A programme of work to fit engine remote condition monitoring (RCM) on Porterbrook’s Class 170 fleet operated by Northern– an investment which is helping to drive performance and reliability improvements – has reached completion.
The digital transformation project was carried out through an industry partnership between Northern, Porterbrook, Instrumentel and Derby Engineering Unit (DEU).
The Instrumentel-built RCM system, which was installed by DEU at Neville Hill TMD and project managed by Porterbrook, allows for intelligence-led condition-based maintenance of the fleet. Where previously maintenance of the vehicles relied on manual inspections at routine interventions, the introduction of RCM means engineers now have access to fast and reliable data remotely and in real-time.
Moving beyond manual checks also means predictive maintenance, where the focus is on preventing failures before they happen.
Since introducing engine RCM on the fleet, we have seen several examples of increased fault free running between maintenance events, freeing up maintenance capacity and helping to deliver a more reliable service to our passengers.
Chris Beales, Head of Digital Engineering Services at 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 TOCs, asset owners and the supply chain 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.”
Iain Burnett, fleet director at Northern, said: “Remote and real-time monitoring of track and train is something the rail industry has been working towards over the past couple of years – and forms a central part of our Intelligent Trains programme.
“We’re delighted to be working with Porterbrook on this software for the Class 170 Turbostar fleet and look forward to the real-world benefits it will bring to fleet maintenance.”
The fitment of RCM on Northern’s 170 fleet is part of Porterbrook’s wider digital transformation of the ROSCO’s Turbostars, which has already seen similar digital upgrades to fleets at CrossCountry, EMR and Chiltern.
Data has shown that moving just one task to condition-based maintenance can save up to 1,500 labour hours per year, freeing up this time for people to focus on other areas.
