IM 2021 September 21 | Page 98

MINING NETWORKS
Nerospec SK introduces neroPOYNT
Underground wireless connectivity is the bedrock of a fully connected
mine . Nerospec SK told IM : “ Mine machines and their accompanying processes produce an endless array of valuable insights , and that value is only enhanced when it is shared instantly - and to the surface - without having to stop processes and productivity . Wireless underground communication is the fundamental enabler of modern safety , data analytics , and machine control . It has long been a challenge to deliver reliable Wireless Fidelity ( Wi-Fi ) communications throughout a working mining tunnel . Previous attempts to solve this critical enabler of a connected mine , comprised of multiple devices all housed in separate enclosures and the use of off-the-shelf office type antennae , that resulted in less than desirable coverage .”
Tunnel characteristics have a considerable impact on wireless signals strength and reach . “ Considering the various engineering challenges , safety concerns and industry regulations in tunnelling projects – a robust fit for purpose wireless access point with special consideration in the selection of antenna is critical in becoming a fully connected mine .”
Nerospec SK has introduced the neroPOYNT , a directional wireless access point and custom mine antenna specifically developed for mining tunnels . " Delivering revolutionary underground Wi-Fi connectivity , in even the harshest mining environments . Designed to enable underground communication , by supplying multi-band Wi-Fi , LoRa , and Bluetooth 5 access points ."
The company says what began as a dream and developed into a global challenge , culminated in June 2020 with the installation of two neroPOYNTs in a South African chromite mine with a tunnel height of 1.6 m along the conveyor belt path and achieved exceptional results of up to 635 m within the mine tunnel . This unlocked the mines ’ ability to pull machine insights from the neroHUB , a heavy machine controller and interface . It thereby allowed critical machine health and productivity insights to be shared with a remote control-room and enabling immediate operational decisions . The addition of six new neroPOYNTs , late in 2020 , led to enhanced machine insights and operational control for more than 100 machines .
Later in 2020 when a salt mine in Germany wanted to achieve usable underground WiFi coverage , they faced the challenge of a high degree of iron in the salt horizons . Previous attempts to achieve effective wireless coverage supported by universities and other technology experts failed to achieve wireless coverage of more than just a few metres . In August 2020 , Nerospec SK installed six neroPOYNTs and was able to achieve more than 800 m of tunnel range coverage . “ This consistent and reliable wireless coverage allowed for instant communications within the machine network , including localisation coverage and mobile service coverage that included WhatsApp and underground conferencing services . The wide-ranging nature of the coverage offered a plethora of optimisation options . ranging from preventative maintenance to operator analytics and much more .”
When Nerospec SK ’ s world leading range of tunnel and wireless mine infrastructure products are paired with the HUB range of loggers and controllers - " connected machine insights , machine health and productivity insights are shared , in real time , unlocking previously unseen levels of Short Interval Control advances ." With the addition of a specialist machine mounted neroMODA antenna , the on-board HUB loggers and controller ’ s connectivity range is greatly increased , creating a wider area of opportunity for the instant sharing of insights , machine to machine communication and unlimited autonomous opportunity .
The company concludes : " Mine wide wireless communication enabled by a high bandwidth device that is designed for harsh environments , offers a myriad of fit for purpose applications . With the addition of fit for purpose IoT beacons , such as the neroPIN and neroDUST , asset management is automated and enables pin-point tracking ( localisation ) of tunnelling assets . Applications such as voice communications using industrial VoIP phones or even wireless video via IP cameras are all applications that can operate on this all-in-one solution . Where optimisation is the goal of a connected mine , revolutionary underground communication is the enabler ."
Nerospec SK says its expertise is fully focussed on making tunnels and mines , machines and workers safer , efficient and more productive by crafting cutting edge communication , automation and digital tunnelling and mining solutions .
Maestro Digital Mine ’ s Plexus PowerNet™ delivers a high speed , low latency digital communication network that provides PoE + power to Wireless Access Points ( WAPs ), cameras and any other IP based device . The system eliminates the need for costly outside fibre optic contractors and can be installed and maintained by any internal tradesperson . It also addresses the challenges associated with extending fibre optic-based communication backbone solutions for ‘ last mile ’ data applications .
Lundin Gold ’ s new Fruta del Norte underground gold mine in Ecuador integrates Plexus PowerNet™ . It developed a 105 m 3 / hour paste fill plant to help reduce surface mine tailings by reclaiming it for ground support underground . Paste fill generation and delivery
94 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2021