CANADIAN TECHNOLOGY
Provix’s new Wireless Skip Cam is a complete point-to-point/point-to-multipoint digital video link
with a range up to 610 m (2,000 ft). The camera allows hoistman and rigging team to monitor load
and skip clearance to the shaft. The fast 300 Mbps data rate allows real-time maximum resolution.
The ‘quick-release’ pedestal mount allows for quick deployment and removal of camera and
transmitter and the self contained LIPO battery provides for full portability. It has a 15” LCD monitor
been the case with some of the components of the
shaft sinking control system developed by
Redpath.
As discussed in the September 2015 edition of
International Mining, new networking solutions
have been successfully implemented by Redpath
in a number of shaft sinking and rehabilitation
projects. This was motivated by the following
major factors:
1. To reduce the number of shaft cables required
for shaft sinking: The leaky feeder cable must
be carried down as the shaft progresses; a
wireless solution (WiFi) eliminates the need to
manage this overhead cable
2. To provide a reliable communication link to the
workers beyond the reaches of leaky feeder at
shaft bottom: During sinking, the leaky feeder
cable must be kept on a spool to facilitate the
progressive deepening of the shaft. This spool
must reside on the work stage, which is too far
from the shaft bottom to provide a reliable
signal to the workers and devices on the
bench. Using WiFi has even allowed for video
conferences involving people on the bench
3. To reduce the amount of risky work done mid-
shaft: Leaky feeder requires amplifiers to be
installed on the shaft wall. This type of work
can put workers at risk (working at heights,
falling objects, etc) and also consumes
valuable hoisting time
4. To provide a solution that would not interfere
with existing mine infrastructure: Since leaky
feeder is used in permanent mining, frequency
selection must be coordinated by any
contractor services coming onto site. Using
WiFi means that Redpath can implement a
solution without the need for additional
licensing and minimal frequency conflicts
5. To visually monitor under-slung equipment
36 International Mining | APRIL 2017
during shaft travel: The bandwidth provided by
WiFi makes IP cameras easy to install on the
conveyance. This allows the hoist operator to
monitor the equipment visually and audibly for
any issues as the equipment is lowered
6. To use the equipment to provide guide
vibration reports: After building a mine shaft
and hoisting plant, the shaft guides can be
benchmarked by relating hoist position to the
input of a multi-axis accelerometer. With the
hoisting system connected to the conveyance
in real-time, plotting vibration graphs is simple
and low-cost
7.To simplify the removal of equipment after
shaft construction is complete: Most often the
client will want to install a compatible system
and integrate it with the permanent mine
infrastructure. This means that all equipment
used for contracting must be removed. With
minimal WiFi access points in the shaft to
remove (often only two: under the collar
doors, and at the top of headframe), this
makes demobilising
easy.
Since implementing
this solution, the last
point has become less
important – some
clients are requesting
that Redpath leaves the
communication
equipment in for
permanent hoist
interlocks. With many
hoisting plants
requiring real-time
slack rope monitoring
and shaft signalling
(also known as hoist bells), the PLC and
communication system can provide this in the
form of load links and limit switches for a very
effective and – with the WiFi-system already
installed – very low-cost solution.
Taking Redpath’s vibration monitoring to the
next level, clients can monitor guide vibration in
real-time during every hoisting cycle. This means
that the hoisting conditions can be compared to
the original benchmark and alert the operator of
upcoming guide problems before excessive wear
or damage takes place. The system will alert the
operator of a high vibration spot and provide the
precise hoist position at which it occurred.
On the heels of showcasing a battery powered
975 Omnia Scaler-Bolter at MINExpo 2016 in Las
Vegas, MacLean Engineering shone the R&D
spotlight on full-fleet electrification at this year’s
PDAC Convention in Toronto with the commercial
rollout of the MacLean EV Series, as well as the
launch of a new, ultra-versatile utility vehicle –
the Maclean LR3 Boom Lift.
The MacLean EV Series delivers diesel-free
propulsion by incorporating leading edge battery
and electric motor technology along with
sophisticated battery management and
monitoring safeguards, to ensure a high-
performing, data-rich EV fleet solution for mining
companies looking to reduce ventilation and
maintenance costs, while improving underground
air quality.
“Since 2015 we have devoted significant R&D
resources towards advancing our fleet
electrification program to the point that we can
now offer EV solutions across our ground
support, ore flow, and utility vehicle product
lines,” remarks company President Kevin
MacLean. “A mobile fleet propulsion system that
can significantly reduce cubic feet per minute
(CFM) to diesel engine horsepower requirements,
remove diesel fine particulate matter and reduce
heat in the underground environment, as well as
help companies secure the financial and
reputational benefits of GHG reductions - this is
the compelling business case for the new era of
MacLean 975 Omnia Scaler-Bolter in action