Cutting-edge fibre optics technology as a growing trend to detect fires in mining

How system integration, autonomous technologies, focus on compliance and fibre optics technology are taking the industry to the next level.

As mine equipment, both fixed and mobile plant, become more autonomous, reliance on people to spot hazards early is reduced and progressively will not be available whatsoever.  When it comes to the remote nature of a mine and its vast area, it is hard to rely on personnel to spot dangerous situations such as spontaneous combustion.

There is an increase of fires in mines, especially on underground mobile plant. In fact, fire and explosions were the number one driver of incident notifications according to the Safety Report from New South Wales Resource Regulator in July and September of 2020.

The increase in mine fires is leading to some challenges on how the industry approaches fire and its inherent risk to the operations, staff and the environment. The combination of high fire incidents and rise of autonomous technology is giving form to growing safety trends.

Fibre optics technology emerges as one of the most effective, comprehensive and robust technologies that provide valuable real time data to prevent fire incidents. How does this growing trend in mine fires relate to the photonics technology? An overall view of a few trends for 2021 give a few insights.

The Mining Trends for 2021

According to the Deloitte Mining Insights Report “Tracking the changes for 2021”, the industry is experiencing an increase in deployment of new technology adapted to tackle safety, data integration and environmental challenges. Among the overall trends, there are three important ones to be highlighted:

• On the road to zero harm: Creating the next generation of integrated predictive safety systems

Miners are on the path to zero harm so that the workplace can be safe for their employees, nearby communities and the environment. Adopting new systems and technologies can prevent incidents and increase overall safety standards.

• Corporate governance adding to competitive advantage: Emerging risks mandate greater oversight

Corporate governance is emerging as a powerful way to manage risks: cyber security, environmental and technological compliance are on the agenda. Companies are stepping up to comply with higher levels of safety not only on site but also on data and information, minimising any potential risks.

• The path towards integrated operations: Positioning miners to pivot in the face of change

The rapid pace of technological advancement over the past decade has provided an increase in the amount of information available to support decision-making in the mining industry. This trend is expected to accelerate over time and to make it even more effective companies are going towards integrated operations and systems rather than isolated data systems.

In that scenario, the fibre optics technology is in line with all these aspects: the solution is fully integrated to a mine’s SCADA system, has national and international accreditation as a compliant solution to minimise fire risks as well as its focus on safety and incident prevention, aligning with the growing trends in the mining industry.

Fibre Optics Technology

The ability to remotely monitor for fires, with system diagnostics is now possible: all of that with zero maintenance. Our photonics technology makes it possible to have a safe and compliant system that allows real time monitoring to signal abnormal conditions and prevent fires before they happen.

The system is suitable for both underground and surface facilities, with high accuracy of temperature and precise location, is easy to install and does not require any maintenance. The solution also fully integrates to your site’s monitoring and control system, making the data easily available and integrated into your fire alarm response.

All this is provided by a small 4mm diameter stainless steel reinforced fibre optic cable. The fibre optic cable is the sensor, performing temperature measurement and providing the exact location of the heat build-up. No other components are necessary: no field power, signal cabling or parts to be replaced.

Our fibre optics technology has already been implemented in mines not only in Australia but overseas as well, promoting reliable real time monitoring of vast and hazardous areas. By having the exact location, temperature and the direction the fire is moving, first responders are better equipped to act ahead of the game, preventing and managing potential fire incidents before they start. The photonics technology aligns with the 2021 mining trends of focus on safety, system integration and corporate risk mitigation strategies. Mining companies can tackle different challenges with only one solution: the best technical and cost-effective system that provides total coverage with warning of abnormal heat build-up at an early stage.  

PROFILE

Advanced Photonics Australia

Advanced Photonics Australia provides cutting-edge technology to safeguard your operations and people. The solutions can be applied to detect and prevent fires in mines, as well as other industry applications such as pipeline leakage detection, power cable and transmission line hotspot and load management. Contact Advanced Photonics Australia for more information. Our experienced team will provide the right support on each product application and answer any questions you might have.

Contact Advanced Photonics Australia via phone +61 480 268 855, email at enquiries@apapl.com.au, and visit our website www.apapl.com.au.

Sources

• Deloitte Insights Report 2021 – https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/mining-and-metals
• Deloitte Insights Report 2021, Safety Technology – https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/mining-and-metals/tracking-the-trends/2021/next-generation-mining-safety-technology.html