Setting new gas monitoring standards in coal mining
January 2019
IS & Ex
The presence of methane gas in coal mining processes is highly probable, and monitoring methane levels in operational mining sections has become obligatory. Legislation calls for the installation of methane monitoring technology on mining machines to monitor and inhibit production whenever the existence of methane beyond predetermined levels is detected. As a result, methane monitoring technologies have become the gold standard in coal mining applications. Use of modern-day technologies, such as Monitech’s Hazardous Area Control System, has helped shape the coal mining industry. “It is legislated that purpose-made equipment is used. The technology must be approved under the relevant standards for equipment to be used in hazardous areas,” explains Renier Rautenbach, general manager of Monitech.
Monitech’s Hazardous Area Control System has continuously evolved over the years to become the mainstay of the coal mining industry. As Rautenbach explains, one of the key benefits of this is its versatility, which allows it to be adapted to any required platform. “The equipment is also very flexible in terms of its application capabilities,” he continues. Rautenbach also emphasises Monitech’s strong commitment to its R&D to maintain a competitive edge and market dominance in a competitive trading environment. He highlights the importance of R&D in the development of Monitech’s products and solutions, as well as improving the performance of existing ones. “The key benefit of using this particular system is that it was designed around the requirements laid down through continuous engagement with our customers to ensure it is best suited to their needs,” he says, adding that Monitech is continuously working on new development areas to further meet the ever-changing needs of its customers in the quest to maximise underground safety and productivity.
The methane detection field was the first business area in which Monitech started operating, and remains the cornerstone of the company’s success. “Monitech provides in-depth system training to ensure maximum benefit for its customers,” says Rautenbach. “All Monitech’s underground support staff are fully qualified specialist underground artisans to ensure the best application-specific support for the company’s customers.
For more information contact Nick Murray, Monitech, +27 11 395 4312, [email protected], www.monitechmining.com
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