SPG 1057 Audio Frequency Jointless Track Circuits For Main Line Applications

Engineering Specification
Signals
Equipment Specification
Engineering Specification
SPG 1057
AUDIO FREQUENCY JOINTLESS

TRACK CIRCUITS FOR MAIN LINE
APPLICATIONS
Version 1.2
Issued May 2010
Reconfirmed 02 July 2019
Owner: Warwick Allison, Chief Engineer Signals and Control Systems

Approved Warwick Allison Authorised Paul Szacsvay
by: Chief Engineer by: Principal Engineer
Signals and Control Systems Signalling Technology
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The information in this document is protected by Copyright and no part of this document may be reproduced,
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UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Page 1 of 16

RailCorp Engineering Specification — Signals — Equipment Specification
Audio Frequency Jointless Track Circuits for Main Line Applications SPG 1057
Document control
Version Date Summary of change
Replaced SC 07 44 00 00 SP Audio Frequency Jointless Track
1.0 September 2009
Circuits for Main Line Applications
4. Appendix 2 deleted and ref to Std Ccts SDG001; 4.2 deleted;
1.1 20 October 2009
appendix 2 deleted
1.2 May 2010 Application of TMA 400 format
© RailCorp Page 2 of 16
Issued May 2010 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 1.2
Contents
1 Scope and Application ...........................................................................................................5

1.1 Applicable Standards.................................................................................................5
2 Performance Requirements ...................................................................................................5
2.1 Track Length..............................................................................................................5
2.2 Operating Frequencies ..............................................................................................5
2.3 Shunt Sensitivity ........................................................................................................6
2.4 Fail Safety..................................................................................................................6
2.5 Pick-up Time delay ....................................................................................................6
2.6 Output Protection.......................................................................................................6
2.7 Power Supply.............................................................................................................6
2.8 Captive Wiring Connections and Unit Coding ...........................................................6
2.9 Adjustment.................................................................................................................7
2.10 Continuous Train Control...........................................................................................7
3 Operating Environment ..........................................................................................................7
3.1 Track Characteristics: ................................................................................................7
3.2 Electric Traction: ........................................................................................................7
3.2.1 DC Traction Return ....................................................................................7
3.2.2 Traction tie-ins............................................................................................8
3.2.3 Electrolysis Protection ................................................................................8
3.2.4 Overhead Spark Gap Arrestors..................................................................8
3.2.5 Chopper-controlled Rolling Stock...............................................................8
3.3 Environmental............................................................................................................9
3.3.1 Temperature...............................................................................................9
3.3.2 Humidity .....................................................................................................9
3.3.3 Rainfall .......................................................................................................9
3.3.4 Lightning.....................................................................................................9
3.3.5 Insolation ....................................................................................................9
3.4 Vandalism and Security .............................................................................................9
4 Signalling Design Requirements...........................................................................................9
4.1 Track Stick ...............................................................................................................10
4.2 Deleted.....................................................................................................................10
4.3 Output Relays ..........................................................................................................10
5 Installation Requirements ....................................................................................................10
5.1 End/centre feeds......................................................................................................10
5.2 Location of indoor equipment ..................................................................................10
5.3 Rack-mounting of equipment...................................................................................10
5.4 Tail Cables...............................................................................................................10
6 Warranty.................................................................................................................................10
6.1 Contract Works ........................................................................................................10
6.2 Supply-only Contract ...............................................................................................11
6.3 Material in Store - Storage Life................................................................................11
7 Packaging and Delivery........................................................................................................11
8 Provision of Information.......................................................................................................11
8.1.1 Type-approved Equipment.......................................................................11
8.1.2 New non-type-approved Equipment.........................................................11
8.1.3 Equipment substantially of type-approved items .....................................11
8.2 Test Certificates.......................................................................................................11
8.3 Design Changes ......................................................................................................11
Appendix A Schedule of Information to be Provided with Quotation .................................. 13
1 Scope and Application

This Specification covers the manufacture, supply and delivery of Railway Track Circuit
Equipment specifically designed to eliminate the use of insulated rail joints.
Where the equipment is offered in a form which has previously been granted type
approval, only the Information Schedule (First part of Appendix 1) has to be completed by
the Supplier. Where no type approval has been received, or the equipment differs in any
detail from similar type approved equipment, then all of the requirements of Appendix 1
must be complied with by the Supplier.
1.1 Applicable Standards

