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Project: CET Operator Platforms at Ramsgate Railway Maintenance Depot.
Client: ParaRail
Background: Before the introduction of CET platforms (Controlled Emissions Tanking), the task of emptying train waste tanks was time-consuming and awkward for operatives. Access from the depot floor level up into the train seating areas was difficult without access platforms and the procedure was far from ideal from the safety point of view, since operatives had to work in close proximity to the live rail and moving trains.
Cook Fabrications was asked to help with the design and development of a system that would enhance the task of emptying the train waste tanks and provide operatives with safe access to the train seating area for cleaning duties.
ParaRail had a design remit approved by the rail standards authority, which it issued to Cook Fabrications to provide a starting point for work on the project. Various solutions to create the ideal system were considered before a working prototype was ready to be fabricated.
The task:
Platform Structure Design: The operator platform comprises approximately 245m of galvanised steel support structure with custom built non-slip perforated steel decking. Access to the platforms is via a ramp at either end of the platform.
The 245m of steel platform is long enough to accommodate the largest 12 car train configuration used on the south east rail network. Nine CET modules are carefully positioned within the platforms to coincide with the train waste tank outlets.
CET Module Design: The CET modules comprise three integral access platforms which are lifted in sequence from one end. Safety rails mounted below the top decks are then raised to create a safe working area for both operatives working within the module and operatives exiting the train at these points.
Galvanised steel steps enable access to the lower deck area. Three inch bore vacuum pipes, which are plumbed into the entire length of the operator platforms, are used to connect to the train waste tanks. Simple controls and valves control the emptying process.
Fabrication: With the prototype platforms and CET modules complete, fabrication on the 245m structure could be started. DSTV and Cam-Fit files created by our in-house 3D modelling software were used to program both our CNC Plasma and CNC Drill and Cut line. These two machines were used to prepare approximately 90% of all the components used throughout the CET Platforms.
Thanks to this advanced technology, the components are manufactured from the same data created by the drawing package. This helps reduce fabrication errors, and, with all the main components prepared, the fabricator has only to undertake the task of assembly and welding.
On-site assembly: The CET Modules and Platform were erected by our on-site team of PTS trained (Personal Track Safety) tradesman. The assembly of the 245m platform took four men approximately six weeks to complete.
The results: Since the successful completion of this project, Cook Fabrications has since completed an identical project at the St Leonards West Marina depot in Hastings.