The IREDES project is intended to meet that need for common data communications standards in mining machines. And according to the chairman of IREDES, Christoph Mueller, it is making good progress. He told WME, "The drill rig profile is completed and has been released," adding that the first machines meeting this standard are now being designed. Sandvik Tamrock and Atlas Copco are two of the manufacturers that were part of the IREDES project from the start and their drill rigs will naturally be amongst the first on the market to meet the standards. For Boart Longyear, its machines will also comply as its joint venture partner AMV is involved with the IREDES project through Bever Control. Apart from the drilling rigs, the profile for the LHDs is now at a late draft stage and a final is release due in the near future. Mr Mueller explained that the IREDES standards allow manufacturers to build machines that conform to the Ethernet and wireless LAN systems now being used for integrated mining communications. Machine software will be able to link directly to corporate IT networks, allowing mining companies to integrate their equipment fleets fully into IT infrastructure. Mr Mueller reckons IREDES will get the go-ahead for the on-line network soon and it will probably include devices for LHDs towards the end of 2004. There is also interest from mining professionals to include explosive charging machines in the initiative as this would allow the transfer of drilling data to the charger directly, based on the drilling results. This development has been foreseen however as Dyno Nobel was one of the first firms to join up with the IREDES initiative, along with Orica, Boliden, INCO and LKAB.

FAll the same, Canadian firm Varis says it sees a long future for the well-proven leaky feeder technology, with steady demand for its efficient Ranger system and new developments now available. Varis says its Ranger system offers improved capacity and clarity over earlier leaky feeder networks and provides the biggest bandwidth of any on the market. Using a single cable, Ranger can support multiple, simultaneous channels for voice and data, while its low noise performance offers increased range and more reliable data communications. Services available include multi-channel voice, emergency signalling, traffic control, video monitoring, train dispatch, pump or fan control, conveying system monitoring/control and backfill monitoring/control functions.

Simple layout rules mean the Ranger system can be installed quickly and easily by mine personnel without the need for special training. The system comes with effective diagnostics for head-ends, amplifiers and DC supplies, which gives fast alerts when problems arise, speed repair times and eliminates the need for test equipment according to Varis. With its 500 m amplifier spacing and 10,000 m DC supply spacing, ownership costs are also low compared with rival equipment. These features have already built a large client list and Craig Russell of Varis told WME, "Leaky feeder is a robust option. We're installed in mines all over the world. Now we're focussing on tunnelling in Europe." He explained that the Ranger system can also be used with new technology too and this should boost mine safety as well as efficiency. He said, "We've started RFID tagging so we can track personnel and equipment right through a mine."

The safety benefits are clear as the mine office can use the system to see exactly where personnel and equipment are located at any one time. This also boosts efficiency, as it allows for more effective use of equipment and personnel. The tag is small, compact (the size of a cigarette packet) and lightweight, so it is not difficult for a miner to carry and can be fitted easily to a machine. It contains an active transponder that sends out a low-intensity signal, which is picked up by the leaky feeder network. The Ranger system can be used with two-way radios and special man-working-alone software can be used to check the status of personnel who are on their own. Check-in request signals can be sent and an emergency response initiated should a miner not respond to the call. This eliminates the need for a supervisor to check personnel using manual systems and the Varis technology logs the entire individual times and locations in a database that can be accessed quickly in the event of emergency procedures or mine evacuation. Mr Russell added, "We'll customise the software package, depending on the customer's requirements."

*In addition, Varis is also offering LED-type cap lamps that have no bulbs and which offer a battery life of 14 hours. These are compact units and weigh just 1.1 kg, while the firm can also fit its tracer tag to the caplamp. The LED lamp can even be powered by a new dry cell nickel metal hydrate battery that is inexpensive and improves safety levels, as there is no risk from battery acid spills. Meanwhile Ohio firm Adalet says it now has a solution for mines with Class I Division 1 explosion hazards. Its The Adalet Wireless XANT Division 1 data transmission system offers RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 serial data capabilities. This features a data transceiver which is a master, slave, and store-and-forward repreater/slave in one package and is UL classified. It can support data communications as well as MODBUS and Allen Bradley DF1 packet communications and can reroute in repeater networks. The company says its XANT explosionproof wireless I/O system is Patent Pending and this also has an explosionproof cast aluminum enclosure that can house a transmitter and antenna. The durable enclosure offers impact resistance to UL/CSA requirements and includes an integral wire sealing chamber, so there is no need for a field installed poured sealing fitting. A receiver and antenna is also provided loose with the system, while the Wireless N4ANT model is also available for industrial or general purpose applications requiring ruggedised equipment and NEMA 4X rating. Features include a range of 184-305 m/600-1000 feet in plant, 1 Watt transmit power, GUI and DIP switch configurations, remote diagnostics available, frequency hopping spread spectrum technology and license free 902-928 MHz ISM band.

Equipment users can now be told when their fuel stores need refilling, with the Sentinel Wireless Remote Tank Unit from SMARTank. The 2300 Series tank monitor is said to provide cost effective, continuous level measurement in liquids in above ground storage tanks up to 40 feet tall. Rugged and durable, the tank monitor is wireless and is suited for use in above ground storage tanks. The 2300 Series comes with contact level sensors and communicates using advanced digital cellular technology. Combined with the SMARTank.comSM server and demand management software, the 2300 Series system provides tank level and forecasting data through the internet. SMARTank says its system means users no longer have to go on-site and stick tanks to check levels and will not run out of fuel or lubricants. Reporting and charting information can be extracted from the web site and imported into a company's IT infrastructure. Daily call-out timing options ensure regular information and connectivity to the network, while alarms, inventory and battery status are visible through the SMARTank.comSM Server. Data can be accessed by logging on and entering a user ID and password and the SMARTank.comSM web site can be accessed using any standard Internet browser. The unit is powered by an internal, lithium-ion battery pack and is said to be easy to install.