~ Addressing safety and operational challenges in mining applications with remote monitoring technology ~
Cathodic protection (CP) systems are widely used in mining operations, protecting anything from conveyor systems to settling tanks and, even, large wharf structures from corrosion. However, because of the dangerous nature of the environment they’re based in, managing these systems isn’t without its challenges. For example, relying on in-person site visits and manual inspections to monitor system performance increases personnel time in potentially unsafe areas of the mine and adds health and safety risks. Here David Celine, managing director of remote monitoring specialist Omniflex, explains how these challenges can be addressed by implementing industry-certified remote monitoring systems.
Mining operations are often rugged in nature and can be dangerous environments to work in, meaning that health and safety is a key consideration for operating companies and site managers. Furthermore, mines are often situated in extremely remote areas, meaning getting workers to and from mines can be time-consuming and expensive. This means that managing personnel visits is logistically challenging because of the considerations that must be balanced.
CP systems are widely used throughout mining operations, protecting a range of steel and concrete structures, including conveyor systems, settling tanks and large wharf structures, from the ongoing threat of corrosion. Traditionally, mine operators have relied on in-person site visits by external CP consultants, who inspect CP systems manually, to know if their systems are performing as intended and arrange any maintenance required. However, this approach is problematic for three key reasons.
First, manual inspections mean more personnel time is spent in risky areas of the mine and adds to ongoing safety concerns for operators. Second, it means operators only get infrequent snapshots of system performance as and when inspections are conducted and delays identifying any faults that arise between inspections. Third, paying expensive consultants to visits mining sites in person, often for days at a time because of the remote environments they are situated in, means mining operators typically spend thousands of dollars a year on manual CP system inspections.
The impact of remote monitoring
Remote monitoring addresses all these challenges. First and foremost, it lowers time spent in dangerous areas by consultants as they can access system performance data remotely. Next, remote monitoring is operational 24/7, giving mine operators more insight into ongoing system performance compared with periodic manual inspections conducted during site visits. Finally, remote monitoring is proven to save operators significant costs as it dramatically reduces the need for in-person site visits by expensive consultants to inspect system performance.
Another benefit of implementing remote monitoring technology in mining environments is that it helps operators conduct effective CO2 reporting, something that is becoming an increasingly important requirement because of the industry’s high power consumption. 24/7 remote monitoring increases an organisation’s ability to monitor and report on energy usage and, because of the enhanced data auditing ability it enables, improves a site manager’s ability to identify underlying causes of any on-site performance or safety issues.
The improvement in management oversight cannot be underestimated as automated reporting and the ability to aggregate data saves management time in processing the data into metrics than can be continuously monitored to manage the business.
Omniflex’s remote monitoring technology has been approved for use in BHP coal mines as well as across large Australian-based enterprises, like the Port of Melbourne as it is robust enough to work reliably in potentially unsafe environments and complies with stringent cyber security demands. This means that mine operators can trust that the systems are up to the job as they have already proven themselves in the field.
To find out more about how Omniflex can help solve the mining industry’s operational and health and safety challenges by implementing effective remote monitoring systems, visit https://www.omniflex.com/solutions_web_based_monitoring.php.
