Mining Project: Communications and Tracking Systems Modeling and Performance
Principal Investigator |
|
---|---|
Start Date | 10/1/2010 |
End Date | 9/30/2015 |
Objective | To enhance the understanding of underground mining communication and tracking system performance through the development and validation of radio signal propagation models. |
Topic Area | |
Research Summary
This project had four research aims, as follows:
- Determine the performance characteristics of existing radio frequency identification tracking devices.
- Develop experimentally validated electromagnetic computational models that determine the signal path-loss for low radio frequency propagation in which the electromagnetic waves can propagate directly through the earth, linking a miner underground to personnel on the surface.
- Develop experimentally validated electromagnetic computational models that determine the signal path-loss for radio frequency propagation at very-high, ultra-high, and super-high frequencies in an underground coal mine.
- Develop experimentally validated electromagnetic computational models that determine the signal path-loss for radio frequency propagation at medium frequencies through parasitic coupling within an underground coal mine.
The MINER Act of 2006 mandated that mine operators adopt two-way wireless underground communications and electronic tracking (CT) systems that allow personnel on the surface to communicate with and determine the location of workers underground. As a result of this legislation, wireless CT systems in mines should provide a vital link between the surface personnel and trapped miners to assist them in self-escape or rescue.
This project developed and validated computer models to predict CT radio signal propagation in the frequency bands known to work in underground coal mines. Coal mine CT systems operate in one of three frequency bands: typical radio communications frequencies in the UHF (ultra-high frequency) band (or possibly the adjacent bands just below or above UHF); the MF (medium frequency) band; and the ULF (ultra-low frequency) band. The mechanism of RF wave propagation and attenuation is different in each of these bands.
Through these research efforts, this project resulted in a better understanding of CT system performance limitations in an underground environment and provided guidelines to improve the effectiveness and performance of critical mine systems. The findings can also extend and/or enhance the communication range of underground CT systems during post-accident scenarios.
See Also
- Advanced Tutorial on Wireless Communication and Electronic Tracking: CT System Survivability, Reliability, And Availability
- Advanced Tutorial on Wireless Communication and Electronic Tracking: Mine Operations Center (MOC)
- Emergency Communications and Tracking
- Passive Fiber Optic System for Locating, Tracking, and Communicating with Personnel in Coal Mines
- Radio 101: Operating Two-Way Radios Every Day and in Emergencies
- Sprinkler Head Emergency Communications
- Survey of Electromagnetic and Seismic Noise Related to Mine Rescue Communications: Volume I - Emergency and Operational Mine Communications
- Survey of Electromagnetic and Seismic Noise Related To Mine Rescue Communications: Volume II - Seismic Detection and Location of Isolated Miners
- System Reliability and Environmental Survivability
- Technology News 543 - Reverse Implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology for Personnel Tracking in Underground Mines
- Page last reviewed: 3/13/2017
- Page last updated: 3/13/2017
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program