New Atmospheric Monitoring System Enables Process Control Too

Problem: An underground coal mine is remotely monitored for combustible gases. When it is discovered that methane has risen above safe levels in a particular segment of the mine, how can you quickly shut down processes in that area and then restart processes when conditions are safe again? Must you contact a miner who is nearby to shut down those processes or is there an easier way? Can you shut down processes remotely?

Can one system monitor for combustible gases and also monitor and control mining processes? Can mining companies save money by integrating gas monitoring and process control? How can data be interpreted clearly and in real time? Is there a monitoring and control system that can allow miners attend to their work without having to worry about such things? Moreover, how can mining operations be safer and more cost-efficient?

Solution:A unique atmospheric monitoring system,was designed not only to provide continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide (CO) and other toxic and combustible gases but also to give the end user, located above ground, the ability to continuously monitor and control all other processes for underground mining operations.

Monitors placed along the conveyor belt detect any rise in CO or combustible gases such as methane,as the coal moves along the belt, providing an early warning of potential hazardous conditions. Information is immediately transmitted to a PLC above ground. On the surface, the operator can at once clearly locate the problem area,remotely shut down the mining processes in that section and restart when conditions permit.

In this way, monitoring and control capabilities are integrated into one seamless network, enabling personnel tracking as well as remote control of belts, ventilation fans, and other processes.This allows miners to spend their time mining, rather than troubleshooting issues with belt starters, motors, cable, and gas monitoring equipment, and so on.

Problem: Is there a way to cut training time also? Yes! You don’t need to be an engineer or computer programmer to use this monitoring system or to interpret the data. There’s no need to write alarm sequences; just click the desired address and you have control over the processes.

Problem:What if our mining operations expand?

Solution: This innovative monitoring and control system is modular and scalable with an open architecture that is easily configured to fit changing needs of an underground mining operation.