SAFETY
warning where there is a risk of explosion , reduced oxygen content or exposure to toxic gas . “ The ALTAIR 4XM is equipped with MSA ’ s patented XCell ® sensors offering superior stability , accuracy , and fast response and calibration times . But most importantly , in extreme mining environments , saving seconds on response time can also mean saving lives .”
“ To minimise risks and ensure the safety of workers , the use of proper personal protective equipment and ambient air monitoring instruments are essential . MSA ’ s innovative solutions in personal protective equipment help to mitigate risks and prevent further accidents .”
True safety system intelligence
In response to client requirements for cost reductions , greater efficiency during servicing and improved operational safety , MineARC has developed a suite of technologically advanced products , collectively known as the MineARC System Intelligence package . “ Designed to provide real-time monitoring , communication and system diagnostics , the Intelligence product suite provides significant cost saving advantages to sites , whilst taking standards in industrial safety to the next level .” The suite was launched at both Electra Mining in South Africa and at MINExpo : “ It is a very exciting step for MineARC and the safety industry ; helping clients to reduce costs , providing them greater efficiency during chamber servicing and improving overall operational safety in an emergency .”
MineARC says System Intelligence ensures peace of mind by identifying faults or issues as they happen via an integrated network of proprietary MineARC technologies including the GuardIAN Remote Monitoring & Diagnostics System , Aura-FX Digital Gas Monitoring , MineARC Digital Controller Systems and the Compressed Air Management System ( CAMS ).
“ MineARC System Intelligence efficiently manages your refuge chamber fleet via an intuitive system that will monitor your vital operating systems , evaluate existing faults and immediately alert you of the status .”
MineARC ’ s GuardIAN Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics System enables real-time monitoring ; providing confidence that an operation ’ s fleet of refuge chambers are emergency ready at all times . GuardIAN is an on-board system that continuously monitors all vital refuge operating systems . During standby mode GuardIAN checks for component faults and monitors refuge chamber usage or entry to the chamber . GuardIAN ' s secure online interface is hosted on an internal server within the refuge chamber so that no client software installation is required . “ The responsive webpage is easily accessible from any computer , tablet or smartphone and features a
summary of your entire refuge chamber fleet and overall operational status , with the ability to drill down to a detailed report of each chamber .”
Live video streaming can greatly assist in evacuation planning during an emergency ; providing the capability to determine the capacity of the refuge chamber and monitor the wellbeing of occupants . Internal video monitoring is provided by a remote controlled , motion activated GuardIAN IP camera . When activated , the camera will send out a live , recorded stream of the interior of the refuge chamber . External video monitoring is also available as an optional upgrade to the GuardIAN System .
To assist occupants during an emergency or safety drill , GuardIAN also equips the mine refuge chamber with a VOIP video phone . This facilitates face-to-face communication between the refuge chamber and the surface ; improving the psychological well-being of chamber occupants during an emergency , providing assistance to perform any difficult or technical procedures and facilitating face-to-face trouble shooting for service staff in order to reduce the need for multiple surface visits during a maintenance run .
MineARC ’ s Series IV Digital Controller links directly to GuardIAN , streaming real-time system data to a surface control room ( s ). Data includes automated system checks , fault logging ( battery , scrubber , temperature and inverter ), system diagnostics , internal and external temperature measurements , and system actions such as scrubber activation .
System faults , events and scheduled service notifications can be sent to designated personnel as email alerts ; notifying them of upcoming service requirements , potential emergencies or mal-use as they occur . MineARC ’ s new Aura-FX Digital Gas Monitoring System is a proprietary fixed gas monitoring unit , designed specifically for use in MineARC refuge chambers and safe havens .
MineARC says System Intelligence ensures peace of mind by identifying faults or issues as they happen via an integrated network of proprietary MineARC technologies
“ A vast improvement on current digital gas monitors ( DGMs ) on the market , Aura-FX provides a refuge chamber specific solution to gas monitoring . Aura-FX has the ability to individually monitor up to 11 gases via a series of user-friendly , digital screens . Audible voice alarms will prompt occupants to replace scrubbing chemicals or adjust oxygen supply levels in the refuge chamber as required . When utilised as part of the MineARC System Intelligence network , Aura-FX provides real-time gas monitoring data and analysis via the GuardIAN dashboard .
Finally , the MineARC Compressed Air Management System ( CAMS ) is a dedicated air management unit designed specifically for use in refuge chambers . The unique air management system monitors and regulates compressed air flow into the chamber . When utilised as part of the MineARC System Intelligence network , vital information relating to the integrity of the internal refuge chamber atmosphere is communicated in real-time via the GuardIAN dashboard . An increase in CAMS activity would indicate a breach of the refuge chamber seal , thus sending an alert to designated personnel that the chamber is compromised . IM
International Mining | OCTOBER 2016