Deployable fiber optic systems provide a lifeline to the surface in harsh mining environments.
In subterranean mining operations, reliable communication networks for transporting data, voice, video and other supporting applications are essential for safe and efficient operations.
Whether accessing sophisticated ERP or Maintenance Management Systems, engaging in fleet management, video surveillance or access control, or protecting miners with wireless locator systems, these networks serve as a literal lifeline between workers deep within mines and surface operations.
For this, mining networks require more than permanently installed network cabling. It requires unique deployable systems designed for quick installation, extension and even relocation as the active mine site area moves, or equipment is moved in and out.
Ruggedized fiber optics
Given the increasing bandwidth requirements and concerns about electromagnetic interference, fiber optic cable is quickly replacing the more traditional choice, copper. Designed to survive the rigors of a mining environment, this ruggedized cabling can withstand everything from dust and debris to chemical exposure, temperature extremes, radiation, electrical power transients, interference, fire, moisture, humidity, water, crush, tension, flexing, impact and vibration.
The fiber optic cable, however, is only a component of a complete, deployable system, explains Rick Hobbs, director of business development at Optical Cable Corporation (OCC). Optical Cable is a company that designs and manufactures fiber optic cabling, connectors and assemblies for harsh environments such as mining.
According to Hobbs, other key elements include hardened cable jacketing; “genderless” connectors for quick deployment without regard for male or female ends; and hybrid options that include copper along with fiber to provide power for underground Wi-Fi networks.
Hardened cabling
For locations that require compliance with MSHA’s Part 7, Subpart K of Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations signal cables mining applications, OCC typically recommends MSHA-rated breakout cable.
MSHA cables are designed to withstand the rigors of difficult pulls, high tensile loading and severe crush occurrences and can repeatedly endure the abuse associated with the extreme demands in surface and sub-surface mining.
Breakout cable is so strong and rugged because each individual, color-coded sub-cable has its own tight-buffered coating. In addition, these cables have a tight-bound outer jacket, which is pressure extruded directly over the cable’s core. This combination of a helically stranded core and a pressure extruded outer jacket provides an overall cable construction that offers crush and impact protection and increased tensile strength.
If cost is an issue and the conditions warrant it, MSHA-rated distribution-style cabling is an alternative. This cable is also extremely rugged, featuring the helically stranded core and extruded outer jacket, but not the additional sub-cable for each fiber.
Other MSHA-rated cable designs are also available, offering escalating degrees of cable protection to meet the specific needs of an application. These include alternative jacket materials, such as PVC and polyurethane, which are specifically tailored to meet the mechanical and environmental needs of the application.
Additional options within each cable type include jacket materials for applications requiring a lower coefficient of friction, chemical resistance and temperature flexibility for both low and high extremes. Water tolerant options that take advantage of the qualities of tight buffered cable and super absorbent polymer aramid yarn are also available.
Hybrid cables, connectors
For applications that can benefit from fiber optics and copper, hybrid cables offer both within the same cabling sheath.
A distinct advantage of a hybrid cable-connector solution is that the customer can bundle both the high performance of fiber with the copper power or control signal in one cable. This reduces the number of cables that must be designed, purchased and deployed in a system.
Hybrid cabling also facilitates installation of wireless access points underground.
Unlike traditional wireless networking devices that require 110-volt AC power for each device, 12vdc or 48vdc power can be supplied in the same cable to power wireless routers and other electronic devices in a hybrid system.
As a result, certified devices, including VOIP devices and IP cameras, are able to communicate throughout the network. This provides personnel, even deep within mines, with the means to communicate with each other and even make calls outside the mine.
Wireless systems also play a key role in providing post-accident miner locator tracking and two-way communications, a requirement of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006.
Some of the available tracking systems involve small, wearable radio frequency identification locator tags that can be attached to miners or a piece of equipment. These tags communicate with wireless access points or nodes placed in strategic locations throughout the mine to pinpoint their location.
Genderless connectors
Genderless connectors, designed for quick deployment, are able to connect with one another, allowing the user to connect fiber optic cables without regard for male or female ends.
Manufacturers have further simplified the genderless design with user-friendly mating interfaces capable of blind mating as well as applications that require thousands of mating cycles.
These connector systems are designed to resist extreme harsh mechanical and environmental conditions including high vibration, mechanical and thermal shock, and fluid immersion.
With genderless connectors, multiple identical cable assemblies can be daisy-chained together over a distance of up to several kilometers while maintaining polarity. Polarity can be an issue when connecting an odd number of traditional male to female gender connectors. In such cases, additional connectors, which add signal loss, are required to correct polarity.
In high traffic areas where the risk of damage to installed cabling is elevated, spare assemblies, fitted with genderless connectors, can be stored to allow for fast and easy replacement with minimal interruption to operations.
Increasing conversion to fiber optics
According to Hobbs, there are many mining companies that are converting to fiber optics as the costs for components continue to drop, making fiber a better solution than copper in most applications. Even die-hard copper devotees are moving to fiber, and when they do, they rarely look back.
“When system engineers realize the increased bandwidth opportunities afforded by installing a fiber network, they usually expand their requirements and identify creative new ways to utilize the technology to provide innovative solutions for their applications,” Hobbs says.
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