underground mining communications using broadband power line modems
Post on 13-Apr-2017
259 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Communications in underground mining usingBroad Band Power Line Modem
Ervin HungNautitech Mining Systems
10th December 2015
Introduction – Data communications in underground coal
• Data communications an integral part of every mines operation
• Key factor of success• Growing importance• Improvements in communications benefits
• Logistics of people• Fleet optimisation• Contractor monitoring• Machine performance (monitoring)
Introduction – Data communications in underground coal (cont)
• Improvements in communications benefits (cont)• Automation• Efficiency• Productivity improvements
Current Solutions:
• Generally 2 types commonly used:• Wired
• Twisted pair, coax, CAT5, fibre optics, trailing cables etc
• Wireless• Radio (point to point and mesh), Wi-fi, Leaky
Feeders etc
Current Solutions (cont)
• Typical product technologies available• 2 way radios• VOIP phones• DACs• Cap lamps• Nodes/access points• Serial Powerline Modems• Broadband Powerline Modems• RF tracking tags• Etc.
Current Solutions (cont)
• Existing product technologies are proven and supported well
• Ideally, high bandwidth and coverage for areas currently with no / low coverage
• Current practices for roadway development: Access points along wall to boost Wi-Fi signal
• Laying Fibre
Case Study:
• Minesite:• Ensham Resources, Emerald QLD
• Brad Price - EEM
• Requirements:• Network connections – Wired equipment• Network connections – Wi-Fi equipment• Reliable provisions of network access• Support existing product technologies• Simple installation
Case Study (cont.):
• Solution:• Solution will have to fulfil 2 functional requirements:
• Surface to CM - Power line comms• Wi-Fi Hotspot around CM - Wi-Fi access point
• Combination of different but existing and proven comms technology
Case Study (cont.):
• Solution:• Characteristics of power line modems
• Reliable and high bandwidth• Uses existing trailing cable• Protected from mining environment
• Characteristics of Wi-Fi hotspots• Use of portable equipment without wires• Coverage in areas where it’s needed
Case Study (cont.):
• Solution:• Requirements catered for by 2 separate sub-systems
• Spitfire BPLM kit• I.S. Access point
• Proposed solution are• Technology well proven• Existing• Bolt on, no new approvals required• Readily available• Used extensively
Case Study (cont.):
• Main components: Powerline modem kit• Spitfire BPLM• Remote display assembly• Capacitive couplers• Power cable• Power-line bus cable• Long range Spitfire BPLM (Optional, for DCB if no
fibre exist between transformer to DCB)
Case Study (cont.):
• Main components: Wireless kit• I.S. PSU• I.S. NetPort Access Point• Media converter• Antenna• FRAS LMR 400 coax cable 5m M-M
Case Study (cont.):
• Advantages• Reduce cost of communications infrastructure
• No need for Wif-Fi infrastructure all along the roadway between DCB and Continuous miners
• Bring connectivity to the coal face with the CM• Increase data bandwidth• Consistent and reliable connections with no drop
outs in coverage around the CM
Case Study (cont.):
Trailing cable
BPLM Spitfire
VoIP phones, Cap lamps, RF tags etc through the I.S. access point.
Access point
Continuous Miner
Data transmitted to/from DCB over trailing cable
Mines FibreData to/from transformer *
Case Study (cont.):DCB
Access point
Data transmitted to/from CM over trailing cable
Case Study (cont.):
Mines Fibre
Data transmitted to/from DCB to transformer via fire *
Substation
Access point
1kV
Conclusion:
• The Spitfire BPLM Wifi solution installed at Ensham and the 1st system in the field for 12 weeks
• Physical layer data rate consistently around 50 Mbps with no drop outs
• Subsequently, a second system has been installed into another CM
• Ensham looking to extend the use of the BPLM wifi system into their other applications
Conclusion: Future applications and considerations
• Breaker / Feeder• Shuttle cars• Conveyors• Proximity detection system connectivity• Live video streaming• Data logging of machine state
• Production improvement• Fault analysis & Preventative maintenance• Diagnostics
Conclusion: Future applications and considerations
• CM automation• Instantaneous pointing and tilt information• Automated roadway alignments• Remote control from surface
Thank you
top related