NZ614248B2 - A system and method for monitoring movement in strata - Google Patents
A system and method for monitoring movement in strata Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ614248B2 NZ614248B2 NZ614248A NZ61424812A NZ614248B2 NZ 614248 B2 NZ614248 B2 NZ 614248B2 NZ 614248 A NZ614248 A NZ 614248A NZ 61424812 A NZ61424812 A NZ 61424812A NZ 614248 B2 NZ614248 B2 NZ 614248B2
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- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- strata
- sensor
- signals
- movement
- analyser
- Prior art date
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- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 claims abstract 5
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000001960 triggered Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000004450 types of analysis Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009420 retrofitting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001131 transforming Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001539473 Euphoria Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010015535 Euphoric mood Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 210000002381 Plasma Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000000614 Ribs Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009412 basement excavation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- GOLXNESZZPUPJE-UHFFFAOYSA-N spiromesifen Chemical compound CC1=CC(C)=CC(C)=C1C(C(O1)=O)=C(OC(=O)CC(C)(C)C)C11CCCC1 GOLXNESZZPUPJE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21F—SAFETY DEVICES, TRANSPORT, FILLING-UP, RESCUE, VENTILATION, OR DRAINING IN OR OF MINES OR TUNNELS
- E21F17/00—Methods or devices for use in mines or tunnels, not covered elsewhere
- E21F17/18—Special adaptations of signalling or alarm devices
- E21F17/185—Rock-pressure control devices with or without alarm devices; Alarm devices in case of roof subsidence
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
- G01P13/00—Indicating or recording presence, absence, or direction, of movement
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49716—Converting
Abstract
Disclosed is a system (101) for monitoring movement in strata (102). The system includes at least one sensor (103), a storage device (104) and an analyser (105). The at least one sensor (103) is embedded in the strata (102) for detecting movement in the strata (102) and for generating first signals indicative of the movement. The storage device (104) is in communication with the at least one sensor (103) for collecting and storing the first signals. The analyser (105) is in communication with the storage device (104) for analysing the first signals and for triggering an alarm upon a predetermined outcome of the analysis of the first signals, wherein the triggering of the alarm is dependent at least in part on a face distance being the distance between a mine face and the sensor (103). indicative of the movement. The storage device (104) is in communication with the at least one sensor (103) for collecting and storing the first signals. The analyser (105) is in communication with the storage device (104) for analysing the first signals and for triggering an alarm upon a predetermined outcome of the analysis of the first signals, wherein the triggering of the alarm is dependent at least in part on a face distance being the distance between a mine face and the sensor (103).
Description
TITLE: A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING MOVEMENT IN
STRATA
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to strata monitoring devices and specifically to electronic
strata monitoring devices. It has been developed specifically to monitor strata in mines
and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be
appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item
of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission
that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the
priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general
knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this
specification is concerned.
In an underground mining environment movement of the strata that defines the roof
and/or ceiling of a particular tunnel within the mine can result in collapses within the
mine. As such there is a need to monitor the movement of the strata to determine the
likelihood of movement and the danger of collapse of a portion of strata.
Known systems for measuring strata movement involve installing a plurality of localised
sensors in the strata and manually measuring each sensor. The sensor readings are then
sent to a central authority for analysis and to determine the likelihood of a collapse. This
method is prone to manual error and delays in processing the readings. It is also open to
subjective analysis of the readings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention overcome or ameliorate at least one of
the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for monitoring
movement in strata including:
at least one sensor embedded in the strata for detecting movement in the strata and for
generating first signals indicative of the movement;
a storage device in communication with the at least one sensor for collecting and storing
the first signals;
an analyser in communication with the storage device for analysing the first signals and
for generating an alarm upon a predetermined outcome of the analysis of the first signals.
In some embodiments the analyser generates second signal indicative of a predicted
future movement of the strata.
Preferably the at least one sensor generates the first signals at a predetermine time
interval. Preferably the at least one sensor generates the first signal in real time.
There is no prediction of movement
Preferably the analyser generates the second signal in real time.
Preferably the at least one sensor is in network communication with the storage device.
Preferably the network communication is chosen from one or more of the following:
Ethernet; wireless; Bluetooth; WIFI; microwave; or the like.
Preferably the analyser is in network communication with the storage device. Preferably
the network communication is chosen from one or more of the following: Ethernet;
wireless; Bluetooth; WIFI; microwave; or the like.
Preferably a plurality of sensors are embedded in the strata at predetermine points within
the strata.
Preferably the analyser includes an alarm that is triggered in the event of a predetermined
predicted move of the strata.
Preferably the storage device stores historical data associated with the first signal.
Preferably the analyser uses at least a portion the historical data to generate the second
signal.
