Company Announcement - Developing fit-for-purpose products that utilise sensors requires an in-depth knowledge of sensing technology as well as the ability to identify the correct sensor and integrate it with the electronics and intelligence enabling the desired final product in terms of information, automation and most importantly, increased safety. Booyco Electronics has established itself as a provider of sensors that not only meet these exacting requirements but are also designed to operate in the often harsh operating conditions found in Africa on both underground and surface mines.

Accurate measurement of gases is made simple with the South African manufactured ESI Smart Sensor. Significantly, this compact sensing unit, weighing only 1.8 kg, has the ability to measure one of 15 different gases from a single controller. This feature sets the instrument apart from other such units currently in the market. Gases that can be monitored using this EXia T4 Intrinsically Safe gas sensing instrument include oxygen (02), carbon dioxide (CO2), flammable gases such as methane (CH4) and combustible gases such as carbon monoxide (CO). The instrument also carries SANS IEC 60079 Part 0:2005, SANS IEC 60079 Part 11: 2007 and IEC 60529 (IP code) approvals and offers ingress protection to IP56.

The ESI Smart Sensor has a localised information display making it simple to read, and it can also accommodate other sensors with analogue outputs, such as air velocity sensors or smoke detectors. In addition, the ESI Smart Sensor can easily be connected to a fire detection system with reporting and display on SCADA package. When it comes to handheld gas detection devices, the Sentient is in a class of its own. Specifically developed to improve safety in confined spaces, this handheld multi-gas sensor measures relative humidity as a standard offering.

The Sentient is a low maintenance unit without any buttons and is operated using an innovative “tap” sensor ensuring that the instrument remains watertight. Another unique feature is its “drop protection” capability that automatically switches the device off should it be dropped.

Developed for use in underground mining as well as on surface plants, the Sentient is IP68 rated and is also available with Fire Patrol capabilities. The Fire Patrol Sentient unit has a bright red seal and is inserted into outstations located in specific areas underground or on surface. The device then records date, time, gas and humidity measurements at that specific location.

The handheld sensor is equipped with a downloading network configuration capable of gathering information from up to 500 Sentient units in a matter of minutes. All the equipment can be connected via a network to a Sentient downloading server, where specialised software enables various reports to be generated, such as detailed information on gas detected in the underground environment, peak values, TWA values, pre-shift tested values, calibration reports and “no movement reports”. In addition, Sentient software is web-based, making it possible to email these reports to relevant personnel automatically.

Booyco Electronics is a single source market leader that supplies quality specialised electronic safety equipment, including pedestrian detection systems. Its range of reliable accurate warning, locating and monitoring systems is engineered to operate in the harsh African conditions.