NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATIONS
95 %. If the operator of an open cab LHD keeps his light on , then he will be informed of someone appearing in range when the counter goes from 1 to 2 .”
MineProx also offers the option of creating infrared safe zones to filter out pedestrians who are not in harm ’ s way , for example , inside refuges or substations . “ Unlike RF-based safe zones , infrared-based safe zones offer the benefit of clear-cut demarcation lines , which is critical since a person can become in harm ’ s way by taking one step out of the refuge into the drift . The infrared receiver on the Newtrax OEM Cap Lamp module in the cap lamp detects the presence of infrared , ie its presence in a safety zone . When this occurs , the cap lamp stops transmitting a proximity warning beacon , to filter out pedestrians in safe zones versus pedestrians in harm ’ s way .”
Finally , a man down feature is a way to ensure unconscious miners don ’ t get run over by mobile equipment . However , all instances where the device is not carried by a worker must be filtered out . In MineProx , this is achieved by turning the man down sensor off when the cap lamp is turned off ; in an infrared safe zone ; or in a charger .
Stationary equipment and fixed plant are equipped with a Fixed Hazard Proximity Beacon which are also portable and are ideal to warn operators of open holes , loose ground , and dangerous intersections . The range of Fixed Hazard Proximity Beacons can be further adjusted as required with attenuators . The Fixed Hazard Beacon can be externally powered for permanent installation , to avoid downtime from depleted batteries .
The option of remote continuous monitoring is also available through the MineHop network infrastructure provided by Newtrax . “ One interesting use case is two vehicles approaching a dangerous intersection at high speed , without being in RF range of one another and by installing a fixed hazard beacon at dangerous intersections , operators will be informed to slow down and be careful .
MineEvac enables mine-wide instant evacuation notification . The evacuation signal is sent both over the leaky feeder backbone and over MineHop in hard to reach areas , where stench gas takes longer to reach and / or where there is no ambient lighting . All cap lamps start flashing intermittently , until the person acknowledges reception .
Finally , MineAlone enhances the safety of lone workers in underground hard rock mines . It enables periodic check-ins , emergency assistance requests and automatic alarms upon lack of movement ( Man Down ). It uses the MineHop wireless network infrastructure to quickly create an electronic lifeline to the location where the miner will be working .
A graphical representation of data that can be monitored using Nautitech BPLM on an underground LHD
MineAlone accelerates rescue operations for man down scenarios by enabling workers to comply with the two hour check-in requirement without leaving their work area , simply by toggling the power of their cap lamp .
When in MineHop range at the face , if a miner breaks a leg and is bleeding , he can call for help by pressing the panic buttons on his lamp . If he falls unconscious because of a gas intoxication , when his helmet and lamp hit the ground and remain immobile for 60 seconds , the lamp will automatically call for help after a 30 seconds grace period .
Australian mining safety solutions going global
“ The mining industry is facing the challenge of increasing productivity without compromising on safety ” says Alex Lester , General Manager for Nautitech . “ Nautitech prides itself on its innovative nature and its focus on solutions that make a difference in safety , productivity and communications , helping solve related problems that mines have been contending with for a long time . This autonomous mining approach means that people can be taken out of potential danger zones and positioned in control rooms , located away from hazardous areas underground or on the surface , to monitor performance underground , communicate with employees and operate equipment .”
Lester highlights that the Spitfire Broadband Power Line Modem ( BPLM ) has had considerable success in Australia since its introduction four years ago , with Nautitech having acquired 100 % of the shearer market and about 80 % of the continuous miner market in the country ’ s underground coal mining sector . The BPLM is currently undergoing a particularly challenging trial at a platinum mine in South Africa , with ten drilling machines at different levels up to 4 km underground .
“ All our products are IECEx approved , and
safety is not the only benefit associated with Nautitech ’ s solutions , which can also help improve cost cutting and compliance with environmental regulations .” He notes that if a mine has compromised communications from its underground workings to the surface , it is difficult to improve productivity and impossible to get timely information about the state of equipment and processes . “ The Spitfire BPLM improves the efficiency and productivity of machinery , allows for the improvement of a fleet ’ s efficiency and machine performance monitoring , and ensures that real-time data is sent to the surface .”
Nautitech ’ s other popular solutions ( also being released overseas ) include their thermal and HD cameras and displays to increase visibility underground for drivers of mining shuttle cars , loaders , shearers and continuous miners , whose view can otherwise be compromised by darkness , dust and steam . As the thermal camera needs no light source , infrastructure , such as cabling , and people , can clearly be seen and avoided up to 60 m away . The thermal camera was the winner of the 2015 Innovation Award at the Queensland Mining Industry Health & Safety Conference .
Nautitech says it is further developing an alert system that is activated should its camera detect personnel within close proximity to danger or coal seams and which is equipped with situation monitoring applications for stockpiles and conveyor belts .
“ Despite the commodities downturn , we have found that miners are willing to continue to invest in our products . We try to listen to our customers and develop solutions that are really needed ,” Lester says . Nautitech is hoping to extend its supplier base in South Africa and Europe as demand for its solutions grows .
The newest addition to the Nautitech suite of products and innovative solutions is the Nautitech Spitfire BPLM Wi-Fi bubble solution . “ The simplicity and robustness of this solution is
100 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2016