Preferably the storage device stores historical data from other strata and the analyser uses
at least a portion of the historical data from other strata to generate the second signal.
Preferably the storage device stores first signals from a plurality of sensors at different
locations within the strata. Preferably the storage device stores first signals from a
plurality of sensors at different strata.
Preferably the analyser analyses the plurality of first signals and generates plurality of
second signals, each second signal indicative of a predicted future movement of relative
strata.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for monitoring
movement in strata, the method including the following steps:
embedding at least one sensor in the strata for detecting movement in the strata and for
generating first signals indicative of the movement;
providing a storage device in communication with the at least one sensor for collecting
and storing the first signals;
providing an analyser in communication with the storage device for analysing the first
signals and for generating an alarm upon a predetermined outcome of the analysis of the
first signals.
In some embodiments the method includes the step of generating a second signal
indicative of a predicted future movement of the strata.
According to a third embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of
converting a mechanical sensor to an electronic sensor, the method including the steps of:
providing a mechanical to electronic conversion sensor, the conversion sensor capable of
transforming a mechanical force into an electrical signal; and
retrofitting the conversion sensor onto the mechanical sensor.
Throughout the specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires
otherwise, the word “comprise”, and other variations such as “comprises” and
“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or
group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of
integers of steps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a conceptual diagram of a system according to the invention;
Figure 2 shows a diagram of a conversion of a visual reading sensor to an
electronic sensor according to the invention; and
Figure 3 shows a diagram of a conversion of another visual reading sensor to an
electronic sensor according to the invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a system for monitoring movement
in the stratum or strata of a mine. The strata include the floor and/or ceiling and/or walls
or ribs of the mine. The systems includes a plurality of sensor embedded in the strata for
detecting movement in the strata and for generating first signals indicative of the
movement. A storage device is in network communication with the plurality of sensors
for collecting and storing the first signals. An analyser is in network communication with
the storage device for analysing the first signals and for generating an alarm in the event
that the analysis of the first signals is one of predetermined outcomes. That is, the
systems analyses the movement of the strata and will generate an alarm if the movement
crosses a threshold value or a predetermined value set by the management of the mine.
In some embodiments the analyser produces a second signal indicative of a predicted
future movement of the strata.
In the event that the analyser detects or predicts a significant movement in the strata, such
as a collapse or the like, an alarm is triggered and appropriate action can be taken at the
mine.
In the event that the analyser detects movement that activates a configured threshold, an
alarm is triggered and appropriate action can be taken at the mine.
In the event that the analyser detects a condition that activates a configured alarm, an
alarm is triggered and appropriate action can be taken at the mine.
The plurality of sensors generate signals at predetermined intervals every second or
minute as required however it is preferred that that the sensors generate signals in real
time and that the analyser generate the second signal in real time. Upon the analyser
detecting a danger of significant movement or collapse, an alarms is triggered. This
ensures that as much time as possible is provided at the mine to take action prior to a
collapse or other event. In this way miners, equipment and the like can be moved prior to
any actual collapse minimising the loss of life and equipment. In some instances it may
be possible to reinforce the particular strata in danger of collapse to prevent such a
collapse or weakening.
Any suitable network communication can be used to connect the sensors, the storage
device and the analyser with one of the following being preferably Ethernet; wired
Ethernet; wireless; Bluetooth; WIFI; microwave; or the like.
In some embodiments the storage server and the analyser are both implement on a single
server however in other embodiments they are implemented on separate servers.
The plurality of sensors are embedded in the strata at predetermined strategic points
within the strata. The strategic points can be determined by an engineer or other suitably
qualified mining personnel.
The storage device stores historical data received from the plurality of sensors and the
historical data is used by the analyser to predict the likelihood of future movement of the
strata. In some preferred embodiments the storage device stores information from a
plurality of strata and from known prior events (including during which strata has
collapsed) to provide the analyser with additional data with which to predicts a collapse
of the existing strata being monitored.
In some embodiments the storage device receives data from a plurality of sensors each
sensor at a different location of the mine and in some embodiments from different mines.
In these embodiments the analyser analyses the data from the different locations and
different mines. This allows a single monitoring post to monitor movement in many
different mines. In other embodiments it may be preferable to have a monitoring station
for each mine.
Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a system 101 for monitoring movement in strata 102.
The system includes a plurality of sensors 103 (a-c) embedded in the strata for detecting
movement in the strata. The sensors are preferably electronic sensors and generate a
plurality of first signals indicative of the movement in the strata.
An electronic database 104 is in network communication with the sensors 103. In this
embodiment the network communication is by way of wired Ethernet but any suitable
network means could be used. In some embodiments wireless communications may be
preferred. The database 104 collects and stores the plurality of first signals from each of
the sensors. The information is stored such that the data from each sensor can be
individually recalled.
