Digital network and VoIP telephone intrinsically safe approved for underground mine use

Posted by Daniel Gleeson on 5th October 2010

Mine Site Technologies (MST) has received Intrinsically Safe, IECEx Certificates of Conformity for two key digital products. Firstly, the ImPact digital network has been certified Ex ia Group I by TestSafe for use in underground coal mines in Australia. Extensively deployed in the hard rock mining industry and outbye areas in coal mines already, this certification will allow the digital network to be taken into working zones and remain operational even after a disruption to normal ventilation.

The other recent Ex ia Group I certification was for the MinePhone, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone handset. The MinePhone is like a mobile phone for underground, as it allows private dialling between other phones underground or on the surface, and can also link into the mine’s existing telephone system. Additionally, the MinePhone has 24 channels, Push-to-Talk functionality, text messaging and an emergency call button. Already deployed in coal mines in the US, where MSHA approval was received two months ago, the MinePhone will now be available for use in Australian coal mines and offers a significant communication tool.

The Wireless Network Switches (WNS) form a key part of Wi-Fi based digital backbone. The 802.11 b/g/n network allows any Wi-Fi enabled devices to operate with the network, meaning a single backbone can provide much of a mine’s communication and data requirements. Two common applications for the digital network are tracking via RFID Tags and two-way communications via the MinePhone. The former operates with the WNS units acting as Tag readers, whilst the latter uses the wireless signal from each WNS as the communication link between other phones underground or on the surface. Being Ethernet/IP based, the network can also provide the communication backbone for other corporate data, SCADA systems, etc.

With underground digital networks becoming more wide spread, and the MinePhone being the first VoIP telephone certified for coal mine use in Australia, MST is expecting strong demand from existing and new customers.