SPL Powerlines Revolutionises Rail Electrification with Leica Pegasus TRK700 NEO

Author: Curtis Woodward

SPL Powerlines has recently made a significant move to enhance its rail electrification capabilities by adopting the Leica Pegasus TRK700 NEO, setting a new survey efficiency and precision standard. With this state-of-the-art system, SPL Powerlines can conduct surveys more quickly and accurately, enabling the prefabrication of essential components and providing near real-time insights.

As a leader in modernising the UK’s rail infrastructure, SPL Powerlines uses this innovative technology to drive progress and attract new clients, reinforcing its commitment to a cleaner and more efficient rail system. This case study examines how implementing the Pegasus TRK700 NEO transforms SPL Powerlines’ approach to rail electrification and solidifies its position at the forefront of industry advancements.

Company Overview 

SPL Powerlines UK Ltd is a leading provider of cutting-edge electrical solutions for the UK's rail infrastructure. Specialising in Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) and High Voltage Power Supply (HV), SPL Powerlines plays a crucial role in modernising the nation’s rail networks. With their headquarters in Coatbridge, Scotland, and strategic operational hubs in Glasgow, Doncaster, Leicester, and Derby, they offer a diverse range of services, including design, surveys, consulting, engineering, isolation, plant provision, installation, and maintenance. Their expertise places them at the forefront of rail electrification and infrastructure enhancement across the UK.

Project Scope

The Midland Mainline Electrification project is an exciting and transformative initiative that promises to modernise the railway corridor connecting London to Wigston. This project goes beyond just electrifying the tracks; it represents a complete upgrade of the entire railway infrastructure, which will greatly improve the efficiency and reliability of train services along this vital route.

With its introduction of electric trains operating at top speeds, the Midland Mainline is a key player in the UK's ambitious goal of decarbonising its transportation network. This shift from diesel to electric power is set to substantially cut carbon emissions, aligning perfectly with both national and global sustainability efforts.

The completion of the latest phase of this project between 2024 and 2026 is a testament to careful planning and execution. The new electrification and upgrades to existing will not only improve travel times but also enhance passenger comfort and increase service frequency, making rail travel an even more appealing choice for commuters and travellers alike.

In summary, the Midland Mainline Electrification project is a fantastic leap towards a modern, eco-friendly UK rail system. It paves the way for a cleaner, greener future for everyone—passengers and the environment included!  

The Midland Mainline Electrification railway corridor route connecting London to Wigston.

SPL Powerlines took on the ambitious task of enhancing survey productivity, particularly given the restricted access to railway lines. The team were determined to discover an innovative and cost-effective survey solution that could be easily implemented, ensuring faster and safer surveys. Their objective was to identify a creative alternative that would surpass traditional "boots on ballast" methods while delivering significant savings compared to existing mass data capture systems. 

The rail infrastructure industry is increasing its utilisation of data to facilitate smarter decision-making. This offers a valuable opportunity to enhance the management of maintenance, enhancements, and renewals, even in the face of budget constraints. SPL Powerlines has enthusiastically embraced this challenge by developing a solution that optimises the collection of large volumes of high-quality data. By employing advanced data-gathering techniques, they aim to provide teams with the insights needed for improved decision-making and operational efficiency across all projects. This forward-thinking strategy is not just a reaction to existing challenges; it represents a proactive step toward a more optimised and promising future for rail infrastructure.

To meet their objectives, SPL Powerlines sought a solution that provided a compact, lightweight, and self-contained system suitable for mounting on any vehicle within their fleet. The system needed to offer high relative and absolute accuracy, along with multiple return LiDAR sensors for detailed and precise data capture. High-resolution output was essential for optimal data quality, while user-friendly operation complemented by robust technical support and customer care was a priority.

Choosing Pegasus TRK700 NEO

After thorough research and trials of various systems, SPL Powerlines confidently selected the Pegasus TRK700 NEO due to its remarkable features. The system delivers exceptional vegetation penetration capability through multiple return LiDAR sensors, which is essential for accurate data capture in varied environments. Its seamless setup for rail surveys eliminates the need for additional equipment, such as Total Stations for measuring GNSS Lever Arm Offsets, and its modern, rugged design features a versatile mounting system that improves usability.

Leica Geosystems, a division of Hexagon, has also provided comprehensive customer care, warranty, and training packages to ensure long-term support. Moreover, the competitive pricing has aligned well with budget considerations, making it an ideal choice for SPL Powerlines.

Implementation & Reaction

The implementation proceeded smoothly, and it was supported by professional training and exceptional assistance from Leica Geosystems. This facilitation ensured a seamless transition and bolstered the confidence of SPL Powerlines’ staff in the system’s capabilities.

"The support provided by Leica Geosystems, both during the purchase process and after, has been outstanding. Having access to a dedicated team of professionals who can guide us and ensure we maximize the system's potential is truly invaluable. This recent purchase continues a long-standing personal experience with laser scanners from Leica Geosystems, and the quality of the Pegasus TRK700 NEO data fully meets the high standards I have come to expect. My team and I are excited to explore the full capabilities of this system and to push the boundaries within the UK Rail Industry."

Ash Johnson - Survey Manager at SPL POWERLINES UK

The impressive capabilities of the Pegasus TRK700 NEO generated a wave of excitement and recognition throughout SPL Powerlines. Its addition has broadened the company’s market prospects, elevating their profile in surveying services beyond railway electrification to encompass the power and distribution sectors. This development has attracted new clients within the railway industry keen to utilise their enhanced survey services, highlighting the system’s positive impact on business growth.

The Pegasus TRK700 NEO system significantly enabled SPL Powerlines to prefabricate essential components ahead of a critical railway blockade, substantially mitigating risks. The accurate measurements facilitated the prefabrication of thousands of components, including overhead power wires secured with specific-length dropper wires. This innovative approach remarkably quadrupled the survey mileage output from 4 miles to 20 miles each night, optimising resource allocation while minimising the need for personnel on-site, creating a safer work environment and enhancing operational efficiency.

Conclusion

SPL Powerlines has changed its approach to rail electrification by adopting the Pegasus TRK700 NEO technology. This solution has improved their survey processes and increased their capabilities. They have quadrupled their survey productivity and can now capture sufficient data with a short enough turnaround time to begin to prefabricate key components and provide near real-time insights and regular progress updates, thus showing their commitment to innovation and efficiency. This project has reinforced their leadership in rail electrification and attracted new clients. As the Midland Mainline Electrification project progresses, SPL Powerlines is paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient rail system in the UK. This case study highlights the benefits of using advanced technology and careful planning, keeping SPL Powerlines at the forefront of rail infrastructure modernisation. 

SPL POWERLINES UK LIMITED
Room 290 Trent House | RTC Business Park | London
Road | DERBY | DE24 8UP | United Kingdom
https://www.powerlines-group.com/uk/