Blog Layout
How Environment Monitoring makes sense and improves mine production
May 27, 2024
- Do you struggle with understanding blast clearing times within your underground mine?
- Do you have visibility over toxic gases within your mine?
- Do you know if all the planned firings have detonated?
- Would you like to know if gas levels are safe before sending Re-entry crews into the mine?
If these questions spark interest, then please read through how digital terrain provides some solutions in these areas.
Problem Statement
The underground mining environment is undoubtedly harsh and expensive to operate. Confined spaces, minimal ventilation and underground vehicle emissions can compromise air quality underground. Underground blasting is an essential part of the mining process but results in an abundance of toxic gases being released into the enclosed environment.
Re-entry into blast fume-affected underground areas is a safety and productivity concern for most mines. Lengthy re-entry times may improve clearance of noxious gases but can result in production delays and decreased overall productivity. Re-entry times into development headings are often standardized based on worst-case scenarios, resulting in unnecessary delays. Fume clearance from blast areas can be mathematically estimated using a number of different methods however a complicating factor of fume clearance is considering the volume, efficiency, and discharge location of fresh air ducts required to clear development blast areas.
The two most dangerous gases in an underground mine are nitrogen oxide, generated from explosive blasting, and carbon monoxide, from trucks and other mining equipment using internal combustion engines. These gases are crucial to monitor to prevent any worker from being in a toxic environment.
Following a blast there is a minimum wait time before re-entry is permitted. This is a time of minimal productivity, and where possible should try to be reduced. When there is no active feedback on live gas readings meaning that workers may be waiting for an unnecessary time, or a worst-case scenario of sending people (re-entry crew) into an unsafe environment.
Blasting with explosives is an essential activity for developing tunnels in most underground hard rock mines, however, the process introduces a number of hazards that must be controlled to ensure a safe work environment. A major consideration is the release and removal of noxious gases from the mine before the re-entry of workers to areas that may be affected by blasting fumes. Traditional methods of estimating blast fume dispersal can provide accurate indications of clearance times if carefully calibrated to mine conditions; however, these tools are rarely used systematically with blasting activities due to the wide range of variations in ventilation and blasting conditions. In addition, the traditional calculation methods provide a limited platform for calculating mine-wide fume dispersal, where mixing of airflows and dilution limit the use of fume concentration calculations. Risks associated with underground gas levels are:
- Placing re-entry crews at risk if the gases are still unsafe following a blast.
- Exposure to bogging crews when they are bogging (releasing pockets of gas).
- Exposure to diesel particulates through inadequately ventilated environments and diesel equipment operated within confined environments.
Solution EMS
Digital Terrain offers an advanced Environmental Monitoring system that facilitates real-time air quality monitoring to allow faster re-entries, Visibility of environmental conditions within the mine to forewarn re-entry crews prior to being exposed to an unsafe environment and greater productivity by potentially reducing nonproductive face time. Digital Terrains EMS detects and monitors toxic and flammable gases in underground mining operations from the surface to enable safe entry for personnel following blasting in an underground mine.
Digital Terrain recognises the need to bring all the sensor information back into a central on prem application that applies a visual representation to the data and through the software enables a control room or Shift boss the ability to control a devise within the underground mine.
Figure 1: Gas Sensor Chart
Figure 2: EMS unit view from control room on site
Digital Terrain EMS units are capable of measuring 8 gases, wet and dry bulb, air velocity, dust particulate, and humidity. Environmental readings can be viewed from the surface in our customised real-time dashboards.
Below is a basic list of specifications for the EMS:
- Gas Sensors:
- O2 – 0-25% range (Chemical sensor with 6-12 Month life expectancy)
- LEL – 0-100%range (NDIR Sensor with 2-year life expectancy)
- CO – 0-1,000ppm range (Chemical sensor with 2-year life expectancy)
- CO2 – 0-5% range (NDIR Sensor with 2-year life expectancy)
- NO2 – 0-20 ppm range (Chemical sensor with 2-year life expectancy)
- H2S – 0-100ppm range (Chemical sensor with 2-year life expectancy)
- SO2 0-20ppm range (Chemical sensor with 2-year life expectancy)
- NH3 0-100ppm range (Chemical sensor with 2-year life expectancy)
- Wind Velocity: Direction and Speed (-40 to +40 M/S) +- 2% Accuracy
- Temperature: Dry Bulb & Wet Bulb (-20 to +80 Degrees Celsius) +- 0.1 Degree Celsius Accuracy
- Humidity: (0-99.9%) +- 2% Accuracy
- Barometric Pressure: 300-1100 hPa (9000m to -500m) +- 0.12hPa Accuracy (1m)
- Dust Particulate: (pm1, pm2.5, pm10 range 0-1500ug/m3) with a 2-year sensor life expectancy and +- 10 ug/m3 accuracy
- Live camera stream with IR Lighting (up to 1080p) with motion recording of captured events
- Integrated Blue/Red Status indicators (breach conditions can be set for red flash)
- Optional inclusion of A/V alarm, red/blue beacon and low power/status alerts
- Equipment to be supplied and commissioned on site.
