Inauen Schätti, a construction company whose areas of specialism include ropeways, is working to improve piste safety for skiers. As part of a pilot test project on the Parpaner Rothorn mountain, the company installed an avalanche mast for the selective remote-controlled detonation of charges above the snow pack. Triggering controlled avalanches protects winter sports enthusiasts and walkers from potentially hazardous snow build-up. Ensuring failsafe operation of the detonation mechanism is a controller from the Siemens portfolio. The controller is continuously self-monitoring, and operates without problems even under the most inhospitable mountain weather conditions at temperatures as low as -40°C.
Five kilograms of explosive are required for each charge. A standard hand grenade contains just 200 to 300 grams. As this enormous quantity of explosive triggers a detonation creating a pressure wave of up to 4000 metres per second, Inauen Schätti needs absolute assurance that a charge can only be detonated once the relevant command has reached the communication module on the avalanche mast via the cellphone network. As the consequences of any malfunction could be fatal, it was the absolute reliability of the Siemens solution that prompted the company to choose fail-safe components from the Siplus portfolio for the project.
Failsafe even in sub-zero conditions
High up on the mountain side, a magazine loaded with 32 explosive charges rotates using the same principle as a revolver. The charge slips into the detonating mechanism, the flap opens and the descending explosive device detonates around two to three metres above ground level, triggering the avalanche. Operators working on the computer down in the valley are able to monitor the detonation. To ensure a reliable, trouble-free detonation without any chance of a misfire, the entire process is protected by safety mechanisms: to be precise, the failsafe Siplus variant of the Simatic ET 200SP CPU controller from Siemens used in combination with the Logo! CMR2020 communication module.
“Obviously, this type of mechanism only guarantees absolute safety if the controller is reliable and fully functional at all times,” emphasises Deputy CEO of Masora, Thomas Tschudin. Masora was responsible for development of the control, communication and power supply systems for the pilot project. The entire technical system is designed to operate at very low temperatures and even works reliably at 100% humidity. Moreover, the controller can even be used at altitudes of over 5000 metres.
Windows tablets for Zone 1/21, Zone 2/22 and mining Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
Extech is expanding its portfolio with the Windows-based tablets IS945.1, IS945.2, and IS945.M1. For the first time, EX certification is combined with full Windows compatibility, without compromising on software or security.
Read more...Siemens and Ducati extend partnership to advance innovation in MotoGP Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens Digital Industries Software has renewed its technical partnership agreement with Ducati, and detailed how the Siemens Xcelerator platform has been instrumental in helping the company to create increasingly powerful, safe and sustainable motorcycles.
Read more...Intelligent automation solutions for robotics and warehousing Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Addverb Technologies, a leading Indian company providing robotics and innovative warehouse automation solutions, is using software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to deliver intelligent automation solutions faster and more efficiently.
Read more...Sustainable energy management Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Utilising its innovative ONE approach technology, Siemens provides complete transparency on resource consumption and offers data-driven optimisation recommendations for sustainable energy management.
Read more...New RFID communication module Siemens South Africa
Industrial Wireless
The new Siemens RFID communication module, Simatic RF128C enhances efficiency and flexibility, making it ideal for applications in the battery, electronics and semiconductor industries.
Read more...Siemens Xcelerator empowers space-tech pioneer, Skyroot Aerospace Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Skyroot Aerospace, a leading private space launch service company in India, has adopted Polarion software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to digitally transform its software development processes and enhance efficiency as it aims to accelerate access to space for its customers worldwide.
Read more...Digital twin for Bavaria’s National Theatre Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens and the Bavarian State Opera are digitalising the acoustics in Bavaria’s National Theatre in Munich, Germany. The result is a digital twin that simulates sound effects, orchestral setups and venue configurations in a realistic 3D acoustic model so that musicians, the director and conductors can assess a concert hall’s acoustics even before the first rehearsal.
Read more...New RFID communication module Siemens South Africa
Industrial Wireless
The new Siemens RFID communication module, Simatic RF128C enhances efficiency and flexibility, making it ideal for applications in the battery, electronics and semiconductor industries.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version