The VPI-EMG: Modular, comprehensive, up to date

Wagon keepers and their entities in charge of maintenance (ECM) are responsible for the maintenance of their fleet. VERS supports them in living up to this responsibility with its VPI European Maintenance Guide. Our VPI-EMG serves keepers, ECMs and workshops across Europe as a source of valued maintenance recommendations. Continuous updates ensure a high level of quality.

The VPI-EMG is a model of success. First published in 2006 as the VPI Maintenance Guide, this set of published recommendations has enjoyed consistent user growth. Over 500 companies from more than 20 countries now make use of the modularly structured VPI-EMG. With its strong European orientation, the VPI-EMG is currently published in 13 languages. Feedback from users ensures a practically oriented development process for our maintenance guide.

VPI-EMG – Introductory remarks

The fundamental requirements and applications of the individual modules of the VPI-EMG are explained in the introductory remarks.

The introductory remarks are no longer contained in the download of the VPI-EMG. Instead, they are available for anyone to view on the Introductory remarks page

 

VPI-EMG 01 – General part

Module 01 outlines the framework of the VPI-EMG and describes the principles of the maintenance of wagons. This consists of overarching maintenance concepts and production technologies.

VPI-EMG 02 – Underframes, bogies

The maintenance and repair of the running gear of the wagon is covered in Module 02. The goal is to ensure the safe operating condition of the running gear subsystem through measurement and inspection. The suspension spring component of the running gear is covered in Module 05.

VPI-EMG 03 – Vehicle superstructures, tanks

Module 03 provides testing and inspection criteria within the framework of regular monitoring and planned maintenance levels for superstructures. The module is organised around the different wagon classes.

VPI-EMG 04 – Wheelsets

The specific requirements for the maintenance of the wheelset component is the subject of Module 04. It contains no specifications for the testing and maintenance of the components while installed on the wagon. These can be found in Module 01 / Annexes 21 and 22. The procedures for the non-destructive testing called for in this module can be found in Module 09.

VPI-EMG 05 – Springs

The special maintenance procedures for suspension springs are described in this module. Due to the special requirements, this individual component was removed from Module 02 and given its own module.

VPI-EMG 06A – Draw gear

Draw gear of various types and designs is used on wagons. Due to the special requirements, this individual component was removed from Module 01. The maintenance requirements are separately described in Module 06A.

VPI-EMG 06B – Buffing gear

The VPI-EMG only covers the buffer component as the buffing gear of a wagon. Due to the high variance among the buffers used, this component was removed from Module 01 and its special maintenance requirements are described in this module.

VPI-EMG 07 – Brakes

The high variance in the used brake types calls for specifically coordinated maintenance measures. Module 07 therefore covers the brakes as a functional assembly of the wagon. The refurbishment of components of the brakes functional assembly is not covered in the module.

VPI-EMG 08A – Electronic data interchange

The electronic data interchange is not part of the maintenance of wagons and has therefore been removed from the VPI-EMG for edition 5.0. The digital interface is a standard for digital transmission of documentation concerning the maintenance and equipment of wagons. The concept and details of the integration with individual data processing measures are documented in this module.

The free download for EMG recipients can be found on the “Electronic data interchange” page in the EMG area of the VERS website.

VPI-EMG 08B – VERS tool

VERS offers a web portal for convenient use of the digital interface. The manual on the use and function of this portal that was previously published as Module 08B has now been moved to the VERS tool area, where it remains available as a user manual for free downloading by EMG recipients.

VPI-EMG 09 – Non-destructive testing

Module 09 describes the conditions required for the proper performance of the non-destructive testing (NDT) and the relevant implementation procedures. The requirements concerning when and which NDT methods must be applied are specified in Modules 01 to 07.

VPI-EMG 10 – Mobile repair

Maintenance according to the specifications in Modules 01 to 07 of the VPI-EMG requires the infrastructure of a stationary facility (workshop) that is suitable for satisfying the maintenance requirements specified in Module 01. Module 10 regulates the scope and possibilities for repair work outside of such stationary facilities.

VPI-EMG 11 – Work safety

Module 11 describes the simplest practical principles for meeting the requirements of the EU Commission concerning work safety during the maintenance of wagons.

Perrey-2020

Armin Perrey

Director of the VPI European Maintenance Guide

T +49 40 226 59 21 - 41