HIGH PROFILE
The full bandwidth chain
Becker Mining Systems smartflow ® Digital Twin Software operations centre
Becker Mining Systems technology has underpinned comprehensive underground communication solutions for mines for years and continues to evolve , as the company outlines here
With the ever-increasing need for more reliable connectivity and higher data transmission rates the adoption of Long-Term Evolution networks ( LTE ) in mining brings with it several interesting questions and challenges . Becker Mining Systems have remained at the forefront of mine wide agnostic communication through the years . Today , Becker offers a variety of communication and connectivity solutions made for underground mining environments . In this article we discuss Becker ' s offering along the ‘ bandwidth chain .’
VHF , UHF and leaky feeder
VHF and UHF Radio communication systems provide for digital voice communication and a limited amount of data throughput at a stable rate of about 60 Mbit / s . Today , Becker services more than 700 mines globally that use their radio communication systems including leaky feeder components . Some of these mines have underground networks with multiple head-ends extending over 600 km .
These systems are being maintained and further advanced with new functionality . The advantages of radio communication via leaky feeder are not only crystal clear voice comms and instant connection to other radios on the network , but also a cost efficient way to roll out and extend a mine ’ s communication areas .
With advanced diagnostics included into Becker ’ s smartflow ® Digital Twin Software , customers can see where exactly what error has occurred on their system and understand what needs to be done . Going forward , active localisation of people and assets via Bluetooth ( BLE ) is possible from the leaky feeder amplifiers , so the need for a separate tracking infrastructure is eliminated . The amplifiers are powered via the leaky feeder cable and no batteries need to be replaced as is the case with other systems .
Another new feature presents the Becker LeakyLight , which is a clip on lighting solution to an existing leaky feeder line . All products are available for hazardous areas alike ( MSHA , ATEX , IECEx , ANZEX , MA ).
Moving into WiFi
WiFi solutions in underground areas are becoming more common globally with the wish to use mobile devices and everyday apps to support a mine ’ s working processes . Becker currently offers 1 Gbit / s routers and switches that have been developed for underground mine applications . They offer a wireless bandwidth of up to 330 Mbit / s and a variety of advantages over standard IT devices .
In robust housings with IP67 ratings they operate in any environment without problems . “ With up to 6 antenna connections , the wireless coverage is unmatched in underground tunnels and crosssections . With the ability to manage the entire network via a central cloud controller and state-of-the art security Becker ’ s products cover all aspects ,” states David Pitkin , CEO Becker Mining Australia . The proven antenna selection , provides for a robust and reliable wireless connectivity for up to 300 m in a straight tunnel . This is best-in-class and means that an Access Point is only needed every 500 m or three per mile . Again , all products are available for hazardous areas alike ( ATEX , IECEX , ANZEX , MA ).
Private 4G and 5G
The latest communication technology in the underground space is of course the use of cellular systems as on the surface and similar to civil infrastructure . Private 4G and 5G networks allow mines to work off standard mobile devices and the cellular service .
Depending on the band selection of the network , bandwidth theoretically can range up to 10 Gbit / s . In meeting different customer requirements , however , typical bandwidth would range between 40-60 Mbit / s .
For mines , the advantage of LTE systems is clearly a very low latency and advanced handover protocol between radios that is required for a safe remote and autonomous control of earth moving equipment . Also , the ability to allow or not allow selected users onto the network from the core presents additional value and security over traditional Wifi infrastructure .
Becker since 2021 has partnered with Ericsson AB of Sweden for the supply of their Ericsson Private 4G and 5G ( EP5G ) range of equipment and has since supplied and installed 10 LTE systems to mining customers .
Having recognised that every mine is different in their needs and challenges , Becker Mining have also developed a hybrid communication solution , in part due to their continued development and product improvements , but more so having the foresight to develop mine hardened solutions .
The latest versions are the LTE 450 MHz and LTE 700 MHz systems , allowing mines to transition from the client ’ s current infrastructure to an LTE system with marginal costs and operational interruption . Recognising that every region and client will have their preferred LTE
Proximity Detection Systems require robust underground mining networks
20 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2024