SOUTH AFRICAN TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES
The Pedestrian Detection System transfers information between users via Booyco Electronics’ Human Machine Interface. System communication is exchanged with operators using icons making it easy to understand
capability with a data hub that allows integration with trackless mobile machinery( TMM) OEMs’ equipment as well as with surface vehicles.
The Booyco Electronics PDS was developed using the latest electronic technology to facilitate effective and reliable communication, and is suitable for use both underground and on surface. The PDS transfers information between users via Booyco Electronics’ Human Machine Interface. System communication is exchanged with operators using icons making it easy to understand.
The PDS is deployed following specific risk assessments ensuring fit-for-purpose application and the provision of appropriate information to facilitate safety interventions with TMM and other OEM underground and surface vehicles. The deployment of PDS technology could vary between different types of vehicles on a single site.
These high performance and reliable systems incorporate VLF technology for pedestrian detection either on surface or underground together with GPS technology for vehicle detection on surface.
The PDS delivers specific warning, controlled slow-down and stopping zone alerts around a vehicle when detecting pedestrians or other vehicles. This is unique in that it is able to achieve zone shaping and create narrow band zones in close proximity on the side of the vehicles to meet specific operational requirements.
The system is manufactured with full selfdiagnostics, and has visual and voice display activated in the case of a warning or a system failure. It incorporates various downloading options for recorded data, including wireless when at an access point. It is supplied complete with testing equipment for both the surface and underground areas to ensure maximum
functionality. The system is also IS-compliant meeting the safety requirements of fiery mines.
BEAMS software is used as a reporting tool to ensure that the PDS and APS events can be analysed and used as a change-in-behaviour tool.
A new compact and convenient ground penetrating radar system developed by Reutech Mining has just been introduced to the market and is set to help increase mine safety as well as making a contribution to increased productivity.“ We believe in designing innovative radar products that solve complex problems in simple ways. This passion drives our desire to think outside of the box; to rethink old problems and reimagine new solutions. It has led us to a product that improves underground mining productivity and safety in a revolutionary way,” says Jan de Beer, Reutech Mining Executive.
He explains that the Sub Surface Profiler( SSP) is a low-cost, lightweight ground penetrating radar( GPR) designed specifically for the challenges of the underground mining environment:“ It weighs less than 4.5 kg and its patented, compact ergonomic design allows for one-handed operation by one person in much the same way as a paint roller. The SSP is extremely power efficient, and makes use of small, rechargeable batteries
Using the Reutech Sub Surface Profiler
which can be replaced during underground operations, allowing operation of the SSP to continue indefinitely.”
The data collected is wirelessly transmitted to a tablet computer, where it is processed in real time, thus giving instant feedback about fault structures, up to 6 m inside the rock mass.“ This improves dynamic decision making, and allows for the precise management of ground-fall risks, as well as the optimal utilisation of support mechanisms in an environment where every second counts,” adds De Beer.
The development of the system was prompted by the safety and productivity challenges faced by underground mines internationally. Reutech worked with a leading South African mining group which needed a better solution to address groundfall risks. A ground-fall event can have a devastating impact on the bottom line of any underground mine:“ It could lead to a loss of life, damaged equipment and even mine closure,” says De Beer.“ If one can accurately identify fault structures hidden inside the rock – structures that cannot be seen by the naked eye— and also if you can improve the flow of information once a fault structure has been identified, it facilitates quicker decision making. This is key to successfully managing the risk associated with a ground-fall event.”
Reutech Mining sat down with its client and started thinking of how things could be done better;“ How can we rethink an old problem and reimagine a new solution? How can we design an affordable product that improves on the standard set by the costly, impractical and power-hungry systems which do not make use of up-to-date, readily-available communication technologies?”
They started mapping the production process, which typically comprises of five phases of planning, drilling, blasting, support and loading.“ If you can improve the turnaround time on any one of those phases without compromising on safety, the entire operation becomes more productive. But it was in optimising the support
44 International Mining | JANUARY 2017