An analyser in the form of computer 105 is in network communication with the database
104 for analysing the data stores on the database. The analyser 105 uses known and
historical data to predict future movement of the strata and generates a second signal
indicative thereof. The second signal can be in the form on an alarm, emails, an
electronic signal to another device, sms, audible or visual notification, printout and the
like. As would be understood the second signal can be in any form as required and
suitable to the application.
As would be understood, the system as described above monitors the movement of the
strata in real time and allows mine operators to have up to date real time information
which allows them to more efficiently manage situations and take preventative measures
where possible and to evacuate staff and equipment as deemed necessary.
As would be understood, the plurality of sensors could be spaced evenly apart in the
strata or could be strategically placed according to the requirements of the actual mine.
Such placement could be determined by an engineer or suitable qualified mining
operator.
In the preferred embodiment, the database stores movement data from other mines and
historical data from the current strata and uses all available information to calculate the
likelihood of a collapse or other danger.
As would be understood the database 104 and analyser 105 can collect and analyse data
from a plurality of strata within the same mine or at different mines such as 106 whether
close together or far apart. The communication between mines could be through the
Internet or through dedicated communications channels.
In some environments, mechanical movement sensors may already be fitted in some
locations. These mechanical sensors must be read manually. In these embodiments it is
advantageous to retrofit the sensors to convert them into electrical sensors. The
conversion kits includes a mechanical to electronic conversion sensor, the conversion
sensor capable of transforming a mechanical force into an electrical signal. As would be
understood the conversion sensor is retrofitted to the mechanical sensor to convert the
output into an electrical output. The sensor can then be connected to the system of the
preferred embodiment. In some embodiments new electrical sensors are installed in the
strata as described above.
Suitable retrofitting configurations are shown in Figures 2 and 3. Referring to Figure 2,
sensor 201 is a mechanical movement sensor which must be read visually. Movement in
the strata causes the arms 202 and 203 to retract or extend from the body 204 of the
sensor. The movement is then read visually.
Sensor 210 is shown as a retrofitted sensor where retrofit device 211 is fitted to the body
204 of the device. The retrofit device connects to each arm 202 and 203 and converts the
mechanical movement into an electrical signal. The signal is then connected to the
monitoring system as described above by electrical communications cable 212.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a sensor 301 adapted to be installed between the
ceiling 302 and floor 303 of a mine shaft 305. The sensor includes a spring system 304
to allow for movement in the shaft 305. Portion 307 of the sensor is fixed in length and
moveable portion 308 moves in and/or out of the fixed portion by means of the spring
system 304 as the shaft moves. A gauge 306 is visually read to monitor movement in the
shaft.
Sensor 310 is shown as a retrofitted sensor 301 where retrofit device 302 is fixedly
connected on one end 312 to the moveable portion 308 by connector 312 and on the other
end to the fixed portion 307 by connector 313. Displacement sensor 314 provides an
electronic measurement as the mine shaft moves which is connected through electrical
communications cable 311 to the monitoring system as described above.
Embodiment s of the present invention provide the following additional advantages:
Monitoring of Displacement, rate of movement & acceleration.
Alarm triggers can be any mathematical calculation on data from any point in
recorded history.
Exported data unit type selectable (rate, acceleration etc).
Exported data interval selectable
Designed for devices up to 5 channels.
Automatic detection of sensor being reset due to maximum travel – displacement
continues to accumulate & read correctly.
Detection of invalid movement (for example bumped by machinery) and ability to
alarm of this event.
Alarm scripting allows users to define advanced triggers for alarms, for example
rate of movement can be over the time of 1 minute to selected time frame. Values
include Raw, Displacement, Rate of movement & Acceleration
Alarms configurable to four priorities (Information, Advisory, Warning and
Critical).
Graphs selectable in Raw, Displacement, Rate (min/hour/day/week) &
Acceleration (min/hour/day/week).
Alarms configurable can include/exclude all sensors and channels down to a
single channel.
Backfills missing history information (fills missing data with data ramped
between last two good data points)
Export data in Raw, Displacement, Movement/Minute, Movement/Hour,
Movement/Day, Movement/Week, Acceleration/Minute, Acceleration/Hour,
Acceleration/Day & Acceleration/Week.
Perform following functions on historical data – Set offset, Set displacement,
Ramp offset, Ramp displacement, Add(subtract) offset, Add(subtract)
displacement.
Software designed for 5 channel devices, no workarounds required such as
assigning two 2 channel points to monitor a 4 channel device.
Multiple triggers can be configured for each point/channel.
Channels within software can be disabled to correctly monitor and alarm devices
with less than 5 channels.
