COLLISION AVOIDANCE supplied PC boards to other PDS suppliers , which integrated them with other components to create their own PDS systems .
Since the Epiroc acquisition , Mernok has developed its own state of the art Titan CAS / CxD from the ground up which also complies with the MOSH CPS Test Specification guidelines . Eric Baker , Global Product Manager at Epiroc responsible for Titan CAS told IM : “ Since Titan CAS has been designed to meet those requirements , it is one of the few systems currently capable of compliance . Most CAS companies are testing their systems against the MOSH specifications in collaboration with the University of Pretoria team at Gerotek , aiming for TRL4 , as this is considered best practice . Many mines in South Africa , despite already having CAS installed , are requesting this level of testing . Once TRL4 is achieved , testing will continue through subsequent stages , ultimately reaching TRL9 .”
At Gerotek , the CAS is tested first in isolation on a standard test vehicle , and then during later TRL stages with the VIC whether that is from Nerospec , ECS , RCT or another provider . The specification is very comprehensive and tests different attributes from different sensor technologies . Following these guidelines is considered a best practice and allows for a certain degree of absolution for the mines when purchasing these highly complex systems .
Baker said that globally , ie outside South
Becker PDS4.0 - combining technology and versatility
Becker Mining ’ s PDS4.0 has been designed from the outset to meet EMERST Level 9 requirements – unlike some other primarily Level 7 systems that suppliers are trying to adapt to Level 9 . Plus , uniquely it offers Vehicle Kits specifically tailored to the vehicles and their operational environments , which can be customised and expanded at any time . Philip Henry , Lead Engineer at Becker Mining Europe told IM that this includes Side-by-Side Vehicles , Light Vehicles , Heavy Vehicles , or Super Heavy Vehicles . Each has a different hardware and software configuration tailored to their needs . Becker ’ s system is also able to self-test – to test whether the antennas are still operational and if any cables are broken – which is a TRL4 requirement in South Africa . Becker uses 2.4 Ghz for distance measurement and 433 Mhz for comms . Becker PDS4.0 also has a relay monitoring device which is a differentiator . The system is primarily designed to be used underground , and as such is not reliant on GPS for positioning . The ISO21815 CAN bus standard is now being used for the protocol and , according to Henry , is showing good functionality . PDS4.0 testing is underway in various mining markets including Canada and Australia – with positive feedback on functionality and reliability . Ongoing tests at Gerotek with UP on TRL4 have also been successful . Finally , another plus for PDS4.0 is that even though it is designed to be used underground it can also be adapted to work with another Becker technology , smartdetect , to allow for vehicles working both underground and on surface , for example underground trucks that deliver ore to surface via a ramp .
Africa , everyone is looking to the EMESRT safety control levels . “ There is significant interest from various markets , including expected ones like Chile , Canada , and Australia , as well as less obvious markets such as Kazakhstan , Zambia , and India . Much of this interest stems from a history of serious , and sometimes fatal , collision incidents in mines . Many stakeholders believe that implementing a Level 9 CAS can help prevent such incidents .”
But he adds that in contrast to South Africa where most mines have gone through the journey , know that it has to be phased and that Level 9 is not the answer for every situation – in other parts of the world there is still a lot of change management and education involved in CAS implementation . Baker : “ The realisation is that if you have Levels 7 and 8 fully operational within the EMESRT framework - with all the necessary warnings , alarms , advice , and speed
Sees What People Can ’ t & Reacts When People Don ’ t .
Proximity Detection & Collision Avoidance
( Level 9 & ISO 21815 compliant )
• Underground & Surface
• All people and equipment in the working section
• Vehicle-to-Vehicle
• Vehicle-to-Person
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