Tunnel Communication Systems

our work in tunneling tracking and communication systems

NLT is a proud industry expert in the design and installation of flexible communication and tracking systems for the underground tunnelling industry on construction and maintenance projects like roadways, subways, railways, hydro, and service/utility tunnels.

Our engineers will work with you to design a solution that’s based on your individual needs and requirements – we offer the industry’s most reliable and durable communication solutions.

NLT’s goal with any project is to maximize the safety, productivity and profitability of our customers.

our success in tunneling network infrastructure

NLT’s N-Connex product line was made to supply hard rock mines with cost-effective ruggedized network infrastructure. It has provided a network solution that can enable underground IoT around the world in the largest tunneling infrastructure projects in the world. looking for a modular, plug and play solution to reduce downtime and increase safety, security, and productivity.

N-Connex PRODUCTS

N-Connex is NLT Digital Solutions’ award-winning rugged, modular, IP67 rated networking solution for harsh environments.

Distribution Module

The Distribution Module provides connectivity to a one (1) Gigabit Ethernet backbone. The module includes eight (8) managed PoE ports, two (2) Non-PoE Ports and four (4) Single Mode Fibre Ports to enable a range of solutions and network topologies.

The Distribution Module can actively manage 240W (at 25°C) of total Power over Ethernet (PoE) supply across the various Ethernet ports. This enables a large range of high power consuming PoE devices to be simultaneously connected.

When combined with the N-Connex Bolt Access Points we can achieve strong and reliable WiFi coverage in underground mines, tunnels and heavy industrial facilities. NLT’s preterminated, rugged fibre connects multiple Distribution Modules to form a redundant network topology.

As with all N-Connex modules it is fit-for-purpose and is designed for harsh environments. The module can be mounted on the NLT proprietary quick fit frame or be mounted as a standalone device. The Distribution Module supports many advanced network standards to optimise network performance, ease maintenance issues and secure network safety.

Power Module

The Power Module provides power to the N-Connex System. It connects to a single phase 110 or 230 VAC source and supplies an output of 48-54 VDC up to 5 amps.

Adding the optional Battery Module will provide the N-Connex system with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The Power Module provides a dedicated connection for the Battery Module.

As with all N-Connex modules the Power Module is rugged and is suitable for harsh environments. The module is designed to be mounted on the NLT quick-fit rail system which can be attached to, or hung from, a variety of surfaces.

Battery Module

The battery module is designed to provide backup power when the AC power source is shut down. The battery module can connect to either the Power Module or to the Edge Module to provide an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).

It is connected to the Power or Edge modules with the supplied quick-connect cable, making installation simple and intuitive. The Battery Module will last up to 8 hours or more depending on the N-Connex configuration. A maximum of two Battery Modules can be connected to the Power Module to extend backup time further.

As with all N-Connex modules the Battery Module is rugged and is suitable for harsh environments. The module is designed to be mounted on the NLT quick-fit rail system which can be attached to, or hung from, a variety of surfaces.

Alarm Module

The Alarm Module provides an emergency warning solution for the N-Connex network. It features a high intensity strobe light, a siren and an illuminated emergency push button. The Alarm Module features a momentary mute button to silence the siren enabling voice communications in the event of an emergency.

Powered by PoE, the Alarm Module is connected to the N-Connex network with a single Cat6 cable making installation simple and intuitive. Paired with N-Connex PoE Extenders, the Alarm Module can be installed up to 300 meters from an Edge or Distribution Module.

When placed at key positions the Alarm Module becomes a vital part of a sites safety solution. The Emergency Application in NLT’s flagship Digital Mine software can be configured with a map of the site to visualize the state of each alarm. The Alarm Module can be activated locally with the Emergency push button or remotely from Digital Mine software. Alarms can be configured to operate in user-defined zones or site-wide.

Evacuation Module

The Evacuation Module provides a managed emergency warning solution for the N-Connex network. The module features two high intensity strobe lights with 110db sirens and an illuminated emergency push button. The Evacuation Module features a momentary mute button to silence the siren enabling voice communications in the event of an emergency.

Powered by PoE, the Evacuation Module is connected to the N-Connex network with a single Cat6 cable making installation simple and intuitive. Paired with N-Connex PoE Extenders, the Evacuation Module can be installed up to 300 meters from an Edge or Distribution Module.

When placed at key positions the Evacuation Module becomes a vital part of the site safety solution. The Emergency Application in NLT’s flagship Digital Mine software is used with a map of the site to visualize the state of each alarm. The Evacuation module can be activated locally with the Emergency push button or remotely from Digital Mine software. Alarms can be configured to operate in user-defined zones as well as site-wide.

As with all N-Connex modules the Evacuation Module is rugged and is suitable for harsh environments. The module is designed to be mounted on the NLT quick-fit rail system which can be attached to, or hung from, a variety of surfaces.

Digital I/O

The Digital I/O module is a digital control N-Connex component that delivers high-reliability control infrastructure to the underground mine.
The module includes eight (8) configurable relay coil digital inputs and eight (8) relay outputs. These inputs and outputs can be used to collect data and initiate the operation of equipment in a range of different solutions.

The Digital I/O module enables digital instrumentation through Modbus TCP to connect your underground solutions to a PLC or SCADA system on the N-Connex network. The Analog I/O module is commonly connected to the Power and Battery modules. When connected with the N-Connex network infrastructure equipment can be monitored and controlled reliably from the surface.

The Digital I/O modules configurable relay coils can support 24, 110, and 220 VAC/DC to allow the connection and control to a wide variety of equipment.

