Communication, Tracking & Breathing Technologynma.org/pdf/miner_workshops/NMAwelsh.pdfcommunication...

Pittsburgh Research Laboratory

Communication, Tracking & Communication, Tracking & Breathing TechnologyBreathing Technology

…What are the options?…What are the options?

Jeffrey H. Welsh


OutlineOutline

�� Current Mine Communication DevicesCurrent Mine Communication Devices�� MINER Act requirementsMINER Act requirements�� What�s available nowWhat�s available now�� Technology GapsTechnology Gaps�� Activities to help provide the technologyActivities to help provide the technology

Communication, Tracking�


Outline (cont)Outline (cont)

�� Current Current SCSRsSCSRs�� MINER Act requirementsMINER Act requirements�� SCSR TrainingSCSR Training�� Activities to help provide the technologyActivities to help provide the technology

Breathing Technology�


Current Mine Communication Current Mine Communication DevicesDevices

�� TelephonesTelephones�� Pager Phones (Loudspeaking Telephones)Pager Phones (Loudspeaking Telephones)�� Handheld 2Handheld 2--way radiosway radios�� Leaky Feeder SystemsLeaky Feeder Systems


These systems rely on inThese systems rely on in--mine cables & components…mine cables & components…

……that can be destroyed in a disasterthat can be destroyed in a disaster


The MINER ActThe MINER Act

!! General RequirementsGeneral Requirements

…Communications and Tracking


PostPost--Accident CommunicationsAccident Communications

MINER Act

At a minimum, provide for a redundant means of communication with the surface for persons underground, such as secondary telephone or equivalent two-way communication.

Program Policy Letter

When hardwired systems are used to meet the MINER Act requirement for redundant communication between surface and underground personnel, wires should be routed through separate entries or boreholescontinuous to the surface.


PostPost--Accident TrackingAccident TrackingMINER Act

Provide for above ground personnel to determine the current, or immediately pre-accident, location of all underground personnel.

Any system so utilized shall be functional, reliable, and calculated to remain serviceable in a post-accident setting.


Until post-accident tracking technology becomes commercially available and MSHA approved, MSHA will accept a dispatcher system, or equivalent system, that has as a function the tracking of persons underground.

A dispatcher system should track location of personnel in writing, on a map, or electronically, for the duration of the shift.


The MINER ActThe MINER Act

!! Specific Requirements for �within 3 years�Specific Requirements for �within 3 years�

…Communications and Tracking


PostPost--Accident CommunicationsAccident CommunicationsMINER ActWithin 3 years, Provide for post accident communication between underground and surface personnel via a wireless two-way medium.


MSHA interprets the term “wireless”, as used in the MINER Act, to mean that no wired component of the system exists underground where it may be damaged by fire or explosion.

Post-accident communication technology would be considered acceptable if, based on its location in the mine and the history of mine explosions and fires in the mine, it is likely to withstand the event intact.


PostPost--Accident TrackingAccident TrackingMINER Act

Within 3 years, Provide for an electronic tracking system permitting surface personnel to determine the location of any persons trapped underground.


What’s Available Now?What’s Available Now?


Communication Systems Tests Communication Systems Tests

Mine Emergency Communication Mine Emergency Communication Systems PartnershipSystems Partnership

Designated Return

R

R

BC

BC

R

Designated Return

R

R R

R

CONNER'S RUN PORTAL

FISH CREEK PORTAL

CROSSCUT 2-1

#2 BELTDRIVE

600ft OVERBURDENTEST AREA


#3 BELTDRIVE

TRACK ANDBELT ENTRYTEST AREA

S-TURNTEST AREA

PARALLEL ENTRYTEST AREA


DIP AREA

#1 BELTDRIVE

SUPPLYSLOPE

BELTSLOPE

ELEVATOR

1,000 ft


Criteria for Selecting Systems Criteria for Selecting Systems for Testingfor Testing

�� Systems that do not rely on a wire Systems that do not rely on a wire backback--bone to operatebone to operate

�� Various types of technology are Various types of technology are representedrepresented

�� Evidence of sufficient developmentEvidence of sufficient development


Systems TestedSystems Tested

�� RajantRajant�� Time Domain/Concurrent Technologies Time Domain/Concurrent Technologies �� GeosteeringGeosteering�� Innovative Wireless TechnologiesInnovative Wireless Technologies�� Kutta ConsultingKutta Consulting�� TranstekTranstek�� Vital Alert (Withdrew)Vital Alert (Withdrew)


