Proximity Detection for Underground Mines
Advanced Technology for Enhanced Miner Safety
The Guardian™ Proximity System seamlessly integrates with the vehicular controls on mobile haulage equipment, ensuring the safety of personnel by slowing or stopping the vehicle when individuals are detected. The system continuously (multiple times per second) analyzes the environment for the presence of miners. Miners are equipped with small radio transceivers, or tags, about the size and weight of a deck of cards, which communicate with the Guardian sensors on the vehicle. To ensure the safety of the personnel, Guardian intervenes by adjusting the vehicle’s speed accordingly. Miners also receive audio and visual feedback from the tag, alerting them to clear the area.
The system is equipped with an intelligent throttle and brake algorithm, preventing unnecessarily abrupt stops when miners are detected well in advance of the approaching vehicle. If a miner fails to clear the area, the vehicle will come to a complete stop.
The Guardian™ Proximity System operates using radio frequency (RF), which remains unaffected by the electromagnetic interference generated by high-voltage power lines or electric motors within the mine. Operating at 5 GHz, Guardian can penetrate brattice curtains and accurately track the location of miners even when obscured from view.
Rugged Components For Demanding Environments
The components comprising the Guardian™ Proximity System are purposefully built to withstand the rigors of daily use in mining, ensuring uninterrupted safety measures even in the most demanding conditions.
Display Unit
Sensors
Tags
Central Command
Efficient Installation and Integration
The typical Guardian™ Proximity System installation places sensors on the perimeter of the vehicle. The sensors are connected through junction boxes to the central command, which interprets the location information, controls the vehicle speed, and provides status updates to the display unit.
The display unit shows the driver where miners with tags have been detected and provides updates on the vehicle throttle and braking conditions.
