GP9 and SW7 Braking Systems

[KeithK]

We are dealing with GP9 and SW7 locomotives, and are looking at the possibility of automating their respective 24RL and 24EL braking systems under certain circumstances, for safety purposes. These engines are being used on a private industrial facility. The general idea is to provide a signal to a device in the cab that can activate the brakes without operator intervention. The signal is the easy part: the brake system is the challange.
Does anybody know if this can be done, and about how much it might cost to do so?

[EDM5970]

Just what are you trying to do? Overspeed? Deadman? Remote shutdown? Your question just leads to more questions. If you want to make an emergency application, both automatic and indy, a magnet valve venting the brake pipe should do the trick.

[KeithK]

Appreciate the response, EDM5970.
Remote shutdown is what we are after, but a deadman situation could also be applicable. This is on a refinery rail system, internal movement only, with various endpoints. There are no signaling or control systems in place, and despite a very strong safety program, a recent accident gave cause to look for a way to automate in-cab signaling and braking at certain stopping points, with as little human intervention as possible (none, is preferable). As I noted, the signaling is the easy part. We want the last signal (red) to also initate a timer that will apply brakes within a couple of seconds if the operator doesn't get there first. We are talking about slow speeds (less than 5mph), and as little as some tens of feet in distance at the final signal. Fixed sensors will sense the leading edge of the consist, in whichever direction the train is moving.
I am a novice on air brake systems, so: Where would you install the magnet valve in the brake system, and can you suggest a place to go to for more information on the proper valve? Is it enough to install it for just the main reservoir, or do we have to vent auxiliary reservoirs too?

[ex Budd man]

installing magnet valves to apply the brakes at a service rate or emergeny rate is a simple proposition. If you are running an automated system you will need a way to recharge and release the brakes. For emergency applications a WABCO E3 application valve (pneumatically operated) or an N-D-3 which is a magnet valve. I'm sure a programmer could write software to do just what you're looking for. WABTEC could provide an entire system.