This equipment is required for the continuous detection of the presence of passenger and
other trains moving in the track circuited area. The track circuits form the basis of the
signalling system, and their integrity and reliability is fundamental to the safe operation of
trains. The highest standards of design, construction, components and workmanship are
imperative.
Australian Standards relating to any component, system or method of testing are deemed
applicable to and form part of this Specification. However, where conflicts exist, this
Specification shall take precedence over either.
Specific Standards applicable to this Specification are:
RailCorp –
Specification SPG 1600 Electrical and Electronic Components (Ratings and

Construction Requirements)
Specification SPG 0703 Signalling Documentation and Drawings
Specification SGP 0712 Lightning and Surge Protection Requirements
Specification SGP 1010 Cables for Signalling Applications – General Requirements
Specification SGP 1015 Cables for Railway Signalling Applications - High Frequency
Screened Track Circuit Cables
2 Performance Requirements
The equipment shall meet the following minimum performance requirements.
2.1 Track Length

Operate effectively for a range of lengths from a minimum of 50 metres, to a maximum of
at least 600 metres, under all local conditions. These lengths shall be as measured
between transmitter and receiver ends of a track; centre fed arrangements shall be
counted as two track circuits for this purpose.
2.2 Operating Frequencies

Operate in the mid-audio frequency range, and use a minimum number of discrete
operating frequencies. Sufficient frequencies shall be used to provide effective isolation
between successive track circuits on one road, and between adjacent roads.
The frequencies currently used and preferred by RailCorp are 1700, 2000, 2300 and
2600 Hz (nominal frequencies).
The arrangements and equipment layout used must be such that similar frequency
interference at any receiver is no more than 10% of the input level sufficient to produce
energisation of the receiver when set at maximum gain.
Suitable modulation methods shall be applied to make the equipment immune to

interference, especially from 50 Hz traction systems and chopper-controlled rolling stock
under DC traction.
2.3 Shunt Sensitivity

Have a minimum train shunt sensitivity of 0.15 ohms, over the entire length of the track.
Dead areas, ie sections of track where a shunt of 0.15 ohms across the rails is not
detected, are not permitted. No objection is raised to slight overlapping of track circuits at
separation joints. Broken rail detection is required at all times.
2.4 Fail Safety

Be completely fail-safe in design and application. If any component or connection in an
operating track circuit fails in any mode, open circuit, short circuit or an intermediate
condition, the track circuit itself and/or one or more of the two contiguous track circuits
must immediately go to an 'occupied' state.
2.5 Pick-up Time delay

Incorporate an integral time delay, to prevent energisation of the track relay during
momentary loss of shunt during the passage of a train. This delay shall be of at least 300
mS duration.
2.6 Output Protection

Provide transmitters and receivers with protection which enables them to operate for an
indefinite period with the output of either one short-circuited or open-circuited, without
permanent damage to the unit.
2.7 Power Supply

Operate from either 50 Hz AC mains at 120 volts with +/- 10% variation, or unregulated
filtered DC supplies between 22 and 28 volts DC. No phase relationship shall need to be
maintained between AC supplies at either end of a track circuit.
Require no restriction on the number and type of units sharing any one power supply unit,
other than that dictated by the total load rating of the unit.
2.8 Captive Wiring Connections and Unit Coding

Provide rack-mounted units with some means of wiring termination which eliminates the
possibility of incorrect connection being made when a unit is replaced under emergency
conditions. Alternatively, they shall be so designed that no mis-connection can render the
track circuit less shunt-sensitive than before the change.
Provide plug-in modules with coding to prevent insertion of any unit of incorrect frequency
or type.
2.9 Adjustment
Provide for simple measurement and setting of correct operating levels, and subsequent
adjustments. A single voltage or current value at the receiver input must be established
as the track circuit adjustment criterion.
2.10 Continuous Train Control

Are not required to make specific provision for information transfer by the track circuit to
train-borne apparatus at this stage, but equipment permitting addition of this facility at a
later date would be viewed favourably.
3 Operating Environment
The track circuits will be required to operate reliably in the following operating
environment:
3.1 Track Characteristics:

Gauge 1435 mm
Rail 53 and 60 Kg/m
Sleepers Timber (hardwood) or concrete with steel reinforcement
Ballast Crushed stone, may be up to head of rail
(min) 1.5 ohm Km (0.66 mho/Km)
Ballast resistance (max) 20 ohm Km (0.05 mho/Km) (concrete sleepers with
nylon insulated chairs and resilient fasteners)
Structure Gauge and No track-side equipment, including track circuit connection
Track Maintenance units, may be located closer than 2.5 metres from the
Clearance running face of the nearest rail.
3.2 Electric Traction:

This equipment will be installed under any of three traction arrangements:
a) DC traction, at 1500 volts, and maximum current to 6000 amperes continuous,

per train
b) AC traction, at 25 kV (25-0-25 distribution), and maximum continuous current to

