The Channel Tunnel Rail Link provides a high speed service from East London to the Channel Tunnel. Ematics were the chosen specialist sub contractor for Tyco Control Systems to provide of the Tunnel Ventilation Control system for the three new tunnels of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

The primary function of the tunnel VCS is to supply air or extract air from the tunnels in the event of an incident as well as perform tunnel ventilation during normal train operations. Using Mitsubishi Q Series PLC’s at the plant control level and Citect MX4 SCADA system for the operator interface were used. The systems were connected in duty standby arrangement and provided control for monitoring from a number of locations.

All PLC and SCADA software was developed in accordance with the systematic requirements of BSEN51028 SIL3 requirements employing approved configuration management systems and procedures.

Ematics were also responsible for producing all quality assurance documentation and were regularly audited by external auditors as well as our own in house audits and were responsible for all internal testing and developed a number of simulators in order to fully test to the user requirements and gain approval prior to delivery to site.