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Andreas Rottmann (MEng) Project Development Manager

Siemens Ltd Transportation Systems

In recent years axle counters have gradually replaced track circuits as the main method used for track vacancy detection for main-line applications, particularly in Europe.

This paper gives an introduction into axle counter technology, providing details about the axle counting principles, wheel detection and system configurations. A more detailed description of the track-side and indoor equipment is presented on the basis of the Siemens Az S 350 U axle counter system.

Axle counters and track circuits are the two main systems currently on the market used for effective track vacancy detection. A comparison of the two systems has been carried out against selected evaluation criteria relevant for cost effective operation and design of signalling systems relevant to the Australian market.

Also outlined in this paper is a practical example of an axle counter application installed at the Britomart Station in Auckland, New Zealand.