Customer Requirements
The challenge was to implement a modern safety system in underground mining that enabled compliance with standards and used existing networks to transmit safety and diagnostics information.
Solution
Our solution incorporated the PROFINET system, which combines control and safety functions so a single programmable logic controller (PLC) can perform all functions, whereas previously a separate safety system was required. The system automatically checks safety functions are operational and ensures errors and faults do not lead to loss of safety functionality. The integrated safety system protects personnel by ensuring unmanned digging machines will, for example, automatically stop if the machine controls malfunction.
Benefits
Our solution:
- Reduced production downtime due to the system's reliability
- Included the ability to diagnose problems faster and at an early stage
- Included a remote fault detection facility
- Incorporated the PROFINET system – a far more cost-effective system than others