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Wireless Broadband Network Supports Critical Mining Applications
Wireless Broadband Network Supports Critical Mining Applications
Wireless Broadband Network Supports Critical Mining Applications
High capacity network with the ability to aggregate com- Key applications that utilize the Tropos network today are:
munications and implement QoS for multiple IP applica- CAT MineStar The software system has multiple modules
tions including fleet management, fuel polling manage- for various functions. The modules utilized at the mine are:
ment, lightning alert, and IP video cameras.
MineStar Terrain Iron ore mining requires precision
Flexibility to easily and seamless scale the network as operation of mining equipment for precision excavation.
additional nodes and coverage area is added, connecting Vehicles used in excavation (diggers, excavators, load-
hundreds of devices. ers, etc.) each have GPS that communicates location
and helps in guiding excavation accuracy (within 200
Centralized network visibility, management, and trouble- mm is needed) to increase productivity and provide
shooting. real-time feedback for improving efficiency.
Cost effective to deploy and operate. MineStar FleetCommander Creates scheduling assign-
ments for vehicles, white line assignments (creates map
Solution for where to drive), minimizing wait time and optimizing
After evaluating and testing several wireless solutions, an ABB utilization.
Tropos wireless mesh network was selected. It was the only
solution that met all the requirements which included reliable MineStar Production Gathers productivity information
high capacity communications with the ability to operate in from trucks, loading tools and other equipment, increas-
extreme heat and dust, plus mobile nodes capable of with- ing mine operation efficiencies.
standing high vibration typical in mining vehicles. The first step
MineStar Health Centrally collects information related Additional applications under consideration
to fleet health in real time (tire pressure and heat; fuel CAT integrated object detection system This system
usage; repairs and maintenance) and recommends integrates with CAT large mining trucks to aid an operator
preventative maintenance schedule to help avoid vehicle as they start to move a vehicle, helping them to avoid
downtime. accidents. It utilizes a combination of radar, four video
cameras, and a monitor in the cab to provide the operator
IP cameras installed in the mine pit, the cameras are with enhanced visibility and audible warnings.
mounted to Tropos routers and provide real-time viewing of
pit activities to operations (located in pit trailer). This also Fatigue monitoring system CAT has signed a strategic
provides visibility for ensuring site and personnel safety in agreement with Seeing Machines for incorporation of their
the pit. DSS in-cab fatigue monitoring system with CATs MineStar
to help improve mine safety and productivity.
Survey equipment collects and records information on
ore samples which is sent to operations for analysis.
1KHA - 001 365 - REN - 1001- 10-2014 Copyright 2014 ABB. All rights reserved.
sensors that monitor for lightning strikes in the area and
can alert should conditions become risky for workers.
Results
The Tropos mesh network has become an integral part of
mission critical mining operations. It serves as the core com-
munications foundation supporting a wide range of applica-
tions that improve operational efficiencies and safety for the
workers on site each day. For example:
abb.tropos.com