HIGH REACH PANTOGRAPH (HRPT)

High-Performance Current Collection for AC Electric Locomotives & Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC)
Specification No. RDSO/2007/EL/SPEC/0054 Rev. ‘3’ (with Amend. 1 & 2)
1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
The High Reach Pantograph (HRPT) is a pinnacle of heavy-duty rail engineering, custom-tailored to handle the demanding operational dynamics of Indian Railways’ AC Electric Locomotives. It operates seamlessly up to speeds of 200 kmph on standard overhead equipment (OHE) as well as specialized high-clearance routes,
such as double-stack container freight operations along the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC).
Engineered for extreme adaptability, its massive vertical sweep effortlessly bridges overhead contact wire
heights ranging from 4.54 meters up to 7.570 meters above rail level. Powered by a robust, air-bellow driven
articulated arm assembly, the HRPT delivers exceptionally stable aerodynamic performance and constant
contact force, drastically reducing wear on both the contact wires and carbon strips.
2. ADVANCED SAFETY & PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS:
Auto Drop Device (ADD)
Fully compliant with IEC-60494-1-2013. In the event
of a severe collision, abnormal contact wire impact,
or excessive carbon wear, the system instantly vents
pneumatic pressure to rapidly lower the pantograph,
protecting the overhead lines from catastrophic
failure. It utilizes specialized metallised carbon strips
designed for rapid venting upon impact.
Over Reach Detection (ORD) Device
Serves as a vital safety guardrail on specialized
high-reach corridors. If the pantograph extends
dangerously past its standard safe operating zone,
the ORD triggers an automated fast-lowering
sequence. The system activates reliably between
3.7 meters and 3.8 meters above the locked-down
height.
3. KEY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Input (AC) | |
| Nominal Voltage | 3 Phase, 4 wire, 750 V ± 5% (line to line), 50Hz +3%, THD <10% |
| Nominal Input Line Current | 11.54 A at 750 V |
| Output (AC) | |
| Power | 15 KVA |
| Output Voltage |
3 Phase, 4 wire, 415 V ± 5% (line to line), 50Hz ±3%, 10.5 KVA 3 Phase, 4 wire, 190 V ± 5% (line to line), 50Hz ±3%, 4.5 KVA |
| Nominal Output Current |
14.60 A for 10.5 KVA winding at 415 V 13.67 A for 4.5 KVA winding at 190 V |
| Efficiency | >96% from half load to full load |
| Class of Insulation | H |
| Noise Level | <60 db at 1.0 m distance |
| Protections | |
| Vector Configuration | Star – Star – Star (Yyy) |
| IP Protection | IP-67 |
| Winding Wire | Super enameled copper as per IS:13730 Pt.13, Pt.29 |
| Max. Temp Rise | 115°C |
| Total Weight | 250 Kg (Max.) |
| Construction | |
| Enclosure | 2.0 mm thick SS 304 Enclosure / Housing |
| Top Cover | 5.0 mm thick SS 304 |
| Overall Dimensions (L × D × H) | 970 × 560 × 650 mm |
| Mounting | 360 × 215 mm / 500 × 215 mm |
| Weight | Less than 250 Kg |
| Cooling | Natural air cooled |
4. CLIMATIC & ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE
- Thermal Endurance: Operates flawlessly in ambient temperatures from -10°C up to +50°C (handles up to +70°C under direct sunlight).
- Monsoon Proof: Maintains full insulation performance and functionality at up to 100% relative humidity saturation.
- Coastal Shielding: Chemically resilient against highly humid, salt-heavy sea breezes (engineered to handle up to a pH of 8.5, sulphate of 7 mg/l, and chlorine concentration of 6 mg/l).
- High Wind & Altitude Resistance: Rated for severe wind pressures up to 216 kgf/m2 and altitudes up to 1,776 meters above mean sea level.
5. PREMIUM STRUCTURAL CONSTRUCTION
- Heavy-Gauge Welded Base Frame: Scaled and pickled high-grade steel, precision grit/sandblasted, and layered with high-visibility, anti-corrosive Orange Polyurethane / Powder coating (RAL 2005/RAL 2004, min 80-micron thickness).
- Aerodynamic Articulated Arms: Ultra-lightweight, geometrically optimized upper and lower arms equipped with mechanical dampers to eliminate high-speed sway.
- High-Precision Pneumatics: Advanced air transmission control lines outfitted with premium, non- clogging sintered bronze filters.
- Collector Head Bow Assembly: Outfitted with dual high-conductivity metallised carbon strips conforming to RDSO/2009/EL/SPEC/0097 or RDSO/2009/EL/SPEC/0114.
- Robust Fasteners & Shunts: Premium stainless steel fasteners (Grade A2-70) paired with extra-high cross-section copper-braided flexible shunts.
Global Certifications & Mechanical Standards: This unit is tested and fully certified under IEC
60494-1:2013 (pantograph characteristics & tests), IEC 61373:2010 (Shock & Vibration Category 1, Class A),
and IEC 62486 (current collection dynamics). Structural layout completely aligns with standard four-support
locomotive roof mounting arrangements (807 mm × 1160 mm).
