Conspec?s Multi-Function I/O Controllers can be either factory pre-programmed to serve customer specific requirements or controlled ?on-the-fly? by either Conspec?s Senturion SCADA software system or any standard SCADA software package, conditional and timed sequences.
Multi-Function I/O Controllers
The Conspec Multi-Function I/O Controllers are the solution to the complex problem of programming and excessive costs related to the purchase, installation and maintenance of ?off-the shelf? local device/systems used for monitoring and process controls in a mining environment. Conspec Multi-Function I/O Controllers can be either factory pre-programmed, to serve customer specific requirements or, via any MODBUS communications infrastructure controlled ?on-the-fly? by either the Conspec Senturion SCADA software system or any standard conditional or timed sequence SCADA software package.
When combined with the Conspec Senturion SCADA Mining Plant Management System, the Multi-Function I/O provides a cost-effective means to deliver critical information and central control. This allows synchronization of key equipment necessary to the success of any underground mining operation. The benefits are greater cost savings and efficiencies through the ability of comprehensive data analysis, allowing operators to plan maintenance schedules rather than respond to costly downtime due to critical equipment failures.
Fan Monitoring and Control
As part of a mine wide VMS [ventilation management system], the Conspec Multi-Function I/O Controllers are the critical interface for monitoring and control of variable speed fans; both primary and secondary ventilation systems. With centralized coordination, via a mine-wide SCADA software such as the Conspec Senturion SCADA, there becomes a simple, yet effective method of delivering ?fresh air on demand? based on the needs identified by a mine?s atmospheric monitoring network. This non-proprietary, open-ended solution harmonizes equipment and information allowing for easy benchmarking and quantifying of savings in energy consumption.
Conveyor Control Systems
The Conspec Multi-Function I/O Controllers can be critical to remote monitoring of an underground mining operation?s conveyor network. Being able to interface directly with conveyor motors and sensors to monitor pull cords, belt slip/tear, amongst other capabilities, makes the Multi-Function I/O controllers a low cost critical bridge bringing a mine?s entire conveyor network under real-time supervisory control. This specialized monitoring quickly becomes an essential tool for preventative maintenance programs, integral in the fight to minimize costly systems failure that result in missed daily production targets. When tied into a mining plant?s SCADA system, like the Conspec Senturion, remote monitoring of critical elements, such as temperature, pressure, RPM, velocity, power, acceleration, position, torque and strain the conveyor systems have a higher percentage of operating in the peak range of performance. Additional benefits of the Multi-Function I/O Controllers are that when a centralized coordination of a mine?s conveyor network is in place the mine is able to, for example, shut down one section of the network while coordinating shutdowns of the rest of the network simultaneously. This prevents material accumulation at conveyor transfer points ? all of which minimize cleanup costs and reduce the time to return to full operation.
Geotechnical Measuring and Monitoring
The Conspec Multi-Function I/O Controllers can easily interface with underground geotechnical measuring equipment, such as Mine Design Technologies? (MDT) Smart MPBX, to provide a low-cost bridge to connect a mine?s geotechnical sensor network over an existing data communication?s backbone. This enables continuous live monitoring of rock movement and eliminates the need for costly post-blast manual measurement of each geotechnical sensor located within the mine.
When used in connection with the Conspec Senturion SCADA Mining Plant Management System a full historical reading of each individual geotechnical sensor can be exported, in real-time, to geotechnical software analysis package, such as MDT?s MineMonitor. This provides continuous current and legacy analysis of all rock movement within an underground mining operation.
Mine Water Monitoring and Control Network
The Conspec Multi-Function I/O Controllers can perform critical functions for controlling water levels in an underground mining operation. When tied into existing data infrastructure, local pumps and water level sensors the Multi-Function I/O Controllers will provide local sequencing of pump activities based on the water level detected. In addition, the Conspec Multi-Function I/O Controllers ensure water pumps are operating at peak performance levels by monitoring temperature, pressure, RPM, velocity, power, acceleration, position, torque, and strain. In addition this analysis of all operating parameters streamlines preventative maintenance scheduling, minimizing costly unplanned equipment downtime.
Deal for where the cost and complexity of a PLC would be overkill
The Multi-Function Controllers are ideal for use where the cost and complexity of an ?off-the-shelf? or custom programmed PLC would be overkill, such as the monitoring and control of ventilation fans, louvers and pumps.
Control ?on-the-fly?
Conspec?s Multi-Function I/O Controllers are easily controlled on the fly using timed or conditional sequences from a mine wide SCADA system such as Conspec?s Senturion SCADA for applications requiring inputs from other devices such as atmospheric monitors, water level meters and other Conspec Multi-Function I/O Controllers connected to remote fans and louvers facilitating optimized ventilation management in an underground mine.
Factory Pre-programmed Sequences
The Multi-Function I/O Controllers can be factory pre-programmed to perform time sensitive functions such as conveyor monitoring, control and sequencing and pull-cord monitoring providing a low cost alternative to traditional PLCs.
Increased Sensor Data Through Digital Communications
The Multi-Function Controllers communicates with Mine Wide SCADA Systems such as the Conspec Senturion SCADA using digital communications (either MODBUS RTU/TCP-IP or Conspec Accessor Protocols). This ensures that signal noise between the T1008 Controller and the mining plant?s control room is significantly reduced and allows for the retrieval of other important operating parameters such as operating temperature and voltage for improved performance analysis.
Certified for use in Coal Mines
Conspec?s Multi-Function I/O Controllers are internationally certified for use in high methane environments when connected to a certified intrinsically safe power source.
