Showcase WSPER (Wheel Slide Protection)

DB ESG recently hosted a press visit to demonstrate its Wheel Slide Protection Evaluation Rig (WSPER) to the esteemed railway trade media.

On Wednesday 4th November, a number of journalists were invited to ESG’s WSPER lab and office, both based within the Railway Technical Centre in Derby, to meet key members of the team, including DB ESG’s braking expert Stuart Brown.

WSPER is used to evaluate the low adhesion braking performance of full train braking systems. As a ‘hardware in the loop’ simulation tool, WSPER makes the equipment believe that it is fitted to the train, recreating realistic operational conditions. The rig is also able to measure the effectiveness of adhesion enhancement equipment, such as sanders.

Commenting at the event, Stuart Brown, Principal Electrical Engineer, DB ESG said: “Using WSPER brings many cross industry advantages, for operators, rolling stock leasing companies, maintainers, manufacturers and infrastructure owners. The benefits include improved operational safety, reduced whole-life maintenance costs, maximised braking capability in low adhesion conditions and improved efficiency of brake testing. WSPER can also support operators with the sanding standard deviations recently announced by the RSSB.

Martin Horsman, Managing Director, DB ESG added: “We have an established set of customers who regularly use WSPER to assess their brake performance and we are proud of their continued patronage. We are currently expanding our client base and looking at the ways we can develop the rig to meet our customers’ future aspirations.”