In the preferred embodiment, the face distance is used as part of the calculation to
generate an alarm. The face distance is the front or end of a drift, tunnel or excavation,
where the material is being or was last mined. That is, the distance measured between the
face and each respective sensor is used at least as a portion of the computation on
whether or not to trigger an alarm. The distance between the sensor and the face can be
entered manually by a user of the system or calculated automatically using, for example,
the length of the conveyor with a Formula such as:
EncoderCircumference/EncoderNumOfTargets*PulseCountsFromEncoder.
In the preferred embodiment the installed support level at the point at which the sensor is
installed is taken into account when determining whether or not to trigger an alarm.
When a sensor is configuration in software, the software allows the user to select
“installed support” at place of sensor installation. As would be understood, the support
level is the level of physical support structures installed at the point in the mine at which
the sensor is installed. The support is configured with a “strength” value within the
software to allow comparisons by the analyser. It is possible for alarms to be configured
as follows for example:
If movement>xx and supportlevel>xx then raise alarm.
Anther example would be:
If supportlevel=0 (no support) and faceposition < 100M then raise an alarm.
There are hundreds of available computer languages that may be used to implement
embodiments of the invention, among the more common being Ada; Algol; APL; awk;
Basic; C; C++; Cobol; Delphi; Eiffel; Euphoria; Forth; Fortran; HTML; Icon; Java;
Javascript; Lisp; Logo; Mathematica; MatLab; Miranda; Modula-2; Oberon; Pascal; Perl;
PL/I; Prolog; Python; Rexx; SAS; Scheme; sed; Simula; Smalltalk; Snobol; SQL; Visual
Basic; Visual C++; and XML.
Any commercial processor may be used to implement the embodiments of the invention
either as a single processor, serial or parallel set of processors in the system. Examples of
commercial processors include, but are not limited to Merced™, Pentium™, Pentium
II™, Xeon™, Celeron™, Pentium Pro™, Efficeon™, Athlon, AMD and the like.
Display screens may be segment display screen, analogue display screens, digital display
screens, CRTs, LED screens, Plasma screens, liquid crystal diode screens, and the like.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other
forms.
Claims (16)
1. A system for monitoring movement in strata including: at least one sensor embedded in the strata for detecting movement in the strata and for generating first signals indicative of the movement; a storage device in communication with the at least one sensor for collecting and storing the first signals; an analyser in communication with the storage device for analysing the first signals and for triggering an alarm upon a predetermined outcome of the analysis of the first signals wherein the triggering of the alarm is dependent at least in part on a face distance being the distance between a mine face and the sensor.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the analyser generates a second signal indicative of a predicted future movement of the strata.
3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the sensor generates the first signals at a predetermine time interval.
4. A system according to claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor generates the first signal in real time.
5. A system according to claim 2 wherein the analyser generates the second signal in real time.
6. A system according to claim 4 wherein the at least one sensor is in network communication with the storage device.
7. A system according to claim 5 wherein a plurality of sensors are embedded in the strata at predetermine points within the strata.
8. A system according to claim 6 wherein the analyser includes an alarm that is triggered in the event of a predetermined predicted move of the strata.
9. A system according to claim 7 where in the storage device stores historical data associated with the first signal.
10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the analyser uses at least a portion the historical data to generate the second signal.
11. A system according to claim 9 wherein the storage device stores historical data from other strata and the analyser uses at least a portion of the historical data from other strata to generate the second signal.
12. A system according to claim 10 wherein the storage device stores first signals from a plurality of sensors at different locations within the strata.
13. A system according to claim 12 wherein the analyser analyses the plurality of first signals and generates plurality of second signals, each second signal indicative of a predicted future movement of relative strata.
14. A system according to claim 1 wherein the triggering of the alarm is dependent at least in part on the installed support at the sensor.
15. A system according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is reset due to maximum travel and wherein displacement continues to accumulate and read correctly
16. A method for monitoring movement in strata, the method including the following steps: embedding at least one sensor in the strata for detecting movement in the strata and for generating first signals indicative of the movement; providing a storage device in communication with the at least one sensor for collecting and storing the first signals; providing an analyser in communication with the storage device for analysing the first signals and for generating an alarm upon a predetermined outcome of the analysis of the first signals wherein the triggering of the alarm is dependent at least in part on a face distance being the distance between a mine face and the sensor.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2011901462 | 2011-04-15 | ||
AU2011901462A AU2011901462A0 (en) | 2011-04-15 | A System and method for monitoring movement in strata | |
PCT/AU2012/000375 WO2012139163A1 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2012-04-12 | A system and method for monitoring movement in strata |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ614248A NZ614248A (en) | 2015-08-28 |
NZ614248B2 true NZ614248B2 (en) | 2015-12-01 |
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