Wireless Communication (ImPact)

 Impact technology is developed by Mine Site Technologies (MST) to extend the capabilities of existing Ethernet topologies on site, for underground and surface mining. The Impact infrastructure is specifically designed to function under harsh conditions encountered in the mining industry. Impact takes over where other technologies reach their limits. Where VHF and UHF Leaky Feeder technologies cannot meet the data and flexibility requirements demanded by modern mining, Impact Digital Communications provides the solution. Where the Leaky Feeder system is still a good option for basic voice communication, Impact technology is designed for high reliability & high bandwidth applications (video, on-board vehicle diagnostics, autonomous vehicle control, etc).

A key aspect of Impact technology is that it provides a large bandwidth, enabling an order of magnitude increase of data handling rate over more conventional leaky feeder type and hybrid Ethernet radio systems. This provides a mine with robust communications infrastructure and a higher data throughput to support the deployment of general TCP/IP applications and devices. The Impact design architecture philosophy also provides extended general TCP/IP functionality with the added benefit of utilizing productivity enhancing tools available through proprietary and off-the-shelf 802.11 wireless networking technologies.

In case a higher flexibility is required at the face the MST Impact system can be extended with the Rajant 802.11 b wireless mesh network. Such a network consists of multi-hop systems in which wireless devices assist each other in transmitting packets through the network. If one link fails for any reason, the network automatically routes messages through alternate paths. The wireless mesh network would ensure constant data and VOIP connectivity with drill rigs and roof bolters at the face even though these machines are stationary in a workplace for a portion of the shift.

The Impact communication product range is the result of advanced engineering design, understanding mining environments, combined with the latest 802.11 communication technologies. It provides a quantum leap forward from traditional technologies by delivering improvements in reliability, bandwidth, data quality, system capacity and support for open standards. The Impact digital platform will deliver new capabilities for current and future mine requirements.

Through The Earth Communications

Through earth communications is realised using the PED® Communication System which is based on ultra-low frequency transmission that propagates through rock strata. In South African conditions this has been demonstrated at 1400 meters. The PED® System has been in use at mines for over fifteen years and remains the only proven through-the-earth (TTE) communication system in use at mines. Refinements to the system over this time have further improved its reliability and functionality. It has been installed in over one hundred & fifty coal and metalliferous mines in Australia, USA, Canada, China and Sweden.

What PED® Does:

PED® is a one way communication system providing mine wide signal coverage. It can be used for emergency communication, remote switching of fixed plant equipment such as fans and pumps, and can be used for centralized blasting. The ability of PED® to transmit through rock strata means it can truly deliver complete signal coverage to an underground mine. This is achieved without the need of installing antenna cable in every part of the mine (something more traditional ‘line-of-sight’ radio systems would require). A relatively small antenna on the surface, or underground, provides complete signal. This signal coverage is achieved at a fraction of the cost than any other type of radio system. Where other systems are vulnerable to rock fall, fire and general wear and tear, PED® greatly reduces these typical problems of unreliability and maintenance. The ULF (ultra low frequency) transmission system transmits to a number of receiver types to allow a range of applications. Messages can be sent to receivers carried by miners (ICCL), or to display units mounted in vehicles (AutoPED). The PED® Communication System can also be used to remotely control equipment like fans and pumps (ControlPED), or for the remote initiation or firing of blasts.