Reliable Communication Solutions for Coal Mines

our work in coal Mining Communications

Working directly with coal is literally dirty work. It also carries dangers from gases like methane where explosions can occur when exposed to sparks or heat.

The NLT coal mining data network is designed with these hazards in mind – ensuring all necessary equipment is intrinsically safe (IS), while still providing the most reliable and durable communication solution for your mine.

Our focus is very simple: to develop and deploy current and adaptive technologies to make coal mining safer and more efficient.

our success in coal Mining Communications

NLT was the first company to introduce Wi-Fi networks to underground coal mines. Many of the largest and most reputable coal mining companies in the world continue to rely on NLT Mining Network and communication solutions. We have seen particular success in Australia where our data networking solution can be found in some of the largest mines in the country, enabling underground IoT initiatives.

PRODUCTS

IS PRODUCTS

NetPort Access Point

The NetPort IS is the primary device that delivers an intrinsically safe, highly reliable Wi-Fi network to underground coal.

The all-in-one solution includes a built in access point, UPS and two (2) Single Mode Fiber Ports to enable a range of network topologies.

The NetPort IS can achieve strong and reliable WiFi coverage in underground coal mines and supports many advanced network standards, including Layer 2+ features, to optimise network performance and security.

IS PRODUCTS

Switch Port Access Point

NLT Digital Solutions SwitchPort IS is the central component that delivers an intrinsically safe high reliability Wi-Fi network.

The all-in-one solution includes a built in access point and UPS and three (3) Single Mode Fibre Ports to enable branching in the network to support various solutions and topologies.

The SwitchPort IS module can achieve strong and reliable WiFi coverage in underground coal mines.

The SwitchPort IS supports many advanced network standards including Layer 2+ features to optimise network performance, ease maintenance issues and secure network safety.

IS PRODUCTS

NetPort Compact Access Point

The NetPort Compact IS provides an intrinsically safe, highly reliable Wi-Fi network in a small footprint.

The compact solution includes a built in access point and two (2) Single Mode Fibre Ports to enable network components to be mounted on Longwall equipment, vehicles or in any area with limited space.

The NetPort Compact IS can achieve strong and reliable WiFi coverage in underground coal mines at the working face and supports many advanced networking standards, including Layer 2+ features, to optimise network performance and enhance security.

SOLUTIONS For Coal Mines

Communication

Communication is critical for improving safety and maximising development rates. Conversing in real time with underground personnel ensures your operations are running efficiently.

NLT’s range of network-based communication products can be used wherever a WiFi signal is present. This eliminates the need for a separate solution for communication and data networking, improving your overall return on investment. Our intrinsically safe (IS) network solution is able to provide 100% underground WiFi coverage delivering a seamless Communication Solution when combined with the NLT Digital IS Radio and Messenger RT Cap Lamps.

The Digital IS radio features excellent voice quality and can be easily integrated with an organisations telephone network or other communication platform. IS Radios can be handheld or vehicle mounted. Intercoms and other voice solutions are also available and can be easily integrated into the NLT network.

In addition to being a shining light, the Messenger RT cap lamp is a robust and simple two-way text messaging device from Northern Light Technologies® that provides powerful real time communication in a convenient and intuitive package.

Tracking

Keeping track of personnel and critical equipment is essential to maintain safety and enhance productivity. NLT’s integrated Tracking Solution enables an organisation to monitor the location of personnel, vehicles or equipment across your site, wherever the NLT network is installed. The tracking data is forwarded over the network in near real-time, ensuring the tracking information is timely and accurate.

The Tracking System is comprised of:

Tracking Tags – WiFi or RFID based tags come as a standalone unit or integrated in NLT cap lamps
Tag Readers – dedicated RFID Tag Reader or integrated into the NLT IS access point
Digital Mine Software – a Graphical User Interface to view and interpret tracking data
Tracking Server – the central processing system at the heart of the NLT Tracking Solution

NLT’s Digital Mine suite of software applications is straightforward and offers a range of functionality designed to improve both safety and productivity. The Digital Mine Tracking application enables the geographic location and historic data for an individual, vehicle or asset to be monitored, stored and reported.

