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Underground comms system launched

4th April 2014

By: Pimani Baloyi

Creamer Media Writer

  

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An Ethernet-capable under- ground communications system, which can ensure improved and dependable under- ground communication for deep- level mining operations, was introduced to the local mining industry in January, says mining equipment supplier Becker Mining South Africa.

Chief sales officer Johann Smit tells Mining Weekly that the Becker Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system, which is an improvement on earlier versions and can be deployed throughout a mine site, is convenient for deep-level mining operations, where communication is vital.

“The amplifiers of older leaky feeder systems are placed 350 m apart, while the amplifiers of our latest Smartcom VHF system are placed 500 m apart. This makes installation and maintenance far easier, as less active components are used.

“The Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system also offers Ether- net capabilities, which is especially useful for deep-level mining as, in most cases, there is limited existing infrastructure for data transfer,” he elaborates.

Smit adds that the Smartcom VHF range has been manufactured at Becker Mining’s Canada-based office, Becker Varis, noting that the system is being used in many other min- ing countries with deep-level operations, including Canada, the US, Latin America, Australia, Russia and Germany.

“The biggest challenge in going deeper into the earth’s core is that you require infra- structure to support ongoing mining operations. The Smart- com VHF leaky feeder plays one of the most vital roles in this regard, as it is the primary communication medium for voice and low- to medium-speed data transfer,” he explains.

How it Works
The Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system offers the mining industry a system that can transfer multiple voice and data radio channels simultaneously.

It also features low intermodulation noise levels, which ensure clear and reliable communication in underground operations at all times.

“Mines are usually remote and based far from major cities and established infrastructure, which means that accessing communications specialists and related services is difficult,” says Smit.

He adds, however, that the Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system – which has been installed in several mines worldwide – requires little maintenance. Further, most mines can do their own maintenance following some simple guidelines set out in the installation and maintenance manual.

“This leaky feeder system, with its modular design, features the option of local and remote diagnostic amplifiers, with manual and automatic gain control, ensuring that every installation and subsequent maintenance procedures are safe and effortless,” explains Smit.

Further, the version of the Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system currently available in South Africa has been designed using remote diagnostics. It facilitates fault finding and system troubleshooting by identifying the faulty component and communicating the relevant information to the display unit, thereby reducing downtime and repair costs.

“This is particularly useful in the event of a system failure, as the operator can easily identify precisely where the problem is. The system also provides relevant information on what equipment is needed to repair the fault.”

Smit adds that the feeder system can be upgraded at any time and within budget restraints to suit the changing needs of every mine. “With the simple installation of an upgrade kit, a system upgrade is completed on site,” he says.

The Smartcom VHF system is also flexible, as it supports analogue and digital radio repeaters, providing users with the option to choose their preferred radio infrastructure. “As an added advan- tage, the system can also be used for effective control of underground equipment like ventilation fans, pumps and stench gas fires,” boasts Smit.

“Narrowband radio modems can also be used to provide a 9 600 bps fixed or mobile data connection over the entire coverage area of the leaky feeder network. This is especially useful when used with the Becker tagging and tracking system to identify resource movement within the mine,” he highlights.

Smit says the Smartcom VHF system’s technology is compatible with radio frequency manual and automatic gain modes. It does not require a return pilot signal to operate. In automatic mode, the ampli- fier uses a forward pilot system that is more advanced than the return pilot system.

“Our Smartcom systems are compatible with other leaky feeder systems and can be installed in existing networks. Moreover, Becker Mining South Africa offers a technical advisory and support service to mines throughout Southern Africa,” concludes Smit.

Edited by Samantha Herbst
Creamer Media Deputy Editor

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