Becker Mining expands CAS capabilities
March 2015
System Integration & Control Systems Design
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
Further reading:
Flotation system modernisation for a gold processing and mineral recovery plant.
Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls has successfully modernised a gold processing plant's flotation control system, replacing obsolete I/O hardware with Schneider Electric's latest M580 X80 platform.
Read more...
Project and industry
Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Transforming crushing plant operations through integrated automation.
Controlgear Instramac was engaged to deliver the electrical control and automation systems for a new crushing plant within the
...
Read more...
Project and industry
EXEL Electrical Engineering
System Integration & Control Systems Design
EXEL EE was contracted to deliver the complete electrical, control and instrumentation scope for the upgrade of a gold mine's water treatment facilities in Tanzania.
Read more...
Turning system integrators into trusted technology partners
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is repositioning system integrators from hardware suppliers into lifecycle-value partners. Oriel Soupen explains the competency framework, certification model and real-world results that are already helping African system integrators win higher-value, longer-term engagements.
Read more...
When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.
Read more...
Best practices for managing the MRO supply chain in Africa
RS South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
RS South Africa outlines how strong data governance and digital tools can turn maintenance, repair and operations procurement into a strategic advantage across Africa.
Read more...
Containerised Solar Solution Accelerates Delivery of Riverside 3 MW Power Plant
Proconics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Proconics was engaged by NewFields to deliver the electrical integration solution for the Riverside 3 MW Solar Power Plant in Zimbabwe. The project required a compact, modular approach that could simplify deployment, minimise site works, and support rapid commissioning in a remote location.
Read more...
Modern Energy Metering Solution Enhances Reliability and Reporting for Major Power Utility
SAM Systems Automation & Management
System Integration & Control Systems Design
This project involved the implementation of a modern energy metering system for a major power utility operating within the industrial automation and energy management sector. The objective was to improve the reliability, accessibility, and accuracy of energy data while simplifying infrastructure and reducing system complexity.
Read more...
PCS Global
PCS Global
System Integration & Control Systems Design
PCS Global led a digital infrastructure initiative in a southern African data centre setting, aiming to merge several essential operational systems into one cohesive platform. The objective was to break down silos, enable real-time decisions, and ensure seamless operation in a mission-critical environment.
Read more...
Seamless migration from ET 200M to ET 200SP HA for future-ready automation
Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls undertook a modernisation initiative spanning the mining, petrochemical, and oil & gas sectors. This project involved upgrading legacy Siemens ET200M I/O systems to the advanced ET200SP HA platform.
Read more...
printer friendly version