The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) has partnered with Pattern Discovery Technologies Inc. (PDT) and Wireless Sensor Networks Inc. (WSN) to support their work on the first onboard diesel emissions monitoring system for underground mining equipment.
The SenzLogic 2.0 is a ruggedized system using software created by PDT and hardware developed by WSN. Using state-of-the-art gas sensors from Draeger Safety, a world leader in mine safety, the system monitors emissions while the machinery is performing routine mining operations. Emissions measurements are integrated with engine diagnostic information to develop detailed models which reflect various duty cycles and corresponding emission profiles. Data can be logged locally, downloaded daily or transmitted wirelessly to surface through existing infrastructure for immediate interpretation and analysis.
The technologies form the foundation of a platform for real-time monitoring of diesel equipment operation, including the continuous evaluation of equipment health, operational efficiency and the impact on mine worker safety.
In addition to eliminating time consuming and inconsistent manual emissions testing procedures, it will streamline maintenance operations through remote monitoring and detection of deteriorating equipment performance, noted Paul Sheremeto, president and CEO of Pattern Discovery Technologies.
"Not only does the SenzLogic system provide a more accurate picture of real-time emissions in these environments, it also provides unprecedented early insight into potential engine problems for maintenance planning. Combining emissions data with engine data will help to pinpoint these potential problem areas. The next phase of development is to combine this real time data with maintenance system information to predict equipment failure and plan maintenance intervention actions. This combination will dramatically streamline maintenance functions by reducing unexpected breakdowns through early diagnosis and provide useful feedback on effectiveness of maintenance activities once they have been performed."
Given the benefits to Canadian mining and the opportunities to improve mining operations, CEMI has committed full support to the ongoing research and development of this real-time emissions monitoring initiative.
Pattern Discovery Technologies Inc. is a pioneer in the field of data mining and predictive analytics.
Wireless Sensor Networks, based in Sudbury, is an Internet of Things solutions provider to the mining and transportation industries. WSN provides cost effective sensing technologies combined with secure wireless communication platforms to deliver data from equipment and operations.
