Carlson Software recently released its new Void Scanner+ wireless surveying system for underground surveying, building on the roots of its standard Void Scanner.
Engineered to scan in extreme environments, the ruggedised VS+ system is designed to be deployed in potentially hazardous locations – allowing operators to map underground cavities safely.
The information collected by the VS+ can be viewed in real time and provide mine site managers the information needed to optimise production, review extraction, backfill operations, and monitor problems with ore loss and dilution, according to Carlson. It can also be used for ore pass monitoring, mine design management, underground blast planning, drive surveys, and pre and post underground evacuation planning.
The VS+ includes an onboard battery and Wi-Fi connectivity to a tablet computer from up to 50 m, with the fully wireless capability increasing deployment speed and operation. Carlson’s VS+ can be deployed via stock boom or operators can create a customised boom, tripod, or crane to enable safe operation where access is limited or dangerous.
According to the company, a full scan with one-inch (25 mm) increments can be completed in less than 12 minutes with a 200 point-per-second scan rate, 360° horizontal scan, and a vertical scan extent of 270°.
Operators can run the free scanning software, Carlson Scan, on a tablet computer to view the scan and analyse recorded data. This software automatically connects to the VS+ and enables full remote control of the system, Carlson says. “The post-processing tools can be used to analyse, geo-reference, and edit data as needed,” the company said. “Geo-referenced point clouds or modelled surfaces can be exported in industry-standard formats. The exported data can then be integrated with popular mining and CAD packages, including Carlson Mining modules and Carlson Point Cloud.”
The VS+ is part of Carlson’s Laser Measurement Division, which includes: C-ALS® Gyro, Void Scanner, Quarryman® Pro, Rodded and Cabled Boretraks®, and Merlin.