SAFETY
227ea ) agent , which vaporises upon discharge and absorbs heat to rapidly suppress fire while leaving no residue to clean up . It is electrically nonconductive , will not short-out electronic equipment or thermally shock delicate circuitry , resulting in less damage to critical equipment , facilitating a much shorter recovery time and reducing downtime .
Finally , the AUTOPULSE Z-20 “ offers big panel advantages at a lower cost for both single and multiple hazard applications . The Z-20 also provides 100-250 addressable point capability and up to 32 points of conventional zones . The Z- 20 panel features templates designed to simplify fire suppression application programming , a USB port to upload programs or download critical information such as historical logs , and a 4.3 in colour touch-screen display with intuitive menudriven interface .”
Autonomy and fire protection
Autonomous and remote control vehicles are revolutionising the mining industry . Nextgeneration systems increase productivity , efficiency , and safety . For these benefits and more , many operations are implementing these exciting new technologies , but what does this mean for fire protection ? AFEX states : “ If your machine is being operated remotely , or without an operator at all , how can you take action ? Fortunately , you can now integrate your fire suppression system with your fleet management system to address these risks .”
A fully automatic fire suppression system , such as the AFEX fire suppression system , can intelligently activate itself in the event of a fire without the need for operator interaction on autonomous vehicles like haul trucks . Then , by interfacing with the on-board dispatch system , the AFEX system can relay a signal to the operations centre advising of the alarm and system discharge .
“ In remote operations , such as underground mines that use remote controlled loaders in areas that would be inaccessible or unsafe for personnel , the AFEX system can offer both automatic operation and manual activation options . The fire suppression system Control Unit interfaces with the vehicle controller to alert the operator and first responders in the event of a fire . The operator can activate the system remotely with the push of a button , saving valuable time and helping to maximise the effectiveness of the fire suppression system . From real time status updates to remote control activation , today ’ s next-generation fire suppression technology offers greater functionality , visibility , and performance . By anticipating the needs of the mining industry , companies like AFEX can maximise the safety and productivity of mine machines .”
Hose connections
Manuli Hydraulics ’ Mining Division has announced the release for sale of the new Sliderlock hose connection system . An innovative new concept designed to ensure the integrity of staple lock hose connections , Sliderlock it says is
Featuring a spring loaded cover to ensure that the staple is fully retained in even the harshest conditions , Sliderlock further enhances the traditional staple lock connection design which has been in use in underground mining applications for over 50 years
a unique product in the mining industry .
Featuring a spring loaded cover to ensure that the staple is fully retained in even the harshest conditions , Sliderlock further enhances the traditional staple lock connection design which has been in use in underground mining applications for over 50 years .
Aside from improving safety and performance , the Sliderlock cover also minimises dust ingress and , combined with Manuli Flushfit™ staple lock fittings , “ provides a compact , snag-free design which allows for a more space-efficient arrangement of connections without the risk of excessive hose abrasion . To support our OEM customers , the Sliderlock system is interchangeable with existing male end designs which use Flushfit , and is also complimented by a dedicated range of adaptors .”
Gas monitoring
Tyco Gas & Flame Detection has announced that the PS200 portable gas detector is now available with a new catalytic bead sensor option that provides an increased battery life of up to 80 hours in diffusion mode and 20 hours in pump mode . “ Both lightweight and durable , the instrument is ideal for protection in hotworks and confined space applications . The PS200 monitors and displays up to four hazardous gas conditions simultaneously , detecting all possible combinations of methane , oxygen , carbon monoxide , hydrogen sulphide , and a wide range of flammable gases . Operator interface and calibration are intuitive and easy by toggling between simple one-button functions .”
During normal operation , the large LCD screen displays battery life and real-time gas concentrations , but when a hazardous condition occurs , users are alerted by three alarm functions :
vibration , red flashing LEDs , and audible buzzer . To ensure the highest level of personal safety , the PS200 is also fitted with an optional man down / motion sensor that activates alarms if the instrument is not moved within a pre-set time . Other features include an optional built-in remote sampling pump for confined space entry , manual backlight screen for poor lighting conditions , a customised user identification code setup , calibration due date display and standard datalogging that can be downloaded with a USB connection to a computer . Accessory components available separately include an Auto Bump and Calibration Station , a 5-instrument multi-charger and an assortment of coloured boots / instrument covers .
The new GasHawk from Trolex delivers up to a full week ' s battery life even with infra-red sensors installed . The unit employs superior engineering for operational efficiency , with its inductive wireless charging system and a hotswap intrinsically safe battery that can be changed out even in the hazardous area . “ GasHawk delivers long lasting protection so that your people can produce more and charge less .”
“ GasHawk provides reliable accurate monitoring in the harshest conditions . IP67 rated and IECEx / ATEX M1 / Ma approved , GasHawk is tough , rugged and built to last .” Described as “ the world ’ s foremost personal gas detector for mining ” it has an inductive charging system with no exposed contacts , which eliminates charge failure due to corrosion , build-up of dirt and dust , and failure to engage contacts .
Charging intervals are massively reduced - with up to seven days continuous use even with infra-red sensors operating . Up to six gases can be monitored simultaneously ; and it has an optional integrated pump for remote sampling and confined space entry applications as well as a bright , clear illuminated display for easy viewing in varying light conditions ; and a full data-logging and easy-download feature allows
The new GasHawk from Trolex delivers up to a full week ' s battery life even with infra-red sensors installed
International Mining | OCTOBER 2016