MINE LIGHTING
Paul Moore spoke to Nate Klieve , VP Sales Phoenix Lighting about its latest solutions and technology in mine lighting
Q How well received has the Danger Light been in the market and how does it differentiate itself from other similar " red light " solutions out there ? A The reception has exceeded expectations . Primarily because the Phoenix Danger Light typically doubles or triples the light output of competitor product , so the red demarcation lines are highly visible at night , and provide some visibility during an overcast day . We designed this safety light specifically for rope shovels , while we see our competitors adapting lights from small forklifts to very large rope shovels . It is important to note that the Danger Light is an additional measure that is part of a complete holistic safety protocol . We also provide technical support with the installation – I mention this because it ’ s troubling to see competitor fixtures installed in a way that doesn ’ t provide light that is a uniform distance from all sides of the shovel , allowing for impact to occur . Measuring the distance from the centre pin is key .
Q How well has it been performing on Komatsu ' s new 4800XPC shovel at Teck Fording River coal mine and is it now fitted as standard on larger Komatsu shovels ? A It ’ s received great feedback from operators and the mine administration . In fact , the minesite is now also installing the Danger Light on the rest of the shovel fleet . It ’ s really helped rolling stock to have an additional indicator for a safety distance . It ’ s available as an option on new shovels , so it needs to be requested at the specification stage or can be retrofitted later .
Q What about ModCom 2 – how does it deliver versus other options on mining shovels in performance etc ? A The Phoenix ModCom 2 LED floodlights are standard on both Komatsu and Caterpillar rope shovels and AC drills . For starters , the ModCom 2 was specifically designed and purpose-built from the ground up for this specific type of mining equipment , while we find our competition try to adapt LED floodlights to a harsh environment that experiences extreme vibration , shock , dust , extreme temperature fluctuations , among other elements . Frankly , we find a lot of industrial LED fixtures fail within the first several months with either the harp cracking or the LEDs failing due to lose connections . We ’ ve worked closely with the OEMs and operators to understand their lighting needs and challenges to design a fixture that both sustains their environment and provides the quality of light needed , especially from an operator comfort perspective that strongly correlates to safety . For example , we ’ ve standardised an optic for the digging lights to provide even , uniform lighting on the bench that avoids hot spots and dark areas .
Q In LED lighting generally , there is a lot of activity around smart lighting that will be able to adapt to conditions - but I have seen little yet on actual progress - is this an area Phoenix has been working on
The Phoenix Lighting Danger Light is installed on Komatsu ' s new 4800XPC mining shovel here working at Teck ' s Fording River coal mine
and can you share any info ? A In some ways , the mining industry has been very slow in adapting new lighting technologies . Even now , we still see a lot of mine sites using Phoenix ’ s traditional metal halide or HPS floodlights on equipment . Part of the issue is that lighting did not matter until it went out – traditionally , it ’ s always been an afterthought . This is an area Phoenix is working on - bringing innovation to the industry . This may be through functionality of the fixture itself , situational controls or incorporation of other sensors . We have exciting product launches scheduled for 2021 in these areas .
Q Are there any unique aspects to lighting on autonomous vehicles in mining for example do AHS trucks have any extra lighting or different lighting types ? A Having smooth , even lighting output that avoids hot spots is key , all while decreasing glare to other equipment , regardless of autonomy . Defining the colour temperature is crucial as well , as we ’ ve found that camera systems do better with warmer correlated colour temperatures . We find that in many cases you can ’ t just apply traditional LED lighting , it needs to consider the camera system at hand .
Q Are your lights specified as standard on any major OEM mining equipment types " ex factory "? Can you give any more details and why your solution was chosen ? A As an example , you will find Phoenix lights on Komatsu ’ s P & H rope shovels and drills , and the same is true for Caterpillar on the AC side . We ’ ve maintained a long relationship with these two important customers by providing a product that is made for their specific applications and keeping a close and open dialogue for feedback . OEM customers have said that they see us ‘ close to the dirt ’ in the sense we know how lighting is supposed to work on mining equipment , saving a lot of engineering time on their end . It ’ s a combination of a focused product and experience that brings value to these types of OEMs .
“ With its low profile and smooth lines , the Dialight Bulkhead has been the preferred luminaire choice for many mining and industrial sites worldwide ,” said Dialight VP of Sales , Scott Cauchi . “ The user options are now endless from walkway illumination , general plant / area lighting , stairways and platforms – to minor roadway applications .” As an example , the new lighting solution has been widely deployed at Rio
Tinto ’ s new Silvergrass iron ore mine in the
Pilbara , Western Australia .
Ultra Vision for Australia
Australia ’ s Ultra Vision Lighting began as a father / son partnership in 2004 in Swan Hill , Victoria . The company initially sought to fill a gap in the Australian market for cost effective , highperformance HIDs , then growing exponentially into other markets from 2010 with the introduction of higher performing LED diodes . By 2011 it had designed and began manufacturing
44 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020