Railroad heat sensors may be unreliable, post-Ohio train wreck
After the fiery train wreck that derailed and spilled hazardous waste into East Palestine, Ohio, many are pointing at unreliable heat sensors. Government reports, academics and decades of research have shown that this is a common problem. Railroad heat sensors, also known as hotbox detectors, are used to detect overheated bearings on trains. These sensors work by measuring the temperature of the bearings as they pass over the detector. However, there are a few reasons why these sensors can be unreliable.
Heat sensors are exposed to harsh outdoor environments, including extreme temperatures, rain, snow, and dust. These environmental factors can affect the accuracy of the readings and cause false alarms. They also require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning correctly. If the sensors are not properly calibrated or maintained, they can provide inaccurate readings. The speed of the train can also affect the accuracy of the readings. If the train is traveling too fast, the sensor may not have enough time to accurately measure the temperature of the bearings. Different types of bearings may produce different heat signatures, making it more challenging to accurately detect overheating. Additionally, the placement of the sensor is critical to its accuracy. If the sensor is not installed correctly, it may not be able to detect overheated bearings.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy slammed Amtrak for a power outage that disrupted Amtrak and NJ Transit services for hours, calling it an "unmitigated disaster."