Strata Safety Products Goes Wireless With CommTrac Underground Communication System
Strata Safety Products introduces a completely wireless, intrinsically safe, digital communications and tracking system for underground mining, Strata CommTrac.
On Nov. 23, 2010 Strata announced MSHA approval of the Strata CommTrac Miner Communicator. This approval concludes the approval process for the Strata CommTrac system as the underground fixed Communication Node was approved on July 26, 2010.
Strata CommTrac is a self-forming, self-healing, node-based system that communicates on a mesh architecture. It is a simple “pick and place,” node-to-node system that does not require a hard-wire backbone or the implementation of a pre-existing communication system.
The system incorporates a network of fixed Communication Nodes and mobile Miner Communicator devices which wirelessly transmit data to a surface monitoring station. The underground fixed nodes are powered by four standard D-cell alkaline batteries. These have a life span of approximately one year. There is no recharging or external power source required. The mobile Miner Communicators are powered by lightweight rechargeable batteries.
Strata CommTrac is designed to comply with MSHA’s PPL No. P09-V-01 by providing post-accident two-way communication between miners underground and surface operators, as well as real-time electronic tracking. With the use of the small mobile communication devices, carried by the miners at all times, communication with the surface can be achieved through canned and freeform messages or pager functions. These lightweight units are designed to attach unobtrusively to a miner’s belt or vest.
Additionally, for miner location tracking, the Miner Communicators automatically transmits identification data every 30 seconds and is received by all fixed Communicator Nodes within signal range. This capability enables the tracking of a miner within 200 feet throughout the entire mine. The tracking information is mapped and logged on the user-friendly Graphical User Interface located on the surface.
“We are very excited about our new wireless communication and tracking system,” company President Rory Paton-Ash said of the system. “Both underground and above-ground testing have yielded very successful results. Installations have commenced”
A significant advantage of the Strata CommTrac Communication and Tracking system is the simplicity and low cost of the components and the ease of their installation. Rugged 12.5-inch x 4-inch x 3-inch nodes which include internal antennas, are secured in strategic locations around the mine where they are immediately operational. Simple battery or node replacement eliminates the need for costly repairs.
MSHA Approvals:
23-A100012-0 Miner Communicator
23-A100008-0 fixed Communicator Node
Unique features of the Strata CommTrac system include:
• A cost-effective, underground mine communications and tracking system
• Proven, fully wireless technology
• Designed and built for coal mine operations and optimized to deliver robust underground communications
• No hard wire or fiber needed but capable of extending coverage for such systems
• Unparalled onsite support and pricing options
Powerful Communications Capabilities:
• Two-way text messaging: Freeform, canned, paging and broadcast
• Miner and equipment tracking accuracy of 200 ft. or less throughout the entire mine
• 1,500 ft. in high and low coal
• Redundant and self-healing network if nodes go down
• Transmits through metal or concrete stopping
• Planned voice upgrade
Battery Powered:
• Fixed Node: > 1 years of battery life
• Mobile Node: Rechargeable with > 24 hours per charge
• No back-up battery needed
About Strata Safety Products
Strata Safety Products ranks among the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of emergency mine refuge chambers and breathing air systems. They have successfully developed a complete range of chambers and related safety equipment for all mining and construction industries. Strata Safety continues to research technologies to implement and enhance their product line and always works closely with regulatory bodies and customers to keep up with industry demands. Currently Strata Safety is developing a line of electronic safety products that include Proximity Detection, Atmospheric Monitoring systems, Through-The-Earth communications and leaky feeder systems. Strata Safety Products is a division of Strata Products Worldwide LLC.
For more information:
Contact: Jason Anderson
Phone: 304-960-1096
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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