Enhancing Safety for Miners on Coal Stockpiles

bwi eagle lightning detection systemThe most significant concern on a coal storage pile is the risk of a dozer falling into the feeder cavity. This occurs when unseen pockets develop in the pile and collapse, swallowing the dozer. The operator’s safety and protection depend on how fast the feeder can be stopped and emergency personnel alerted.  

At that critical moment, the dozer operators must rely on their ability to summon help quickly and reliably. The handheld CB radio in the dozer may not be enough if the signal cannot get through the coal pile. Wireless stop switches are now used to ensure continuous communication so emergency alerts can be sent and received immediately.   

Fail-Safe Protection for Dozers on Coal Stockpiles

The BWI Eagle Dozer Stop Switch wireless system is purpose-built to enable dozer operators to stop the feeder and alert emergency personnel with a single button push from inside the cab.

The Dozer Stop Switch system redefines safety on coal storage piles by featuring a full duplex (handshake) link and an operating range of more than 4,500 feet.

If a dozer starts to fall into a cavity, the operator pushes the button to stop the feeder and alert emergency personnel. It also automatically stops if the handshake link is broken due to a signal loss or power failure, ensuring the feeder stops if the operator is unable to push the button.

The BWI Eagle Dozer Stop Switch is the only fail-safe protection for dozer operators working on coal stockpiles with underground feeders. The system features a continuous link between the dozer operation and the control PLC. Falling into a cavity would break the RF link and activate the e-stop as if the button had been hit.

Other RF systems rely on the emergency signal reaching the control receiver, but fail to consider that RF transmissions will not penetrate through layers of coal.

The system can monitor up to eight dozers simultaneously with a precise frequency auto-scanning signal that cannot be blocked or jammed. Integral high-current relays allow direct interfacing with other equipment and devices, while 900MHz spread-spectrum technology ensures the utmost security and reliability. When the operator logs in, onboard LEDs at both ends of the link verify that the handshake has been established, giving the operator and all other involved personnel a sense of confidence and trust.


Stop Switch Transmitter
Single latching e-stop
36 VDC powered

Blue stop switch transmitter with red stop button

Stop Switch Receiver
100-250 VAC powered

 

Stop switch receiver

Signal Repeater
100-250 VAC powered

 

signal repeater

Dozer E-Stop Safety System – Components OverviewPDF Download


In today’s fast-paced mobile equipment landscape, efficiency and reliability are key to maximizing productivity and return on investment. One of the most impactful advancements in this regard is the ability to automatically start and stop generators supplying power to mobile and rental equipment. This capability optimizes job site performance and significantly increases operational efficiency, leading to a higher rate of return on investment.

Importance of Reliable Communication

Reliable communication between the controller and the generator is crucial for generators to function effectively, especially those that are mechanically or electronically governed. Any lapse in communication can lead to downtime, reducing productivity and increasing costs. Ensuring seamless interaction between the control systems and the generators is paramount for maintaining a consistent power supply and operational efficiency.

Durability in Harsh Environments

Generators often operate in challenging environments, exposed to harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures. Controllers used to power these solutions must be exceptionally durable and designed to withstand these elements. Robust construction and advanced engineering ensure that these control systems can perform reliably, no matter the environmental conditions.

Efficient Controllers for OEMs

By integrating advanced controllers into mobile generators, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can monitor and manage generator performance from virtually anywhere. This integration offers several significant benefits:

Better Management of Start/Stop Times: Control solutions enable precise management of when generators start and stop, optimizing their use and reducing unnecessary run times.

Fuel Consumption Adjustment: Efficiently managing fuel consumption is critical for cost savings. Advanced control systems can adjust fuel usage based on real-time data and operational needs.

Issue Diagnosis: Early detection and diagnosis of potential issues can prevent costly breakdowns. By adding telemetry devices with remote monitoring capabilities, controllers allow for real-time diagnostics, helping to identify and address problems before they escalate.

Reducing Downtime and Increasing Efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of integrating control solutions into mobile generators is the reduction of downtime. With real-time adjustments, these systems ensure that generators are always operating at their best. This reliability translates into less downtime for mobile equipment, enhancing overall job site productivity.

The ability to manage generators brings a new level of efficiency and reliability to job sites. OEMs can achieve significant cost savings and operational improvements by ensuring robust communication, durability in harsh environments, and comprehensive remote monitoring. These advancements enhance performance and provide a competitive edge in today’s demanding industrial landscape.


 

DynaGen™ PRO600

DynaGen™ TG410

DynaGen™ TG350

DynaGen™ Retro Kit

 

Messenger BLE

Messenger Lite

VisiTek™ 600

remoteIQ telemetry family

Engine Control Panel CANplus™ CP750-E

Many multi-pump systems rely on a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to coordinate operations effectively. However, the CP1000 and CP750-E engine control panels offer an alternative by removing the need for a PLC in these intricate arrangements. These panels can control up to six pumps concurrently, including configurations that mix CP1000 and CP750-E panels.