Analog I/O

The Analog I/O module is an analog control N-Connex component that delivers high-reliability control infrastructure to the underground mine.
The module includes six (6) analog inputs, two (2) analog outputs, two (2) configurable relay coil, and 2 (2) digital outputs. These inputs and outputs can be used to collect data, initiate and guide the equipment in a range of solutions.

The Analog I/O module enables analog and digital instrumentation through Modbus TCP to connect your underground solutions to a PLC or SCADA system on the N-Connex network. The Analog I/O module is commonly connected to the Power and Battery modules. When connected with the N-Connex network infrastructure equipment can be monitored and controlled reliably from the surface.

The Analog I/O modules configurable relay coils can support 24, 110, and 220 VAC/DC to allow the connection and control to a wide variety of equipment.

Extenders

Our network extenders overcome the inherent 100m cat6 ethernet cable distance limitation.

These PoE Extenders can be daisy-chained with our Cat6 cables to reliably provide connectivity at up to 500m for PoE devices requiring less than 4W of power, for example our Bolt Access Point. As the distance reduces, higher power is available. The Extenders have been proven to maintain excellent data integrity over these distances.
The Extenders include our IP67 rated Cat6 receptacles to ensure they can be easily connected with our Cat6 cables and maintain the overall IP67 rating for the N-Connex system. Indicators are provided to show the status of the PoE power and Network connectivity. The devices are also well labelled to make installation as simple and straight-forward as possible.

Bolt

The N-Connex bolt is a high-powered access point that is used to provide wifi connectivity to the network.

The Bolt supports 802.11 b/g and n protocols.

The Bolt is a compact unit that is designed to be easily installed and connected to a range of antennae. In most situations, an omni-directional antennae is directly connected to the Bolt. This will provide strong WiFi signals level up to 200m in all directions from the Bolt. We can also make use of alternate directional Antennae, where required, that can provide signals up to 800m from the Bolt in specific directions.

The Bolt is connected via our Cat6 Ethernet cable to the N-Connex Distribution or Edge modules. By utilising our PoE Network Extenders we can position a Bolt Access Point up to 400m from either the Distribution or Edge modules. This potentially enables one of these modules to effectively cover large areas or up to 1km of underground travel-ways.

WiFi Tracking tag

The WiFi Tracking Tag is the market’s leading tag, with more units deployed than any other tag of its kind. These IP65 rugged, battery-powered tags can be attached to people and to a variety of equipment, such as tools, containers, manufacturing equipment and vehicles. This enables tagged items to be accurately located in real-time and in any environment.

WiFi Tracking Tag messages are received and processed by NLT’s WiFi access points, keeping infrastructure costs low and installation simple. As with all tags, location determination is performed through a unique beaconing method that keeps network impact low and ensures scalability and long battery life.

WiFi Tracking Tags are ideal for personnel tracking and enable you to streamline business processes and improve operations, while also promoting a safer environment.

SOLUTIONS

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. The N-CONNEX network solution is able to provide 100% underground WiFi coverage delivering a seamless Communication Solution when combined with digital WiFi radios and the NLT tracking engine.

Our preferred range of radios from iCOM can be handheld or vehicle mounted. They feature push to talk, individual or group talking and an unlimited number of channels. The Digital iCOM radios feature excellent voice quality and can easily integrate with most telephone networks or other communication platforms.

Smart phones, tablets and any WiFi enabled device can be easily integrated into the NLT network opening avenues of operational management that were previously unknown to the sector.

Installing an N-CONNEX network is the answer to maximise efficiency and productivity.

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

The N-CONNEX network provides a high speed Gigabit fibre backbone to handle the most demanding data requirements in a mine. N-CONNEX is standards compliant and will allow any WiFi or Ethernet 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 N-CONNEX 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 N-CONNEX 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 like feeder breakers or conveyors through to supporting complex automated vehicles. The high speed data backbone of the N-CONNEX network, combined with our WiFi access points, provide the infrastructure to support the most complex automation tasks. Whether using simple digital on/off signals or complex analog measurements, the data is easily transferred to our Digital Mine Software, or a SCADA package of your choice, 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.

Ventilation On Demand

The NLT VOD Solution enables a mine to ventilate zones based on real time environmental parameters and tracking information. Utilising the Digital Mine suite of software combined with a Tracking enabled NLT network, VOD can ensure ventilation is operating efficiently where and when it is needed. This leads to significant cost savings based on energy reduction as ventilation draws significant power and energy.

The VOD solution combines a number of NLT and partner products including air-flow monitoring, tracking data, N-Connex Control modules and the Digital Mine Suite of software. When this data is combined, zone parameters can be defined and automation of the Ventilation system to be achieved.

Software & Applications

NLT’s Digital Mine Software is a web-based package that provides controlled access to real time critical data. The user interface while being simple to use and intuitive provides in-depth information that ensures tunnelling operations are conducted safely and efficiently. The data is overlaid on your actual tunnel plans so a user can quickly assess the situation and understand any implications implied by the data. Reporting is comprehensive and easily navigated as well as providing the support for customised templates to be created.

Digital Mine Software also integrates with third party hardware and software to provide increased functionality. Equipment status and system health are easily viewed, while personnel information can be interfaced with other systems, including card access. Any vehicle or tag movement patterns can be monitored, ensuring both the safety and efficiency of your equipment operators.

Some of the innovative features, include:

Multi-level Map Interface, overhauled with an easy to use Google Maps style overview to track or locate anything, including environmental monitoring points.
Zone Management – quickly establish zones that cover specific sections of the tunnel(s) to enhance the capabilities of Tracking or Alarm functions.
Monitor and control equipment based on real time condition monitoring such as fans or pumps.
Emergency alarm and response management.

Digital Mine will increase efficiencies and productivity of your workforce while also significantly enhancing the overall safety systems.

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.