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PROXIMITY DETECTION The proximity detection system uses technology to prevent machine-to-machine and machine-to-person close range accidents and collisions

PROXIMITY DETECTION The proximity detection system uses technology to prevent machine-to-machine and machine-to-person close range accidents and collisions

26th August 2016

  

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Global mine safety solutions company Strata Worldwide is set to unveil its new-generation proximity detection system (PDS) and collision avoidance (CA) system in the second half of 2016.

The new-generation systems will incorporate a GPS/RF system that has been developed to provide longer range openpit PDS/CA solutions and specific tailoring for underground hard rock mines.

“This solution can be used as a standalone system, or seamlessly integrated with our current electromagnetic technology to provide enhanced safety features,” says Strata Worldwide South African operations president Julian Ford.

The PDS and CA systems help to prevent one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the mining industry – interaction between mineworkers and machines.

The systems use electromagnetic, near-field technology to prevent vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-person close range accidents and collisions.

No line-of-sight is required and pedestrians and/or vehicles hidden from view or around corners are still detected. Both parties – pedestrians and the machine operator, or both operators – are warned when they enter a marked zone.

Originally developed in the US, but with a significant influence from South Africa, the PDS and CA systems are in use in underground and surface mining operations, as well as at tunnelling construction sites worldwide.

Most of South Africa’s major coal mines are making use of Strata’s PDS and CA systems, with over 800 machines having been fitted with the technology and over 7 000 personal wearable devices currently in use.

Strata manufactures the PDS and CA systems for the South African and Australian markets in South Africa and exports the personal wearable devices for PDS and tracking from South Africa to the rest of the world.

Strata has also introduced its wireless, battery-powered communications and tracking system, as well as its underground Wi-Fi communications system into the South African market at the beginning of 2015. The products can function as standalone systems or be integrated with each other to provide a complete mine management solution.

The wireless battery-powered communications and tracking system transmits two-way data between the surface and underground without any hardwired backbone. The system provides two functions: real-time personnel and asset tracking and two-way text messaging.

The underground Wi-Fi system brings the same digital connectivity from above ground to underground environments to facilitate digital voice communication and high-speed data transfer. The system provides “hot spots” for voice and data communications.

The feedback from the South African market has been positive. Strata has installed communication systems at two major coal mining companies in South Africa.

Using the Strata communications network, a wireless and battery-powered gas detection system enables real-time monitoring of toxic and explosive gases during everyday operations, post-accident situations and in the event of power or ventilation loss. Strata is the exclusive distributor of UK-based Trolex atmospheric monitoring products, which it says are essential for a safe and healthy working environment for miners.

Strata also manufactures refuge chambers, which provide a safe-haven of breathable air for miners trapped in potentially toxic environments. These chambers are fully customisable and are equipped with light-emitting diode, air conditioning, padded seats, a private chemical lavatory and on-board backup air supply to last up to 96 hours.

Strata’s product lines highlight the importance that technology and innovation can play in increasing safety and productivity, says CEO Mike Berube.

“Strata has recognised a demand for cost-effective, easy to use, low maintenance communications and tracking systems – specifically wireless and digital – as well as systems that offer interoperability. Operators want one system for many capabilities,” he says, noting that

both underground and surface operations have been searching for technologies that increase worker safety while working around heavy mining machinery.

Hall OS Stand T44

Edited by Mariaan Webb
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

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