PrePre--Test FactsTest Facts

�� All prototypesAll prototypes

�� First coal mine test for most systems First coal mine test for most systems ––the many challenges of a mine the many challenges of a mine environment was not expected by the environment was not expected by the vendorsvendors


Test ProcessTest Process-- evaluation criteriaevaluation criteria

�� For inFor in--mine communicationsmine communications�� LineLine--ofof--sitesite�� NonNon--lineline--ofof--sitesite�� InterferenceInterference

�� For throughFor through--thethe--earth communicationsearth communications�� Depth of penetrationDepth of penetration

�� For inFor in--mine trackingmine tracking�� Ability to trackAbility to track


Preliminary Test ResultsPreliminary Test Results�� Most systems limited to 1000Most systems limited to 1000--2000 ft. 2000 ft.

LineLine--ofof--site communicationssite communications

�� Exception Exception –– MF system provided >5387 MF system provided >5387 ft. nonft. non--lineline--ofof--site voice communication site voice communication (>11,600 ft. in a 2(>11,600 ft. in a 2ndnd test)test)

�� One vendor achieved 270 ft. TTE voice One vendor achieved 270 ft. TTE voice communicationcommunication


Preliminary Test ResultsPreliminary Test Results

270 (Voice)270 (Voice)N/AN/ATranstekTranstek

631 (Text)631 (Text)>11600 (was >11600 (was nonnon--lineline--ofof--site)site)

Kutta ConsultingKutta Consulting

N/AN/A18001800Innovative WirelessInnovative Wireless

270 (Beacon)270 (Beacon)10001000GeosteeringGeosteering

N/AN/A20002000Time Domain/Concurrent Time Domain/Concurrent TechnologiesTechnologies

N/AN/A15001500RajantRajant

ThroughThrough--thethe--earth range (ft)earth range (ft)

InIn--mine, Linemine, Line--ofof--sight range (ft)sight range (ft)


MMINEINE SSITEITE PED PED ANDAND TRACKER TRACKER IINVESTIGATION NVESTIGATION (by MSHA)(by MSHA)

�� Investigate PED installations at:Investigate PED installations at:�� Peabody Air Quality and Twentymile MinesPeabody Air Quality and Twentymile Mines�� Consol Blacksville and Robinson Run MinesConsol Blacksville and Robinson Run Mines�� BHP San Juan Mine (only surfaceBHP San Juan Mine (only surface--installed antenna in installed antenna in

the US)the US)

�� Traveled to Australia to investigate TRACKER Traveled to Australia to investigate TRACKER installationinstallation


PPROSROS ANDAND CCONSONS OFOF PEDPED�� Pros:Pros:

�� Can send evacuation instructions to miners in early stages of fiCan send evacuation instructions to miners in early stages of fire re �� Can be retrofit for Koehler, NLT and MSA cap lampsCan be retrofit for Koehler, NLT and MSA cap lamps�� System can be deployed in emergency by arranging surface System can be deployed in emergency by arranging surface

loop antennaloop antenna

�� Cons:Cons:�� Underground antenna could be compromised in fire or explosionUnderground antenna could be compromised in fire or explosion�� Reports of some areas where signals can�t be received (shadow Reports of some areas where signals can�t be received (shadow

zones)zones)�� Can interfere with existing mine systems Can interfere with existing mine systems �� Communications limited to oneCommunications limited to one--wayway�� No confirmation that message has been receivedNo confirmation that message has been received


PPROSROS ANDAND CCONSONS OFOF TRACKERTRACKER

�� Pro: Can provide last known location of Pro: Can provide last known location of miner before loss of powerminer before loss of power

�� Cons: Cons: �� Cannot provide precise location of personnelCannot provide precise location of personnel�� System will become nonSystem will become non--operational upon operational upon

loss of powerloss of power


What are the Technology Gaps?What are the Technology Gaps?

