillation Tolerance ON
Either:
change the configuration to turn Oscillation Tolerance OFF, or
confirm that the interlocking and adjacent track vacancy detection will adequately
protect against this rare event.
There is no impact in turning Oscillation Tolerance OFF in normal operation, including
those where trains stop over a counting point at a station or signal.
4.3 Long Term
Siemens will introduce changes after appropriate validation:
ACM 200 axle counters will have modified firmware that protects against these
events
ACM 100 and AzS 350 U axle counters applied in future must have Oscillation
Tolerance disabled
ACM 250 that will be released soon does not exhibit this issue
We will notify you when this is available.
5 I want to know more
Your Siemens sales or marketing contact can arrange for a knowledgeable engineer to discuss
the operation and mitigation with you.
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