Maintaining Braking Systems in Vancouver
The SkyTrain has been in daily operation above the rooftops of the Canadian city of Vancouver since 1986. The driverless system, which runs on a partially elevated track above the motorised traffic, is a prominent feature of Vancouver’s cityscape. The new vehicles were equipped with HANNING & KAHL braking systems in 2016.
By Claudius Kipp
In March 2022, we carried out some intensive customer training at the British Columbia Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC) in Vancouver. Two employees from HANNING & KAHL Germany trained local workshop staff how to handle the brake components and to use the custom-built hydraulic test bench, which could now finally be commissioned. A colleague from our North American subsidiary in Bridgeport, Philadelphia provided further support.
First of all, HANNING & KAHL and SkyTrain operator BCRTC disassembled and assessed the brake components together. Various spare parts were then mounted on hydraulic brake calipers and pressure generators in order to restore them to function. Our new hydraulic test bench was used to check the functionality of these components. In addition to manual tests and endurance test cycles, the test bench also enables the largely automated generation of test protocols following repair work or a general overhaul in line with the required intervals. Remote access from Germany is also possible which means that, if necessary, the test bench can be activated from a distance provided the operator provides permission to do so. After a successful test, the digitally generated protocols can be stored or printed out. The brake components can be stored or directly re-installed on the vehicle and continue to perform reliably.
With the new test bench and the technical knowledge and special equipment acquired, BCRTC is now able to repair its own brake components preventively and correctively. Remote services from Germany and direct support from our service station in the USA ensure that our customer receives optimal all-round support from HANNING & KAHL. Being immediately able to repair and inspect equipment in the event of a malfunction for example, also greatly enhances the availability and flexibility of the components in Vancouver.
Our customer training in Vancouver was successfully completed thanks to teamwork between HANNING & KAHL Germany and HANNING & KAHL L.P. (USA). We would like to say a big THANK-YOU to BCRTC for the excellent working relationship which we enjoy, and to all involved for their commitment.