2000 amperes, per train. (At a future date)
c) No electric traction
Specific conditions applying to these applications are described below.
3.2.1 DC Traction Return

Traction return continuity at interfaces to other track circuits, or where insulated rail joints
are required to provide a very sharply-defined cut-off point, is achieved by means of
impedance bonds of the following types:
1000 amp/rail Westinghouse MJS or similar

(unresonated) Westinghouse MJ or similar
Jeumont Schneider CIT1400 CT1
2000 amp/rail Westinghouse 2000R or similar

(resonated in 50 Hz use,
may be resonated for audio-frequency use)
3.2.2 Traction tie-ins

Where there are two or more tracks in parallel, current sharing is provided between
adjacent tracks by means of impedance bonds mounted in both tracks.
In DC traction areas, tie-ins are provided at intervals of between 1000 and 1600 metres
(with no more than one tie-in per track circuit). Currently this is done using Westinghouse
MJS or similar bonds, or with CIT1400 CT1 bonds used either unresonated or resonated,
depending on the length of track circuit.
For AC traction, tie-ins are provided at 600 metre intervals, between the neutral points of
air-cored inductors in each tuned loop, and to a continuous 70mmsq bare copper buried
earth wire.
3.2.3 Electrolysis Protection

In areas of DC electrification, connections may be provided to other buried services, to
protect them against electrolysis damage from stray traction current.
These connections may be passive, or active devices injecting up to 30 amperes DC into

the rail. The connection to rail is made to a track circuit neutral point, in one of the
following ways:
a) to the neutral point of a conveniently-located existing impedance bond;
b) to the centre-tap of a conveniently-located air-cored inductor in a tuned loop, if

available;
c) to the centre-tap of a purpose-designed iron-cored inductor, connected across

the track circuit at the required connection point.
3.2.4 Overhead Spark Gap Arrestors

In DC traction areas, overhead wiring support structures are normally of steel, not
connected together but having low but finite resistance to earth by way of their footings.
This has been measured to range from about 400 ohms, to less than 5 ohms, depending
on local conditions. Provision is made to connect each individual structure to rail, to
dissipate hazardous potentials arising due to insulation failure. This is done via a spark
gap which becomes conductive at potentials in excess of 50 volts. The integrity of spark
gaps cannot be guaranteed as, once broken down, they normally remain in a conducting
or low-resistance state. Breakdown may be caused by electrical storms or general
deterioration, connecting the rail(s) to earth via the structure footing.
Provision must be made for the existence of such rail connections, and the equipment
must continue to detect trains satisfactorily.
3.2.5 Chopper-controlled Rolling Stock

Thyristor (chopper) controlled DC electric rolling stock is in use on the system. This uses
switching frequencies of 196, 392, and 784 Hz. This stock is also fitted with static inverter
equipment operating at 1200 Hz, and rated at 130 kVA per unit.
3.3 Environmental
3.3.1 Temperature
The equipment will be required to operate reliably with ambient free-air shade
temperatures between 10C and 45C, and equipment housing temperatures exceeding
70C.
3.3.2 Humidity
Relative humidity ranges from 20% to 100% condensing.
3.3.3 Rainfall
Average annual rainfall ranges up to 1500 mm per annum, with peak rainfall up to
200mm per hour recorded.
3.3.4 Lightning
Much of the installation area for these tracks experiences lightning activity which is
severe in both strike intensity and frequency. RailCorp standards for lightning protection
of signalling equipment are detailed in Specification SPG 0712. The particular
arrangement applicable to this type of equipment is that shown in Section 5 of that
specification.
3.3.5 Insolation
Maximum solar radiation expected is 10.5 watts per sq metre of surface. It should be
assumed that all of the incident heat will be absorbed, as outdoor equipment will not
necessarily be kept painted or free of airborne industrial fallout.
3.4 Vandalism and Security

In common with other trackside equipment, track circuit equipment in the installation area
is often subjected to physical attack by vandals.
Trackside equipment shall be provided with lockable metal housings, either integral or
external to the main unit, to provide protection against vandal attack. The tuning of units
shall not be subject to deterioration due to the use of such housings.
All trackside unit housings shall be suitable for securing with the standard padlock. This
lock has a bow of 6 mm dia cross-section, with a maximum bow-to-body clearance of 20
mm.
4 Signalling Design Requirements

The equipment shall be able to provide the following circuit applications, which may be
peculiar to RailCorp. The Supplier shall provide typical circuits demonstrating the
recommended solution for each application.
Typical circuits, showing the application of each technique to conventional track circuits,
are provided in the Standard Signalling Circuits SDG001.
4.1 Track Stick