The additional benefit of Tracking is achieved easily and cost effectively when an NLT network is installed.

Data Network

Our IS network solution provides a high speed fibre backbone to handle the most demanding of data requirements in a mine. The NLT IS access points are standards compliant and will allow any WiFi device to connect and operate over the network.

From laptops and smartphones through to WiFi enabled PLC’s and tags, high speed data communications are made available where you need it most. Mission critical data can be accessed underground in real time. Surveyors can review and update drawings while drill rigs can be uploaded with the latest drill plans. Commonly performed tasks such as accessing emails or vendor websites can also be performed underground when using the NLT IS network.

Having secure access to your data servers and the internet can overcome the inherent difficulties in working underground and dramatically improve productivity and safety.

Control and Automation

The NLT IS network provides a reliable and robust data highway that enables simple telemetry and automation of equipment. Monitoring and controlling electrical equipment such as fans or pumps results in considerable cost savings and improved efficiency. Additionally, automating equipment saves time, improves safety, and enhances productivity.

Automation can include the automatic starting and stopping of equipment such as feeder breakers or conveyors, through to supporting complex automated vehicles. The high speed data backbone of the NLT IS network, combined with NLT IS WiFi access points, provide the infrastructure to support the most complex automation tasks. Whether using simple, digital on/off signals or analog measurements, the data is easily transferred to our Digital Mine Software – or the site’s SCADA package – for manipulation, display and control.

Integrating NLT’s range of solutions including Tracking, Video Monitoring, Communication and Software Applications further enables the automation and reporting capability to increase productivity, efficiency and safety.

Condition Monitoring

Monitoring environmental conditions is critical to making informed safety and production decisions for your operation.
NLT partners with leading-edge providers of Environmental, Ventilation, Gas, and Geotechnical Monitoring Systems to provide solutions that are reliable and accurate, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. From local design and manufacture to distribution and support, NLT works with our customers and technology partners to ensure you have access to the very best monitoring technologies.

Integrating these systems with the NLT networking infrastructure enables real-time monitoring and data capture. This critical data can be used to automate production and safety processes. Historical data can be analysed to fully understand the conditions in your operation.

We’re integration experts – providing complete solutions to monitor critical conditions vital to your operation. We can connect any monitoring system to your existing monitoring and control software systems, or through the NLT Digital Mine software, giving you access to valuable and relevant data at your fingertips.

NLT offers a full range of condition monitoring systems and solutions:

Ultrasonic Ventilation Airflow Monitoring – highly accurate airflow and quality measurements
Environmental Monitoring – temperature, humidity, pressure, wet bulb, dry bulb, heat stress index, and more
Geotechnical Monitoring – subsidence monitoring,slope/high wall monitoring detects the most minute ground movement
Gas Monitoring – toxic and combustible gases, oxygen and inert gases
Software, Integration and Networking – Digital Mine suite of software, SCADA/PLC systems

Vehicle Management

NLT has designed and built several vehicle management systems to meet a variety of customer needs.

Our latest project is for vehicle warning and shut down when entering a no-go zone. When a vehicle approaches a no-go zone within a defined distance, a Warning strobe and beacon is activated. If the vehicle continues into the no-go zone, an Alarm strobe is activated and the vehicle is shut down. The vehicle is not able to be restarted until it is outside the no-go zone and a keyed override is activated.

There are an infinite number of safety and operational improvements that can be implemented when combining NLT’s Tracking engine, an NLT network and a little bit of ingenuity. Contact NLT for your next Vehicle Management project.

Cap LAMPS

Northern Light Technologies is a proud producer of advanced safety and productivity technologies for underground mining, tunneling, and heavy industry. Since 1984, our high-quality cap lamps have been engineered to provide workers with the best lighting and safety in the harshest environments.

We offer products for unique mining needs, from MSHA and IECEx approved all-in-ones to proximity warning and wifi-tracking cap lamps.

Visit NLT Cap Lamps for more information.