- Real-time view of your underground environment conditions
- Transportable and easy to install – connect to a POE port, calibrate on the surface, then underground with an anemometer.
- Calibrated with simple step-by-step instructions via web interface or on-board touch interface.
- Email alerts and interactive dashboard interface with optional SMS alerts.
- Direct integration to Modbus TCP/IP
Figure 3: EMS installed on site.
Tags:
#monitoring, #Ventilation, #VOD, #Blast Fumes, #Blasting, #Fan, #Gas, #smartmines #EMS #mining
Magman Stocktake New Features Stocktake compliance and balancing your magazine is a key regulatory requirement. Magman has always been focused on this through proactive alerting and email notifications. This has now been improved further by introducing a new stocktake validation workflow. This workflow prevents other transactions occurring if the magazine does not balance and requires approval via designated persons to proceed past an imbalanced magazine. The updated Magman system ensures seamless regulatory compliance and reduced downtime by enforcing users to complete a stocktake each shift prior to any other magazine transactions, removing any guesswork or administration level controls in the stock validation process and immediately requiring intervention if it does not balance. Here’s the new Magman stocktake workflow:
In the bustling ecosystem of the mining industry, where efficiency and innovation are paramount, Digital Terrain's flagship product, Simbio, stands as the embodiment of synergy and harmony. Just as flowers and bees, or clownfish and anemones, thrive through their symbiotic relationships, Simbio brings together the diverse elements of Digital Terrain's portfolio to create a seamless, integrated solution that transforms the way mining operations are managed and executed. The Power of Symbiosis: Uniting Strengths for Unparalleled Success At its core, Simbio is about the interconnectedness of all components within the Digital Terrain suite. This revolutionary product combines the strengths of PLAN, MANAGE, PLOD, Magman, IoT, Digitisation Services, and Integration Solutions, forging a unified platform that enhances every aspect of mining operations. Just as bees and flowers depend on each other for survival and growth, each element within Simbio works in perfect harmony, ensuring that data flows seamlessly, operations run smoothly, and productivity reaches new heights. PLAN: The Blueprint for Success Every great endeavor begins with a plan, and in the mining world, precision planning is the cornerstone of success. Simbio’s PLAN module is the architect of operational excellence, providing detailed blueprints that guide every phase of the mining process. With real-time data access and sophisticated analytics, PLAN ensures that every decision is informed, every action is deliberate, and every outcome is optimized. It’s not just planning; it’s orchestrating a symphony of success. MANAGE: The Conductor of Operations Once the blueprint is set, the MANAGE module takes the baton, conducting the day-to-day operations with unmatched efficiency. MANAGE brings clarity and control, allowing operators to oversee every facet of the mining process in real-time. It’s the heartbeat of the operation, ensuring that everything runs in perfect rhythm, much like the harmonious relationship between clownfish and anemones, where each supports the other to thrive in their shared environment. PLOD: Precision and Performance In the fast-paced world of mining, precision and performance are paramount. The PLOD module of Simbio delivers just that, providing real-time tracking and reporting of on-site activities. It ensures that every action is recorded, every movement is monitored, and every task is executed with pinpoint accuracy. PLOD is the watchful eye that guarantees safety, boosts productivity, and drives the operation towards its goals. Magman: Mastering the Flow of Resources Resource management is the lifeblood of any mining operation, and Magman is the master of this domain within Simbio. It optimizes the allocation and utilization of resources, ensuring that every asset is used to its fullest potential. Magman is the keystone species in the Simbio ecosystem, balancing supply and demand, much like bees pollinate flowers to ensure the continuity of their symbiotic relationship. IoT: The Pulse of Innovation In the age of digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT) is the pulse that keeps the Simbio ecosystem alive. IoT integration within Simbio connects every piece of equipment, every sensor, and every data point, creating a network of intelligence that drives smart decision-making. It’s the neural network of the operation, sensing, communicating, and responding to the dynamic needs of the mining environment. Digitisation Services and Integration Solutions: The Backbone of Connectivity At the heart of Simbio’s success is its robust Digitisation Services and Integration Solutions. These elements ensure that all data is seamlessly integrated, all systems are connected, and all processes are digitized for maximum efficiency. It’s the foundation that supports the entire ecosystem, much like the interconnected roots of a forest that share nutrients and resources, ensuring the health and vitality of every tree. The Future of Mining: A Symbiotic Vision Simbio is more than just a product; it’s a vision for the future of mining. It represents the pinnacle of innovation, the epitome of efficiency, and the zenith of productivity. By harnessing the power of symbiosis, Digital Terrain has created a solution that not only meets the needs of today’s mining operations but also anticipates the challenges of tomorrow. Conclusion: Thriving Together In the grand tapestry of the mining industry, where every thread must be perfectly woven to create a masterpiece, Simbio stands as the ultimate tool for achieving symbiotic success. Just as flowers and bees, and clownfish and anemones, thrive through their interdependence, so too does the Digital Terrain portfolio, united under the banner of Simbio. Together, we are not just surviving; we are thriving, reaching new heights, and setting the gold standard for the industry. With Simbio, the future of mining is not just bright; it’s brilliant.