Safe Earthing & Bonding in Rail

This course provides participants with a sound basis in science and practical examples for understanding and problem solving with earthing systems in the rail environment.

The course begins with an introduction to the physics of earthing including the areas of circuit fundamentals, conductive effects, proximity, mutual earth resistance and inductive coupling.

It will then cover soil resistivity fundamentals, field testing and model assessment and derivation before moving on to empirical and analytical voltage design methods and analysis issues for typical applications.

The course includes interactive practical sessions where we will ‘see’ how specific changes and errors affect outcomes which is invaluable in turning information into understanding.

Over the course participants will be invited to present real life issues and examples they have wrestled with, which will then be analysed using the understanding and skills developed during the program.

For more information and discounts, please contact Sushil on 02 9080 4395 or email us at [email protected]

Introduction and context

• What are earthing systems
• Functions of an earthing system
• Why earthing system interest is increasing
• The importance of getting it earthing systems right

Overview of railway earthing systems

• Utility power supply
• Substations and distribution
• Traction power earthing requirements
• Bonding versus earthing
• Key hazards with the earthed infrastructure of the railway network
• Key design conflicts and challenges

Safety, human factors and zero risk

• Risk assessment and risk management
• Applicable and background safety criteria sources
• Conditions for risk
• The physiological effects and risks, AC and DC
• Human electrical models and voltage criteria
• Review of changes to earthing standards and how they’ll affect rail

Soil as part of the circuit

• Key soil electrical characteristics
• Soil electrical resistivity
• Information sources on soil
• Resistivity test methods
• Analysis techniques and model determination

Railway earthing system interactions

• Signalling
• Communications
• Low-voltage supplies
• The importance of correct coordination

Earth grids

• Key grid components and what they do
• Conductor ratings
• Earth grid resistance
• Determining earth grid performance
• Step, touch and transfer voltages
• Empirical versus analytical analysis techniques
• Strategies in earth grid design
• Common pitfalls

Earthing systems and alternate paths

• Transfer of energy
• Conductive current distribution
• Induction mechanisms in current distribution
• Inductive hazard creation including tracks, fences and other metallic paths

DC railway electrification

• Key considerations in DC bonding and earthing in a DC traction environment traction environment
• Isolated systems and earth clamps for safety and performance

AC railway electrification

• Key considerations in AC bonding and earthing in an AC traction environment
• Key considerations of booster transformers and auto-transformer systems

Earthing strategies and issues

• Separation and isolation in earthing systems
• Interconnected and common bonded systems
• Rail return systems
• Drainage and transient bonding
• Unearthed and floating systems
• Effects of various systems on touch potentials

Corrosion mechanisms and minimisation

• How stray current causes steel corrosion
• Procedures to control stray current

Lightning protection

• Introduction to lightning mechanisms and risks
• Approaches to lightning risk management

Earthing system commissioning and testing

• Benefits and risks associated
• Recommended strategies
• Test methods and equipment
• Common traps and sources of errors

Demonstration, practical examples and class participation throughout

Stephen Palmer

Stephen is an earthing specialist, and has extensive experience in all earthing related works including design, audit and test in industries including generators, utilities, heavy industry, mining and rail.

Stephen began his career at BHP’s Newcastle Steelworks in 1987 as a trainee. In his 12 years with BHP engineering groups he worked in a variety of sites and fields including communications, process control and automation, MMI
and drives.

In 1993 he graduated in electrical engineering with honours from Newcastle University. He later received his graduate diploma in business management from the same institution.

Following BHP, Stephen spent 11 years with Energy Australia’s safearth group (now called network earthing) in a range of roles including consulting manager. He is now a director and the principal engineer of Safearth Consulting, the independent business formed following Energy Australia’s withdrawal from the external market.

Stephen has extensive experience in earthing system management, design, audit and testing, lightning protection systems and induction risk management across a range of industries.

Stephen’s work with Safearth in a rail specific environment includes work on the Sunbury electrification project – providing general earthing consulting; at the Varsity Lakes rail project (an alliance including QR) in Queensland working with remedial design and commissioning; for Railcorp he provided distribution earthing design and augmentation; Stephen also provided rail induction, hazards and a signalling interference study for a rail line situated parallel to a 330kb transmission line for Transgrid and ARTC.

Sydney // 26-27 Sep 17
Super Early Bird rate: $2,295 (Save $300 + GST). Use code P17GT04SY02. Expires by 18 Aug 2017.
Early Bird rate: $2,495. Expires by 8 Sep 2017.
Standard rate: $2,595.

Brisbane // 24-25 Oct 17
Super Early Bird rate: $2,295 (Save $300 + GST). Use code P17GT04BR. Expires by 15 Sep 2017.
Early Bird rate: $2,495. Expires by 6 Oct 2017.
Standard rate: $2,595.

• Special rate $1,996 (per person) when you book for four or more participants, please call us today on 02 9080 4307 or email [email protected] to take advantage of this offer.