This circuit proves the normalisation of a signal by inhibiting the energisation of the
replacing track circuit relay until all of the signal's control relays are proved normal.
4.2 Deleted
4.3 Output Relays

The receiver output must be capable of operating directly a 24 volt or 50 volt signalling
relay of the British Rail Board Specification 930 series.
5 Installation Requirements
5.1 End/centre feeds

The track circuits shall be suitable for use in both conventional end-fed arrangements,
and as centre-fed tracks.
5.2 Location of indoor equipment

Indoor equipment (such as transmitters and receivers) will be located in a variety of
housings, ranging from brick walk-in buildings, to small aluminium or steel trackside
cupboards. The separation between indoor and trackside equipment may be required to
be as much as 1500 metres; the equipment offered shall include provision for this
situation.
5.3 Rack-mounting of equipment

All indoor equipment shall be modular in design, suitable for mounting on either BRB
standard relay racking, or on SNCF 'NS1' type mounting channel. Units shall be
designed for convenient removal and remounting by a single person.
5.4 Tail Cables

The standard cable for connection between indoor and trackside equipment is a shielded
twin cable, with 7/0.50 mm conductors having a DC loop resistance of 27 ohms per Km.
The standard arrangements for connection of trackside units to rail are shown in RailCorp
Drawing CO7980/2, in Appendix 2. This arrangement will apply equally to all new
equipment.
6 Warranty
The Supplier shall provide a warranty on all items of equipment supplied, for a period not
less than that specified below.
6.1 Contract Works

Where the material is supplied as part of a supply and installation contract, the warranty
period shall be for 12 months from the date of practical completion of each separable part
of the works.
6.2 Supply-only Contract

Where the material is provided on a supply-only basis, the warranty period shall be for 12
months from the date of receipt, or for 6 months from the date of commissioning of the
equipment, whichever is the later. Storage conditions shall in no case be less arduous
than the in-service environmental conditions applying to rack-mounted field equipment.
6.3 Material in Store - Storage Life

For material purchased for placing into stock for later use, the Supplier shall state a
maximum 'storage life' period, beyond which the provisions of Clause 6.2, above cannot
be extended.
7 Packaging and Delivery

Units of equipment provided on a supply-only basis shall be individually packaged to
provide adequate protection to maintain them in as-new condition for the duration of their
warranted storage-life, under basic storage conditions.
Units installed as part of contract works may be packaged in whatever way is required by
the installation Contractor. Units provided as spares under an installation contract shall
be supplied individually packaged, the same as supply-only items.
8 Provision of Information
8.1.1 Type-approved Equipment

The quotation shall be accompanied by a completed information schedule, together with
all supporting documentation required. A copy of the Schedule is provided as Appendix 1
of this Specification.
8.1.2 New non-type-approved Equipment

In addition, the Supplier shall provide complete documentation for type approval as
specified in Appendix 1, 'Schedule of Information'.
8.1.3 Equipment substantially of type-approved items

In addition to the Information Schedule (Clause 8.1.1), the Supplier shall provide the
documentation required for type approval of those items which are new or subject to
design changes subsequent to any previous type-approval.
8.2 Test Certificates

Test certificates shall be produced by the manufacturer, documenting the testing and
adjustment of all items of safety equipment provided under this specification. These
records shall be retained by the manufacturer for a period not less than the nominated
storage life and warranty period of the equipment. They shall be made available to the
RailCorp or RailCorp’s representative on request, at any time during that period.
8.3 Design Changes

If design changes are effected to any item of equipment during the currency of the type
approval, whether or not there exists any current quotation or order, the Supplier shall
provide to RailCorp a brief notification of the design change, describing the nature of the
change and the reasons for its implementation.
Appendix A Schedule of Information to be Provided with

Quotation
Note: Where insufficient space is available for a complete response to any question,
that should be provided on separate sheets, clearly identified with the number of the
question concerned.
Information Schedule
1 Identification of Equipment offered
1.1 Type / Model number .........................
1.2 Catalog number .........................
2 Type approval status
Does the equipment offered have current type approval?
2.1 Yes, all components .........................
Type approval reference .........................
date .........................
2.2 Yes, most components .........................
Type approval reference .........................
date .........................
Components not yet type approved .........................
2.3 No: .........................
(For items requiring type approval)
2.4 List of components submitted for type approval .........................
List of Documents submitted in support .........................
3 Description of Equipment offered
3.1 Shunt sensitivity
in tuned loop .........................
outside tuned loop .........................
3.2 Track circuit lengths -
Minimum, with infinite ballast res .........................
Maximum, with 1.5 ohm.Km ballast res .........................
3.3 Nominal frequencies used .........................
3.4 Actual frequencies used .........................
Modulation
Type .........................
Rate .........................
External Mod available .........................
3.6 Receiver bandwidth .........................
3.7 Tuned loop - nominal length
attenuation (min frequency) .........................
attenuation (max frequency) .........................
Tuned loop max attenuation, at rails or, at tuning unit

