UIC APPROVAL OF MAN B&W RK215 ENGINE

During the early part of 2004 the engine manufacturer MAN B&W Diesel Ltd made enquiries regarding Type Testing their RK215 engine in accordance with UIC leaflets 624 and 623.

UIC 624 includes, among other things, a comprehensive and harsh, load and thermal cycling endurance test that is designed to highlight potential service problems in an accelerated time frame. Some issues considered include low cycle fatigue, component wear, bearing erosion, carbon packing, etc. UIC 623 tests and certifies engines with regard to compliance of the UIC limit values for emissions.

The RK215 engine was tested between September and December 2004, the engine strip down and examination occurred in January 2005.

Working together with the UIC, ESG acted on behalf of EWS who were the managing railway for this project. Railway representatives from ‘ČD’ and ‘DB’ also acted as test Inspectors.

Having represented EWS on the UIC diesel expert committee B208P for a number of years. ESG acted on behalf of EWS to carry out all the roles and responsibilities required of the managing railway.

ESG played a major role in co-ordinating test programme with engine manufacturer and the UIC in accordance within the guidelines laid out in UIC 623. Other aspects of the project included:

• Agreeing systems of measurement and acceptance criteria for the engine components pre and post test.
• Checking certification and calibration of test cell and equipment.
• Verifying that the engine ran continuously as and when required.
• Compiling and reviewing the final report with the UIC.

The RK215 engine successfully completed and passed the Type Test and is now the most powerful engine certified and approved to UIC623 and UIC624.

Key Features

• Understanding and implementing the UIC standards 623 and 624
• Providing guidance for engine manufacturer with regards to the set-up and execution of the tests and compliance to the UIC standards
• On call coverage throughout the endurance test

• In Depth Knowledge of Diesel Engines
• Liaising with both the UIC and Engine Manufacturer
• Project Management
• Creation and Review of Technical Documentation
• Component examination, measurement and assessment
• Impartial observation and judgement