Bucyrus delivers 50th ExPC for use in explosion-hazard areas

U.S. manufacturer Bucyrus reports success in delivering its ruggedised, explosion proof, ExPC for underground mine data processing applications.

LONDON - 

The Bucyrus ExPC with state-of-the-art computer technology and a 19" graphic display is claimed to open up a new dimension of data processing, recording and visualisation underground and in explosion-hazard areas. The first ExPC was delivered to Xi Shan in China in January 2003. The 50th was recently delivered to OKD's CSM II mine. The ExPC collects data from drives, roof supports and the shearer or plow and visualises these at the coal face.

The ExPC also transmits data via fibre-optic cable or DSL to the mine network for visualisation, control and troubleshooting. It is characterised by its ruggedised design. The explosion-protected housing, the armoured glass screen and the waterproof keyboard with built-in mouse ensure that the ExPC can work safely and efficiently even in dusty and explosion-hazard areas. Intrinsically safe ports and network connection guarantee smooth data exchange with other control systems. No mechanical damage has been reported on any of the 50 ExPCs in use in mines around the world. The ExPC has a powerful processor and the 19" display is the largest on the market, Bucyrus reports.

The ExPC is in service in Czech OKD mines, in China, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Russia South Africa, and the Ukraine. It operates as a Visualisation Control Unit (VCU), with visualisation programs for the various control tasks. They are VShield, VPlow, VShearer, VDrive and VLongwall. They allow parameters to be read and set, as well as visualisation of operational data. Each component also allows logging of operational data and has a Replay function for visualisation, analysis and process optimisation.

Whether for comprehensive data acquisition, safe and secure data exchange with the surface, visualisation of current longwall data or central control and maintenance of machines, the Bucyrus ExPC meets the necessary hardware and software requirements for underground mining and has the ATEX certification (Group I). It also meets regulatory requirements for the key mining markets including China, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, South Africa and Ukraine. It is part of the Bucyrus drive towards state-based automation - started in 2004 - to achieve consistent production rates. Bucyrus now offers fully integrated automation that it says  takes State-Based Automation (SBA) to a new level by providing automation that achieves optimal operation under all mining conditions by taking coal clearance and roof support into account.

 John Chadwick is editor/proprietor of International Mining magazine - www.im-mining.com

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