Computer Monitoring of Environmental Conditions and Production Processes (WCC)

Abstract

For safe and efficient mining operations, it is essential that environment and equipment status be monitored. A system that gives quick access to status at any given time, and also permits quick analysis of their history, is required. Such a computer based monitoring system has been installed at West Cliff Colliery. The system is based on 2 super mini computers. Three major sub-systems monitor conditions in the longwall operations, environmental conditions in the intake and return roadways, status of the underground and surface installations, and mining and transport equipment. The environmental and gas drainage monitoring system is based upon that developed by Chartonage De France Research Institute (CERCHAR), and the longwall support and equipment monitoring system is a development basea upon Mines Research Development Establishment U.K. (MRDE). Equipment monitoring system and computer software has been modified and expanded within the KCC Group. All systems operate through central stations, over telephone lines, to the computer system. Information received on the surface is processed and displayed on colour monitoring stations. Information from one or more channels can be retrieved onto the monitoring station screen at any time. The system incorporates alarm signals, which are activated if a given parameter is reached.