Becker Mining South Africa’s collision avoidance systems (CAS) now encompass the newly launched loco management system (LMS) with advanced communication features designed to provide additional safety monitoring and functionality to loco controllers.
“Becker Mining’s loco management system, which combines all guard and loco signals on the user displays, acts as a driver and guard communications system, to enforce operational procedures for improved safety during operation of underground trains,” says Andrew Trentelman, senior general manager: electronics, Becker Mining South Africa. “This LMS system allows the flow of traffic during safe operating conditions and has programmable parameters that automatically intervene in potentially dangerous conditions.
“Although the loco driver is always responsible for controlling the locomotive, the LMS is programmed to check the operator, acting as a driving aid to prevent tramming accidents. This system is equipped with a global emergency stop facility and is able to halt other locomotives within radio range remotely from the guard car, loco or via handheld units. The LMS advises drivers when to slow down, bring the loco to a halt, or do an emergency stop. Parameters, which measure true speed, are programmed for different areas of haulage and for various speed limitations as required.”
The LMS also provides reliable proximity detection and collision avoidance warnings between locomotives, trackless machines and pedestrians. Various events during operation and important parameters are logged as real- time data and downloaded for analysis and evaluation.
The user interface, which comprises an LCD screen and six function buttons, connects to the main unit via an umbilical cord. A colour display indicates relevant information, including the speed of the locomotive in km/h, battery conditions and proximity detections, as well as errors and events. A battery operated handheld unit mimics the locomotive’s user interface.
The LMS determines a locomotive’s speed by means of direct speed sensing via an encoder which is embedded in the locomotive’s axial to measure rotation of the wheel.
Reliable and easily recognisable cautionary signals include programmable proximity warnings – a cab light illuminates red and loud buzzers warns the driver or guard of a potential hazard. The cab light illuminates white when the loco or guard door is opened. An orange light indicates an active RF link between the loco and guard unit and a red light illuminates in the event of a lost signal.
The LMS automatically switches on the headlights and the pre-start siren of the locomotive and remotely activates the lights and siren of the guard car.
This loco management system, which provides front driven and remote drive technology to underground trains, has an integral stored energy mechanical brake interface and an automated static and dynamic brake testing facility. An integrated Wi-Fi ability enables future surface monitoring and automation.
Becker Mining South Africa’s collision avoidance systems encompass the latest technologies for optimum efficiency, enhanced safety and compatibility with all CAS components.
For more information contact Andrew Trentelman, Becker Mining South Africa, +27 (0)11 617 6300, [email protected], www.za.becker-mining.com
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