MINE LIGHTING
meet the demand for individual vehicle design , which is becoming increasingly important in the field of off-highway vehicles . The SMART Modular Worklight series is a further development of the Modular Worklight series , whose design has been adapted to the Shapeline light series and is available in two design lines : the classic straightline “ TECH ” and the curved dynamic “ STYLE ” variant . The Smart Modular Worklight is controlled via the vehicle ' s intelligence . Again , no new harness or changes to existing harnesses are required . HELLA ' s gateway communicates with the machine ' s existing user interface via CAN BUS and forwards commands to the HELLA worklamps . This allows manufacturers to offer optional lighting packages without having to change the vehicle architecture .
In conjunction with object detection on the vehicle side , the system also opens up numerous new , optional applications : detected persons or obstacles could , for example , be specifically illuminated and thus warned , or the driver ' s blinding due to dust or attachments could be minimised by dimming individual segments .
Finally , we spoke to Zachary Lewis , Technical Account Manager at Nordic Lights Ltd . Focusing on lighting and a safer minesite , he talked about its Phenom Optics-equipped Scorpius PRO 415 PH which provides efficient task lighting without blinding people and vehicles nearby – not directly in the eyes or through mirrors . Thanks to the clear cut-off line , the products that use Nordic Lights ’ Phenom Optics solution have an asymmetrical wide flood light pattern that doesn ’ t reach eye-level but still illuminates the work area efficiently .
The company adds : “ The placement and choice of work lights is meticulously planned to give you perfect colour rendering and an even
Nordic Lights Technical Account Manager Zachary Lewis light distribution . Scorpius PRO 415 PH delivers a glare-free work zone , while the Scorpius PRO 445 on the cabin and the Pictor 620 on the boom ensure perfect visibility of the work area .”
Lewis also talked about the benefits of excellent CRI for mining operators . In combination with an optimal colour temperature and even light distribution , a high CRI will help you stay energised and focused regardless of how dark the surroundings get . Nordic Lights LED work lights have a CRI equal or greater than 80 , a long lifetime , extremely high efficiency , no maintenance costs and almost no heat radiation .
In terms of ability to withstand mining conditions , Nordic Lights ’ ultimate offering is its XTR Series , used for example on rigid mining trucks , ADTs and dozers . These are premium lights with an outstanding lifespan and light output of up to 7,200 operational lumens . The work lights in this series come equipped with the QUAKE dampening system , designed for the harshest conditions and offering a strength capacity of 20 Grms . When subjected to shock or vibration , the strategically placed QUAKE dampeners distribute the outside force evenly throughout the dampening system .
Coolon ’ s Brilliant Connected Lights
Moving on to innovation in fixed lighting for mineral processing plants and conveyors , and the latest from Australia-based Coolon LED Lighting whose Brilliant Connected Lights come fitted with smart wireless mesh networking nodes inside . The company told IM : “ Mine sites invest in digital transformation in pursuit of cost reductions , productivity gains and safety improvement . The main aim of site digitisation is to link every piece of equipment , plant infrastructure and personnel together , forming a giant digital model that is fully transparent and can be used to accurately assess and predict operational disruptions in real time ; keeping people safe and plant operating efficiently at the top of its productive output .”
For mine sites to take advantage of innovative
Coolon LED Lighting ' s Brilliant Connected Lights come fitted with smart wireless mesh networking nodes inside
IoT technologies , there must be a robust digital network over which these technologies operate . “ However , while the digitisation of mineral processing plants is worthwhile , it is extremely challenging to achieve due to the complex and hazardous environment . Running cables and setting up Wi- Fi coverage is challenging , costly , and disruptive to operations , while radio signal propagation is often impossible due to the presence of massive steel and concrete infrastructures , as well as constant electromagnetic noise from various types of equipment .”
Lighting is naturally positioned to provide the best radio coverage , by being mounted in elevated positions , constantly powered , located throughout the site , routinely inspected and essential to any facility . “ For the last 19 years , Coolon has been developing and locally manufacturing robust light fittings specifically for the harsh conditions of mining sites . With a proven track record of flawless , uninterrupted operation of over 10 years , the sophisticated electronics and virtually indestructible Coolon fittings provide the perfect host for innovative IoT nodes .”
Coolon lights contain nodes inside the fittings , which it says enables almost ‘ plug-and-play ’ capability , offering immediate and effortless digitisation for mining sites , regardless of the size or complexity of the infrastructure . Once installed , the lights can automatically create a wireless mesh network that covers the whole site , solving connectivity challenges : one node only needs to service a limited area around itself and pass the data onto its neighbour for retransmission .
“ Coolon lights don ’ t just offer an innovative lighting product to disrupt the industry - they open their data backbone for thousands of emerging IoT technologies , enabling customers to choose whatever provider
60 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022