AUTOMATION
A Tactical Display will be tied to a map of the
mine, with assets like draw points and dump
points visible as well as machines with their
current location and assignment status
Access Point (AP) has to be set up as a single
channel network, using one of the three
orthogonal channels 1, 6 or 11. The WLAN cannot
be encrypted in any way and must broadcast its
Service Set Identifier (SSID). Signal strength
should not drop below -60 dBm to the vehicle.
The AP needs to be complemented with power
and Ethernet and requires bandwidth of at least
2Mb.
When a smaller production area for one or two
vehicles is required, Atlas Copco can provide the
communication hardware needed. The number of
access points or switches required is dependent
on the size and layout of the automation
production area. Atlas Copco can assist with a
communications audit to determine the
infrastructure required.
On the new offering Lundhede states: “The
functionality of Multi Machine gives new
possibilities to increase safety and productivity. It
is today available for Simba production drill rigs
and Scooptram underground loaders and wi ll
extend with time to additional Atlas Copco
equipment.”
The semi-autonomous underground loaders
are tramming in high speed without required
supervision by an operator. For fulfilling mining
regulations the area needs to be sealed off from
personnel. With Multi Machine a safe and flexible
safety system has been designed that allows
several loaders to operate in several production
cells. Though these cells are divided from each
other maintenance of a vehicle in one area can
safely be performed without affecting the other
vehicles.
To gain increased productivity the mine will
though need to plan for implementing Teleremote equipment as follows:
- A stable network is the foundation of high
00 International Mining | OCTOBER 2014
information and controls capability. Two-way
communication delivers useful machine status
information to operator via the display’s
exceptional graphics, readable in day and night
conditions for increased productivity.
Safety features include an operator alert
buzzer, drop/tilt detection as well as sensing
inactivity detection. Critical safety features are
integral to the design with redundant signalling
and emergency stop functionality. Eaton states:
“The TD3200 is ergonomically superior, with a
lightweight design that minimises operator
fatigue and maximises productivity...the radio
remote accommodates a wide variety of controls
including: two and three axis joysticks, paddles,
toggle switches and potentiometers.” OMNEX
Trusted Wireless FHSS technology provides
availability of any Tele-remote system. It also
“superior range and exceptional reliability.”
needs to be planned to seal off parts of the
“Our team has created a breakthrough design
production areas for the semi-autonomous
for OEMs and high value machinery builders who
loaders.
want to leverage wireless control to achieve
- During its operational hours any interruption
greater safety and productivity for hydraulic
to its isolated production area will affect the
machine operators,” said Steven Toteda, Vice
operation. Area inspections, maintenance or
President and General Manager for Eaton’s
traffic through the area needs to be planned to
wireless business. “The TD3200 remote control
not interfere.
provides feature and function richness, and
- New maintenance skills need to be
ergonomic advantages that are coupled with a
implemented in the service organisation.
modern aesthetic for the next generation of
Network support is new for most underground
mobile control.” Other features include durable,
mines. A reliable network is key for any remote
weatherproof construction, internal and external
operation.
battery design that offer long life and waist belt
and shoulder harness attachment points.
Hardware updates
Eaton’s OMNEX brand is the industry pioneer
Earlier this year, power management company
and leader in developing rugged radio remote
Eaton announced the release of its new OMNEX
controls for heavy machinery and field
multi-function two-way radio remote control with
operations. OMNEX remote control products are
high resolution colour display. The new OMNEX
used extensively in the mining and construction
TD3200 is a robust, next generation radio remote
markets, as well as in material handling
control designed for smooth operation and
equipment.
precise control of vehicle mounted equipment
In July 2014, Laird, the global
and mobile industrial
technology company, announced
machinery, including
the release of two new
mining equipment.
intrinsically safe operator
The multi-function
control units (OCUs), the LRCradio remote
M1-IS and the LRC-L1-IS. Both
incorporates
units are approved for use in
state-of-the-art
highly explosive
design, integral
environments and are part
two-way
of the CattronControl
communications
globally compliant family
and industryof remote control
leading
systems for cranes.
ergonomics
The company
into a “robust
stated: “Adding these
and lightweight
intrinsically safe units
portable control unit.”
to the CattronControl
The TD3200 offers a
line of products enables
3.5 in transflective color
users in hazardous
LCD display that provides
environments to benefit from the freedom
extensive status
of movement and associated
Eaton’s new OMNEX TD3200 Remote
Control with liquid-crystal display (LCD) increase in productivity and
monitoring, diagnostic