Signalling equipment & data transmission

Shaft signalling systems

The shaft signalling system ensures communication between the individual levels and floors of the shaft. The requirements made to the system operation and the functions frequently differ according to country and customer. Alongside standard communication, using acoustic and light signals, telephone systems or voice intercommunication systems, that allow clear and accurate communication with the hoist operator or the different floors are frequently integrated. The signalling system also represents the communication interface between the drive regulator and the load and monitors the conditions of shaft gates,pumps and similar equipment. Different markets have different requirements, rules and regulations. Whereas in some countries an "onsetter" controls the operation of the system, in others all responsibilities are with the hoist operator or the system fully automatically. Such differences and customer preferences have a great influence on the layout and functions of the signalling system. To make the necessary adaptations, SIEMAG TECBERG offers its own developments or uses international or local providers. Components, supplied by SIEMAG TECBERG, are integrated into the automation system and the interfaces are fully defined.

Wireless shaft-communication

Monitoring of and communication from and to the hoisting equipment is an important consideration in modern mining. Wireless communication can be used to establish voice connections to the hoist operator, monitor cage gates and skip fastenings, transmit rope forces from measuring equipment or even in cases of overhaul or servicing to operate the machine by remote control. Communication from and to the hoisting equipment is especially important in the hoisting and conveyance of people and overhaul runs. Therefore, characteristic features in the nature and state of the shaft and the hoisting system have to be taken into consideration. SIEMAG TECBERG relies on two different methods of wireless communication with the hoisting equipment, depending on the area of application: radio on the one hand, and the injection of signals to the hoisting rope on the other. Integration of the communication system is essential for many safety and convenience functions. Hereby it is, for instance, possible to transmit data from the rope force measuring equipment to the hoist operator. Even skip monitoring and the remote operation of the system, undertaken from an overhaul platform or from the cage, can be organised.

Communication on the floors and with heading operations

Besides communication with the hoisting equipment and inside the shaft, communication in the underground roadways and with the mining face is essential for the smooth operation of the system. For this purpose SIEMAG TECBERG offers solutions, which are certified up to safety standard SIL 3.