�� Limited inLimited in--mine range requires significant mine range requires significant inin--mine components & infrastructuremine components & infrastructure

�� ThroughThrough--thethe--earth communication has earth communication has limitationslimitations

�� Ability to be Intrinsically SafeAbility to be Intrinsically Safe�� Systems are prototypesSystems are prototypes


Activities to help provide the Activities to help provide the necessary technologynecessary technology

�� Mine Emergency Communications Mine Emergency Communications Systems PartnershipSystems Partnership

�� Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Emergency Supplemental Appropriations BillBill

�� Other ActivitiesOther Activities


Mine Emergency Communication Mine Emergency Communication Systems PartnershipSystems Partnership

Conduct inConduct in--mine tests on systemsmine tests on systems


Emergency Supplemental Emergency Supplemental Appropriations BillAppropriations Bill

�� $10M to push promising technology to the $10M to push promising technology to the minesmines�� Funding to be administered by NIOSH Funding to be administered by NIOSH

through outside contractsthrough outside contracts�� Divided between communications & tracking, Divided between communications & tracking,

SCSRs, refuge chambersSCSRs, refuge chambers


Funding Targets Areas…Funding Targets Areas…

�� Harden existing communications systemsHarden existing communications systems�� Hybrid communications technologyHybrid communications technology�� New communications systemsNew communications systems�� New tracking systemsNew tracking systems


Harden existing communications Harden existing communications systemssystems

�� Protect cables and componentsProtect cables and components�� Armor or conduitArmor or conduit�� BuryingBurying

�� Enhance systemEnhance system�� LoopLoop--AroundAround


Hybrid SystemsHybrid Systems

�� During normal operations, function using During normal operations, function using existing communication systemsexisting communication systems

�� In an emergency, use the same wireless In an emergency, use the same wireless components to function in another mode components to function in another mode that has greater chance of survivalthat has greater chance of survival�� Example: Leaky feeder for normal operations Example: Leaky feeder for normal operations

and medium frequency in an emergency, and medium frequency in an emergency, using the same portable radiousing the same portable radio


Other Communication System Other Communication System IssuesIssues

�� InteroperabilityInteroperability�� InterferenceInterference�� System safetySystem safety


Actions…Actions…

�� Award contracts for development & Award contracts for development & demonstration projectsdemonstration projects

�� Continue to test promising technologyContinue to test promising technology�� Award contracts for research issuesAward contracts for research issues�� Share information through Partnership & Share information through Partnership &

NIOSH Web siteNIOSH Web site


Breathing TechnologyBreathing Technology


MSHA/NIOSHMSHA/NIOSH Approved SCSRs

Ocenco EBA 6.5

Draeger OXY-K Plus

CSE SR-100

Ocenco M-20

MSA Life Saver 60


The MINER ActThe MINER Act…Breathing Technology


PostPost--Accident Breathable AirAccident Breathable AirMINER Act

Emergency supplies of breathable air for individuals trapped underground sufficient to maintain such individuals for a sustained period of time

In addition to the 2 hours of breathable air per miner required by the emergency temporary standard, caches of self-rescuers providing in the aggregate not less than 2 hours per miner to be kept in escapeways from the deepest work areas to the surface at a distance of no further than an average miner could walk in 30 minutes


MSHA interprets �caches of self-rescuers providing in the aggregate not less than 2 hours per miner to be kept in escapeways� to mean that one-hour of oxygen per miner should be provided at each SCSR storage location in each escapeway.


Distances for SCSR Storage Distances for SCSR Storage LocationsLocations

57385738Walk Erect Walk Erect �� more than more than 6565

44154415WalkWalk Head Bent Head Bent �� 51 to 51 to 6565

33283328Duck Walk Duck Walk �� 40 to 5040 to 50

21732173Crawl Crawl �� less than 40less than 40

Distance in Feet (30 Distance in Feet (30 min.)min.)

Average Seam Height Average Seam Height (in.)(in.)


PostPost--Accident Breathable AirAccident Breathable AirMINER ActProvide for:

A maintenance schedule for checking the reliability of self-rescuers, retiring older self-rescuers first, and introducing new self-rescuer technology, such as units with interchangeable air or oxygen cylinders not requiring doffing to replenish airflow and units with supplies of greater than 60 minutes, as they are approved by the Administration and become available on the market.

Training for each miner in proper procedures for donning self-rescuers, switching from one unit to another, and ensuring a proper fit.

Program Policy LetterSpecify a schedule for opening, initiating the breathing cycle, and establishing operational reliability for a representative number of SCSR units on an annual basis.

