Karl Nienhaus

Wireless sensing applications in the mining and minerals industry

This paper discusses and outlines applications of wireless sensing technology in the mining and minerals industry to provide enhanced assistance to mining machines. Three major applications can be performed by radar systems, such as surface profiling, positioning and collision avoidance. Radar sensors offer significant advantages compared to laser and ultrasonic in tough environments like rain, dust, fog and snow. The information received from the sensors can be used to increase the automation level and to advance the safety in the mine plus furthermore increase the turnover of mining companies. Underground communication systems and machine diagnostics are also discussed in this paper. Several applications were determined as highly feasible and are now completed respectively in the implementation stage. The authors are giving an insight into the experimental results, the implementation and an outlook of further use for this technology.

Studies on the feasibility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in explosion proof atmospheres

Abstract One of the latest major innovations of the Institute for Mining and Metallurgical Machinery (IMR) is the adaption of a laser-induced breakdown spectrometer (LIBS) into the harsh conditions of surface mines. Usually working in the clean environment of laboratories, a compact analyzer consisting of a laser system and a spectrometer was developed to work in harsh environments which are affected by dust, mist, vibration and shock. Now, IMR is working on adjusting this laser system to underground conditions which are aggravated by the possibilities of methane explosions such as in hard coal mines. This project focusses on the conception of the enclosure and its sampling for LIBS analysis. It is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Belt positioning and skewing prevention in lignite mining using long-wavelength infrared cameras

In open pit mines, one of the key aspects of automation is the transport of the mined minerals. Due to their economic benefit, conveyor belts are used to transport masses continuously. High availabilities and safe working conditions can be achieved by automating the process. Especially the feeding of the conveyor system has a strong automation potential. At the moment, the positioning of transfer booms or transfer chutes is done manually by a machine operator. The decisions of the operator are driven by his experience and his visual perception. The visual perception is often limited, e.g. by low light (in the evenings or at night), blinding by the sun or other environmental conditions such as dust or rain which can be present in open pit mining. This can lead to sub-optimal loading of the material. In case of off-centered loading, the conveyor belt can start to drift away from a centered position, which is called skewing. This skewing results in increased wear and tear of the system leading to breakdowns or increased maintenance times. Additionally, the transport capacity of the conveyor belt decreases because less area can be loaded with material.

LIBS - A New Approach on Automating Extraction Machinery in Firedamp Atmospheres

The efficient extraction of mineral and coal deposits without the presence of humans has been a topic of special interest within the last years. Reasons for that are various. Among them are the efforts to reduce wear and tear of the equipment as well as to optimize extraction processes and the safety of the personnel.