Miner warning system

The miner warning system required by the mines inspectorate connects the voice stations of all the underground operating stations. In this way, it should be possible to warn the miners from a central aboveground location in case of an emergency.
At presence, the transmission of the messages takes place using VF channels in single-wire technology, which requires a large number of copper wires in telecontrol cables. At greater distances, the use of amplifier subassemblies and, under certain circumstances, the use of an i/e coupling for each channel. The amplifiers are technically out-of-date and, according to ATEX, are no longer to be manufactured as devices. The existing plants are subject to interference and require high maintenance.

In addition, mining operations take place far away from the central mine control post more and more often. With increasing length of cable, the interference of the existing systems increases, time-consuming adjustment of the plants is required, and a considerable loss of voice quality is the result.

The miner warning system in ATEX- M1 technology

The miner warning system in ATEX- M1 technology is a modern, interference-immune, efficient communication system based on optical waveguide (OWG) technology.

The installation is built for safe operation and able to continue working without interruption in case of a power failure under consideration of the M1 guideline.
All existing voice stations of various types are interconnected at main positions aboveground using Linie modules, which are stored in so-called Linie managers. The Linie modules are electrically connected to the centrally installed underground converter via data bus and VF lines. The communication converter digitalises the VF signals and converts them and the data signals into optical signals. Two OWG fibres conduct the signals over great distances to the aboveground communications centre.

Once aboveground, the optical signals are reconverted to electrical signals and transmitted to the control stand in the control room via the data bus and VF. The underground installation is visualised using a computer. The operator of this computer assumes the coordination of the entire installation. The operator organised the desired connections and constantly monitors the entire process.