Provide for replacement of retired SCSRs with technologically advanced SCSRs as they become commercially available and are approved for use in mines.


SCSR Training …SCSR Training …��Hands On Switchover TrainingHands On Switchover Training

��Care and Maintenance of Care and Maintenance of SCSRsSCSRs


Switchover TrainingSwitchover Training�� A process with steps that are universal A process with steps that are universal

regardless of model of SCSRregardless of model of SCSR�� Incorporates elements of the “3+3” donning Incorporates elements of the “3+3” donning

procedureprocedure�� Packaged on a single DVDPackaged on a single DVD


Switchovers AssessedSwitchovers Assessed

Photos: Ocenco, Inc.

Photos: Ocenco, Inc.


Training for miners about…

�� How to properly How to properly conduct daily and 90 conduct daily and 90 day inspectionday inspection

�� How to care for an How to care for an SCSRSCSR

�� Criteria for removing an Criteria for removing an SCSR from serviceSCSR from service

Care and Maintenance of Care and Maintenance of SelfSelf--Contained SelfContained Self--RescuersRescuers


Components of the package …Components of the package …

�� Instructor’s guideInstructor’s guide�� Videotape Videotape �� CBT moduleCBT module�� HandsHands--on componenton component�� Hardhat stickerHardhat sticker�� Screen saverScreen saver


Emergency Supplemental Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill Appropriations Bill -- Funding Funding

Targets Areas…Targets Areas…

�� Hybrid Technology Self Rescue RespiratorsHybrid Technology Self Rescue Respirators�� DockableDockable SCSRsSCSRs�� New Materials / Systems DesignsNew Materials / Systems Designs


Hybrid Self RescuersHybrid Self RescuersCombination SCSR and FSR Respirator Combination SCSR and FSR Respirator –– once once life support capacity of SCSR part is expended, life support capacity of SCSR part is expended, device switches into FSR mode, filtering out CO device switches into FSR mode, filtering out CO

from ambient airfrom ambient air

�� Technology required:Technology required:�� FSR ModeFSR Mode

�� Traditional Technology Traditional Technology →→ HopcaliteHopcalite to convert CO to convert CO --> > COCO2 2 (high inhaled (high inhaled gas temp)gas temp)

�� New Technology New Technology →→ use CO Oxidation Catalysts (reaction at lower temp)use CO Oxidation Catalysts (reaction at lower temp)�� When/How to switch from closedWhen/How to switch from closed-- to opento open--circuit operationcircuit operation

�� Sensing CO & OSensing CO & O22�� Switching Switching →→ Mode of OperationMode of Operation


Dockable SCSRDockable SCSRDockableDockable Short & Long Duration SCSR Short & Long Duration SCSR �� Belt Belt

wearable short duration unit whose duration can wearable short duration unit whose duration can be repeatedly extended by coupling new life be repeatedly extended by coupling new life

support canisters on to it support canisters on to it

�� Additional Canisters Coupled to an SCSR Additional Canisters Coupled to an SCSR �� Eliminates Multiple DonningEliminates Multiple Donning�� Allows for Smaller, Lighter Carried SCSRAllows for Smaller, Lighter Carried SCSR

�� This type of unit is allowable under interpretations of This type of unit is allowable under interpretations of current MSHA regulations (30 CFR Part 75.1714) which current MSHA regulations (30 CFR Part 75.1714) which permits a 10/60 SCSRpermits a 10/60 SCSR


Schematic Dockable SCSRSchematic Dockable SCSR


New Materials / Systems New Materials / Systems DesignsDesigns

�� TreatmentsTreatments�� Catalytic CoatingsCatalytic Coatings�� PelletizingPelletizing

�� Pressure Vessels Pressure Vessels �� Carbon CylindersCarbon Cylinders�� User Interface Concepts User Interface Concepts �� Hoods Hoods �� Packaging Packaging Sealed Foil PackSealed Foil Pack

�� Hermetically Sealed ChemicalsHermetically Sealed Chemicals�� Exchangeable PacksExchangeable Packs


Mine Worker Health & SafetyMine Worker Health & Safety

The findings and conclusions in this presentation have not been formally disseminated by the National Institute for OccupationalSafety and Health and should not be constituted to represent anyagency determination or policy. Mention of any company name or product does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH.

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