1. What role does optical fiber play in the mining industry?
As the technicians and professionals in this industry know, the safe and reliable characteristics of optical fiber make it a perfect communication solution widely used in various industries, especially mining. The anti-spark, strong, fast, and reliable long-distance characteristics of the optical fiber network solve many inherent problems of using non-optical cables in dangerous situations. However, many people in our industry still want to know how optical fiber is used in mining?
2. How does the use of optical fiber become the perfect solution for the mining industry?
Due to its lightning-like speed, fast transmission, and reliable sensing capabilities, fiber optic technology has become an all-knowing and omnipotent technology in downhole operations. The optical fiber communication system installed in the mine will provide real-time and accurate data on all mining processes. When equipment and personnel are underground, every second is important. The communication system of the underground mine must be able to transmit an error, a signal, or an event immediately and remotely in order to maintain safe control of the environment.
3. What does real-time mean?
A real-time process is one that happens during computer control or research. In essence, real-time means immediate. When a signal is received, an event occurs, or a request is submitted, it will be delivered to the scheduled operator within a few milliseconds. If the dangerous situation deep in the mine cannot be dealt with immediately, the worst may happen.
4. What does long distance mean?
Historically, mining networks have used multimode optical fibers in their communication networks. Although multimode fibers can handle a large amount of bandwidth, the large core size of multimode cables limits the bandwidth distance. Where a huge network is required, such as in large-scale mining operations, the use of multi-mode cables is limited. In addition, multimode cable systems “have significantly higher inherent optical attenuation, or optical power loss.” Single-mode fiber optic systems provide lower inherent attenuation levels and higher bandwidth distances, creating clarity and reliability over long distances. Real-time communication. In mining operations, a long distance can mean many miles.
5. How does fiber optics create safety in mining?
Mining itself is dangerous, so having a responsive communication system is essential. Modern mines have been updated to increase production, dig deeper, and pay more attention to the safety of all equipment and personnel. A safe and reliable fiber optic network is the perfect solution for all types of enhanced communication needs in any mining operation.
6. Why is it true?
- The glass bundle in the fiber optic cable allows high-speed data transmission without associated hazards.
- A scattered spark may cause a big explosion in the mine. Since there are no conductors in the optical cable, there is no problem with the risk of ignition of combustible gas caused by sparks.
- The glass in the fiber optic cable eliminates crosstalk and another unwanted signal transmission, making it anti-interference. In any dangerous situation, clear communication is required.
- The optical fiber communication network is designed to maintain the integrity of the system under extremely harsh conditions to extend the time. These systems provide a safe and reliable important link between the mine site and the control center.
- The optical fiber network is free from electromagnetic interference.
7. Can fiber optic equipment meet the strength requirements?
All elements of the optical fiber network used in mines, from cables to connectors, have to withstand the mechanical strength and survivability standards required for operation in harsh underground environments. The fiber optic cable is assessed by the Mine Safety and Health Association as:
- Impact and tensile strength during installation and continued use.
- Compressive strength of mine tunnel landslides.
- Severe fluctuations in temperature efficiency.
- Prevent the intrusion of moisture and chemical substances.
- Anti-vibration and other hazards that alter the sound.
- Prevent the spread of sparks and flames.
8. Can optical fiber meet the needs of data aggregation?
Mining operations place a huge demand on its network. It is necessary to meet the direct communication between underground personnel and the data transmission requirements of other communication functions installed underground. The elements required to create an effective control system and environmental monitoring network can only be created through fiber optic cables. Generally speaking, the smallest fiber optic system used in mining includes the following.
- The central control room serves as the brain of mining operations.
- Voice phone and communication system based on Internet protocol.
- Equipped with a video surveillance system during the entire mining operation.
- Sensors detect environmental hazards, including fires and toxic gas accumulation.
- Powerful emergency communication system.
- Complex conveyor belt system control.
- Instant switch function operated by the remote system.
- Sensor monitoring and feedback.
9. How does the mine emergency communication system work?
The optical fiber backbone network system has dedicated optical fibers, which are only used for emergency communications. These optical fibers are only used as emergency markers in cross-communication boxes scattered throughout the mine. These dedicated optical fibers will not be used until an emergency occurs. If an emergency requires the search team to enter the mine, the search team can use the jumper stored in the box to connect the optical fiber to the next box. Then they can plug their speech sets into the connector and communicate securely and reliably with the control room.
In daily operations and for safety and security purposes, fiber optic sensors can be added to the backbone and monitored from a central and usually remote location. These proximity sensors are spark-proof and can be connected to security doors, doors, cabinets, barriers, and other entry and exit points. In addition to monitoring normal traffic throughout the mine, they are also an early warning system used to locate emergency situations and shorten response time. You can also install a proximity sensor as a call signal to identify the location of an emergency in a few seconds. Using a latch in the control system, even if the fiber is disturbed after the initial event, the position is locked.
10. What is complex conveyor belt control?
The purpose of creating a mine is to extract valuable commodities. A well-designed conveyor system to transport goods to the ground is the lifeline of mining operations. The mine conveyor belt system is very complicated. It needs to run efficiently and smoothly with few downtimes. Modern conveyor belt drive and motor systems are connected with fiber optic cables to provide a problem-free solution for operation.
The mining system performs these and other complex tasks simultaneously during operation:
- Sequencing of start and stop functions for multiple connected motors.
- Control the smooth flow and separation of mining products.
- Speed-sensing, smooth operation, and control of the entire conveyor.
- The correct angle of ascent and descent through the mine tunnel.
- Power consumption can be minimized by carefully distributing the weight of products and balancing loads.
- Conveyor belt fire and other safety hazards detection.
A basic explanation of why optical fiber is best suited for mining operations brings a complete understanding of the benefits of fiber optics. Every mining operation is unique and requires expert analysis to create the ideal system. We know that optical fiber is always a reliable choice for most communication needs.
