DANGER ZONE The alarm system enables the thermal camera system to positively identify a person in or in close proximity to a hazardous area
Mining safety solutions company Nautitech Mining Solutions has launched an alarm system based on thermal analytics.
The Australian company, which introduced its products onto the South African market in January, is an award-winning manufacturer of technology solutions for hazardous areas and underground coal mines.
Nautitech GM Alex Lester says the company investigated the feasibility of a new alarm following a customer request for the system. Launched this month, it enables the thermal camera system to positively identify a person in or in close proximity to a hazardous area, and will trigger an audible or visual alarm, depending on the mine’s preference.
The system will also be equipped with situation monitoring for stockpiles and conveyor belts. This monitoring application is currently under development and, when released, will enable the system to activate an alarm if the system detects a temperature increase outside the normal range.
Lester notes that Nautitech’s thermal-imaging cameras are usually mounted on mobile machinery, such as continuous miners or shuttle cars, adding that the implementation of the camera system has reduced the risk associated with underground machinery and personnel sharing confined, low-visibility spaces. This alarm system further enhances safety by alerting personnel and operators to potential hazards such as other vehicles and trailing cables that could be cut by a shuttle car.
Another Nautitech product introduced onto the South African market is the Spitfire broadband power line modem (BPLM). The Spitfire BPLM relays machine data through to the surface to an operator’s display. However, connection to a Wi-Fi bubble is also possible, allowing for communication though a hot spot that extends around mobile machinery, by about 50 m, to enable personnel to communicate with the surface.
Expansion Prospects
Like most mining suppliers, Nautitech has experienced a downturn in sales, as a result of the depressed commodities market and its effect on the global mining industry. However, Lester notes that the company has adjusted accordingly and has managed to secure work and keep its staff employed.
Further, the company is looking to enter new markets, specifically in the developing mining economies of Africa, using South Africa as a base. He points out that the company also plans to enter the surrounding countries of Botswana and Mozambique. There are also advanced plans to enter the emerging Indian market.
Additionally, while a high percentage of Nautitech’s revenue comes from underground coal mining, the company is also diversifying into underground copper and gold mining in South Africa, as well as surface mining applications through collaborations with other mine supply companies.