Sudbury, ON (January 23, 2017) – CEMI (Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation) has partnered with Pattern Discovery Technologies Inc. (PDT) and Wireless Sensor Networks Inc.(WSN) to support their work on the first onboard diesel emissions monitoring system for underground mining equipment.
The SenzLogic 2.0 is a ruggedized system using software created by PDT and hardware developed by WSN. Using state of the art gas sensors from Draeger Safety, a world leader in mine safety, the system monitors emissions while the machinery is performing routine mining operations. Emissions measurements are integrated with engine diagnostic information to develop detailed models which reflect various duty cycles and corresponding emission profiles. Data can be logged locally, downloaded daily or transmitted wirelessly to surface through existing infrastructure for immediate interpretation and analysis.
The technologies form the foundation of a platform for real-time monitoring of diesel equipment operation including the continuous evaluation of equipment health, operational efficiency and the impact on mine worker safety. Paul Sheremeto, President and CEO of Pattern Discovery Technologies Inc. notes that in addition to eliminating time consuming and inconsistent manual emissions testing procedures, it will streamline maintenance operations through remote monitoring and detection of deteriorating equipment performance.
“Not only does the SenzLogic system provide a more accurate picture of real-time emissions in these environments, it also provides unprecedented early insight into potential engine problems for maintenance planning. The emissions profiles are leading indicators of issues involving Intake Systems, Exhaust Systems, Fuel Injection Systems and Cooling Systems. Combining emissions data with engine data will help to pinpoint these potential problem areas. The next phase of development is to combine this real time data with maintenance system information to predict equipment failure and plan maintenance intervention actions. This combination will dramatically streamline maintenance functions by reducing unexpected breakdowns through early diagnosis and provide useful feedback on effectiveness of maintenance activities once they have been performed.”
The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) recognizes that this initiative will have a major impact on mining operations across Canada. For Douglas Morrison, President and CEO of CEMI, “Real-time monitoring of the exhaust gases of underground equipment when it is under full load is one of the best ways to assess engine performance. There are several systems available today that make it possible to accurately monitor ambient air quality in mines. Combining ambient data and engine data helps us understand why the conditions are the way they are what we need to do to improve them.” Given the benefits to Canadian mining and the opportunities to improve mining operations, CEMI has committed full support to the ongoing research and development of this real-time emissions monitoring initiative.
About Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI)
CEMI is a national not-for-profit organization that directs and coordinates step-change innovation in the areas of exploration, deep mining, integrated mine engineering, underground mine construction and environment and sustainability for the metal mining industry. CEMI engages in cross-sector collaboration with Canadian and global mining companies, universities & colleges, governments and innovative SMEs within the service and supply sector. With a seasoned team of program directors, CEMI identifies, assesses, and manages industry-focused applied research and business-led programs. www.cemi.ca
About Pattern Discovery
Pattern Discovery Technologies Inc. is a pioneer in the field of data mining and predictive analytics. Founded in 1997 as a spin-off from the world renowned Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (PAMI) Lab at the University of Waterloo, Pattern Discovery continues to push the envelope in developing solutions that tackle the most challenging data mining, analysis and operational efficiency problems. http://www.patterndiscovery.com/
About Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN)
Wireless Sensor Networks Inc. (WSN), based in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, is an Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider to the mining and transportation industries. WSN provides cost effective sensing technologies combined with secure wireless communication platforms to deliver data from equipment and operations that were previously out of physical or economic reach. WSN solutions enhance productivity, improve efficiency and augment safety through the real-time wireless transmission of sensor data mounted on equipment and in the mine. http://www.wsinc.com/