terminals .........................
3.8 Output relay - type .........................
operating voltage .........................
3.9 Location equipment
mounting arrangements .........................
wiring terminations .........................
coding arrangements .........................
3.10 Track connection units
Mounting arrangements .........................
Case material .........................
Suitability for installation

in vandal-resistant metal cover .........................
Cabling distances - maximum permissible values, for maximum track length
Tx to trackside
(normal arrangements - specify) .........................
(special arrangements - specify) .........................
Rx to trackside
(normal arrangements - specify) .........................
(special arrangements - specify) .........................
Transmitter output
voltage .........................
current (normal output) .........................
(low output) .........................
Receiver input
Voltage .........................
current .........................
Receiver output
voltage .........................
current .........................
Power supply requirements
Nominal supply voltage .........................
Permissible supply voltage range .........................
Supply loading (current at nominal voltage) .........................
Tx (normal power) .........................
Tx (minimum power) .........................
Rx (normal relay output) .........................
4 Traction return arrangements
Maximum permissible traction unbalance
voltage (rail to rail) .........................
current .........................
Effect of bond on maximum track length
Maximum permissible number of bonds per track .........................
Limits on positioning of bonds .........................
Recommended impedance bond types

(full details if other than specified). .........................
5 Packaging
Method of packing individual units for delivery
Supply Details
Delivery time from receipt of order .........................
Australian manufactured content .........................
Australian content (other) .........................
Percentage subject to exchange variation. .........................
7 Manufacturer
Name .........................
Address .........................
Telephone .........................
Contact name .........................
8 Supplier
Name .........................
Address .........................
Telephone .........................
Contact name .........................
Signature of Supplier's authorised representative .........................

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Engineering Specification

AUDIO FREQUENCY JOINTLESS

Owner: Warwick Allison, Chief Engineer Signals and Control Systems

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Page 1 of 16

1 Scope and Application ...........................................................................................................5

1 Scope and Application

1.1 Applicable Standards

Specific Standards applicable to this Specification are:

Specification SPG 1600 Electrical and Electronic Components (Ratings and

2.1 Track Length

2.2 Operating Frequencies

Suitable modulation methods shall be applied to make the equipment immune to

2.3 Shunt Sensitivity

2.4 Fail Safety

2.5 Pick-up Time delay

2.6 Output Protection

2.7 Power Supply

2.8 Captive Wiring Connections and Unit Coding

2.10 Continuous Train Control

3.1 Track Characteristics:

3.2 Electric Traction:

a) DC traction, at 1500 volts, and maximum current to 6000 amperes continuous,

b) AC traction, at 25 kV (25-0-25 distribution), and maximum continuous current to

Specific conditions applying to these applications are described below.

3.2.1 DC Traction Return

1000 amp/rail Westinghouse MJS or similar

2000 amp/rail Westinghouse 2000R or similar

3.2.2 Traction tie-ins

3.2.3 Electrolysis Protection

These connections may be passive, or active devices injecting up to 30 amperes DC into

a) to the neutral point of a conveniently-located existing impedance bond;

b) to the centre-tap of a conveniently-located air-cored inductor in a tuned loop, if

c) to the centre-tap of a purpose-designed iron-cored inductor, connected across

3.2.4 Overhead Spark Gap Arrestors

3.2.5 Chopper-controlled Rolling Stock

3.4 Vandalism and Security

4 Signalling Design Requirements

4.1 Track Stick

4.3 Output Relays

5.1 End/centre feeds

5.2 Location of indoor equipment

5.3 Rack-mounting of equipment

5.4 Tail Cables

6.1 Contract Works

6.2 Supply-only Contract

6.3 Material in Store - Storage Life

7 Packaging and Delivery

8.1.1 Type-approved Equipment

8.1.2 New non-type-approved Equipment

8.1.3 Equipment substantially of type-approved items

8.2 Test Certificates

8.3 Design Changes

Appendix A Schedule of Information to be Provided with

1 Identification of Equipment offered

1.1 Type / Model number .........................

1.2 Catalog number .........................

2 Type approval status

Does the equipment offered have current type approval?

2.1 Yes, all components .........................