https://www.miningweekly.com

Aus alarm launched in South Africa

DANGER ZONE  The alarm system enables the thermal camera system to positively identify a person in or in close proximity to a hazardous area

DANGER ZONE The alarm system enables the thermal camera system to positively identify a person in or in close proximity to a hazardous area

16th September 2016

By: Nadine James

Features Managing Editor

  

Font size: - +

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.

Edited by Tracy Klückow
Creamer Media Contributing Editor

Article Enquiry

Email Article

Save Article

Feedback

To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here

Showroom

Willard
Willard

Rooted in the hearts of South Africans, combining technology and a quest for perfection to bring you a battery of peerless standing. Willard...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
SafeQuip
SafeQuip

SafeQuip is a leading distributor and manufacturer of fire safety solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products designed to meet all...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.051 0.83s - 114pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now