MINE LIGHTING
Smart cap lamps evolution
NLT has just introduced the Genesis Plus which builds on what was already the world ’ s first smart cordless smart cap lamp in mining and tunnelling , now featuring dual-beam technology . “ For people who work in naturally dark environments , a cap lamp is an essential safety and productivity tool . Because of the important role cap lamps play in the lives of miners , NLT is focused on ensuring they have a super-bright , versatile light adaptable to every job they perform . The Genesis Plus combines the proven features of the original – ability to accommodate a tracking or proximity tag , customisable bidirectional communication , flashing beacon mode – with Dual-Beam , NLT ’ s new technology that offers three beam patterns and a Dynamic Turbo Bright setting .” Designed for use in the harshest underground mining and tunnelling operations , the rugged Genesis Plus has a water- and dust-resistant IP67 enclosure . It also has upgraded features , including a more powerful lithium-ion battery and improved LED technology which have increased its primary light output by 33 %. Additionally , all Genesis Plus components are serviceable , increasing the life of the lamp and lowering the total cost of ownership . When NLT introduced Genesis , the world ’ s first cordless smart cap lamp , in 2012 , it argues that “ no one anticipated how dramatically it would change underground mining for the better . As mines began using tracking underground , the biggest challenge operations had was ensuring that the stand-alone tracking tags stayed with the miner and didn ’ t get lost , broken or thrown onto a belt or in the back of a haul truck . Integrating the tag into the cap lamp solved this problem , dramatically improving safety and productivity . It also gave mines the ability to charge tags in concert with their rechargeable Genesis batteries .” Dual-beam features include a three beam pattern options plus a low-light setting . These include focused spot – NLT ’ s traditional beam pattern ; wide-angle flood light – a flat , even light ; ideal for close-up work ; and dual-beam – which combines both beam patterns to provide a centre spot with great peripheral lighting . The low-light setting reduces light output when needed . Finally , dynamic turbo bright is an added feature that increases light output in any of the three beam patterns . Light output is 10,000 – 15,000 Lux with an operating temperature from -20 ° C to 60 ° C , a discharge time of 13 hours minimum and a charge time of less than 10 hours . The lamp weighs only 170 g . Lake Shore Gold , a Pan American Silver-owned gold mining complex in Timmins , Ontario , will be the first operation to fully implement the Genesis Plus cap lamp . suits their particular needs . Some of the enabled IoT services include personnel locating , asset tracking , machine condition monitoring , sitewide audit trail and more .
The company concludes : “ All that is needed to implement digitisation on any massive , complex mining and industrial sites is to choose Coolon ’ s Brilliant Connected range of lights throughout the plant . This can be done progressively , as part of routine lighting maintenance , without the need for networking experts on site .”
Smart lighting underground in an emergency
At bauma 2022 , IM was also able to talk with Casey Woodward , MineARC Systems Business Development Manager Europe & Middle East , who detailed the role of smart lighting as part of its wider GuardIAN platform . In response to client requirements for cost reductions , greater efficiency during maintenance runs and improved operational safety on-site , MineARC has developed a suite of technologically advanced products , collectively known as the GuardIAN Intelligence Network . Designed to provide integrated , site-wide intelligence through diagnostics , tracking and communications , each product within the GuardIAN Network is purpose-engineered to integrate into a site ’ s broader network infrastructure , whilst taking standards in industrial safety to the next level
Underground Smart Lighting from the GuardIAN Node range provides sites with the ability to provide a visual alert when evacuation
GuardIAN Smart Lighting can mark a clear visual path to the closest safe refuge underground
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | International Mining 61