Consider the practicality of overseeing multiple pumps from a single panel—applications requiring multiple pumps are not rare. It’s applicable when a single pump might not meet the required flow or pressure, or when the flow demands fluctuate throughout the day beyond the capacity of one pump. Additionally, applications might require standby pumps to activate automatically should any pump fail. It is also typical that the standby pumps get routinely rotated into service so that all pumps have the same overall utilization.

These pump panels can work together in synchronous or parallel mode. In synchronous mode, the designated number of pumps operate simultaneously, each running at its pre-set speed. This configuration is often employed in scenarios like managing water levels in a retention pond during flood situations, where float switches control activation and deactivation.

Parallel mode is particularly effective for tasks that require constant regulation, such as maintaining specific water levels or flow rates. This setup dynamically adjusts the number of active pumps to sustain the desired regulation.

diagram showing canplus cp1000 controls multiple pumps

Getting Started

As you set up the application, deciding how many pumps you want working and how many will be kept as backups is essential. You could have five active and one backup, split evenly or in any other combination. Then, you will need to determine the workload distribution across the pumps. For example, you may not want any pumps to operate more than fifty hours longer than the others.

CANplus panels start by setting all pump work hours to zero at the beginning of a job. It’ll keep track and cycle which pumps are running to ensure the workload is shared, keeping all pumps within the specified number of job hours of each other, fifty hours in this example.


This video demonstrates a multi-pump application using a CANplus panel.

canplus multi-pump screen

Streamline the coordination of multiple pumps with CANplus™ engine control panels to make your operations smooth and efficient without additional control systems.

Mobile air compressors are compact, portable machines designed to generate compressed air for various applications across construction, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. These compressors are typically mounted on trailers or skid frames, making them easily transported to job sites and offering efficiency and mobility for demanding environments. OEMs, distributors, and rental equipment operators rely on the air compressor’s ability to operate in remote locations and adapt to various tasks.

 

We offer an integrated engine and compressor control solution for mobile air compressors, including a robust engine controller, remote control, telemetry, and monitoring.

 

Engine Control 

DynaGen™ engine controller provides an easy-to-use, integrated control panel for mobile air compressors. Its rugged design ensures it can safely and reliably operate in extreme environmental conditions often found in job sites where air compressors are used. Here are just a few of the things that a DynaGen controller can manage:

remoteiq, dynagen, tyro and messenger ble
  • Throttle control
  • Automatic load/unloading of the compressor
  • Display machine air pressure
  • Auto throttle speed to maintain air pressure
  • Control the engine warmup based on the engine coolant temperature
  • Monitor and protect the compressor oil temperature

 

Remote Control  

In addition to the DynaGen controller, air compressors can be equipped with a Tyro™ handheld radio remote control system. Integrating remote controls enables the operator to control functions such as engine start/stop, IDLE rate speed control, and light control from the convenience of a handheld transmitter. This allows workers to operate the machinery from a safe and efficient distance.

 

Remote Monitoring  

DynaGen controllers are also telemetry-ready, should you want to introduce remote monitoring capabilities. Our RemoteIQ™ cloud-based platform provides a secure and cost-effective way to optimize the management of a single machine or an entire fleet of air compressors with GPS location tracking, real-time equipment status, and alert notifications.

Remote monitoring allows operators to access real-time data at any time, from anywhere, on any laptop or mobile device. It alerts the operator to potential issues before they cause damage, ultimately prolonging the compressor’s lifespan and ensuring reliability in demanding conditions.

 

What sets us apart is our extensive knowledge of control products and the ability to integrate engine control, radio remote control, and telemetry into a combined solution that improves the air compressor’s performance and simplifies its operation. A single-control solution provides simplicity and increases operator safety while improving overall machine efficiency. For OEMs and distributors looking to enhance their brand, private labeling, incorporating a company’s brand identity, such as name, logo, and color palette, is available.

 

indus gemini e-stop from tyro

Self-driving Robotti

AGROINTELLI from Denmark is a development company for sustainable farming. It devises advanced products and new technological applications that reduce risk and effort for modern agricultural farmers. One of these products is the agricultural robot: Robotti.

This robot can sow, spray, and even weed autonomously. With its GPS connection and exact data, it gives valuable information to the farmer.

Tablet or smartphone

The control is done via an app on a phone or tablet. This machine ensures greater efficiency in the field and thus saves the farmer money and time.

Safety first

Safety has been very important in the development of the Robotti. An emergency stop has been added, allowing the driver to stop the robot remotely in case of an emergency situation. The choice was made for the Indus emergency stop by Tyro Remotes, which reacts within 0.5 seconds and is impact and shock resistant. The Indus remote control is supplied together with the Gemini receiver and meets the strict safety requirements of Performance Level c (PLc).