Rock Monitor Case Study 6

Company

Tier 1 coal mining company with underground longwall operations.

The Challenge?

Longwall gate roads are subject to intense geotechnical pressures, creating significant operational and safety challenges. Ensuring effective real-time monitoring of strata conditions is critical to maintaining operational continuity and preventing catastrophic failures. The company required a solution that would:

• Provide accurate, real-time data to monitor gate road stability.
• Integrate seamlessly with existing systems and processes.
• Minimize risks associated with operating electronic systems in a methane-rich environment.
• Offer robust and scalable solutions for monitoring across extensive mine networks.

The Solution!

To address these challenges, the company implemented Nome’s RockMonitor system—a cutting-edge real-time strata monitoring solution. The system features electronic telltales installed along the roadway, connected via a daisy-chained trunk line to a centralized controller. Key system attributes include:

• • Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous data logging with seamless integration into site SCADA networks (e.g., Citect) and third-party platforms (e.g., SMA).
  • Scalability: Monitoring distance of up to 10 km and support for up to 150 instruments per controller, with additional controllers deployable as needed.
  • Precision: Sub-millimeter accuracy (<1 mm) for critical strata movement detection.
  • Safety Compliance: Intrinsically Safe (ExiA) certification under IECEx and ATEX standards, allowing safe operation in explosive risk zones (ERZ0).

Remote Access and Diagnostics: Certified portable readers and remote disconnection capabilities for enhanced maintenance and fault rectification.