Adaptation Of An Industrial Scada System For Mine Monitoring And Control

Technological changes in programmable logic controllers and the need to improve the architecture of Mine Monitoring and Control Systems (MMCS) and its extensibility, capabilities, and useability has resulted in the design of an IBM compatible personal computer (PC) based system. The system architecture allows for off the shelf computer hardware to be integrated into a system that utilities Pyott- Boone Electronic's field proven peripheral devices with over one-hundred different programmable logic controllers (PLC) manufacturer's products on a common graphics platform. The system uses an ethernet based network, provides graphics displays- of system data, and operates under the Genesis software package. Telemetry for the system utilities the Pyott-Boone network operating over a shielded twisted pair of copper wires. Carbon monoxide monitors, methane monitors, a time tried and proven belt controller, and numerous other devices using standard outputs such as 4-20 ma have been operating on the older 950 Mine Monitoring and Control System for more than a decade. The upgrading of the control system to standard PC hardware and the addition of compatibility with over one-hundred different types of PLC's provides distributed data processing for the system with hierarchial processing operating under the Genesis software on the ethernet network for individual mine site monitoring and control. The hierarchial design of the system further provides the capability for remote monitoring of the system from other distant locations. System control and data acquisition (SCADA) can be provided for underground MMCS operations or surface monitoring of fans, power distribution, methane gathering systems, and other MMCS control and monitoring needs. The rapidly changing technology in microprocessor based products, along with economic considerations associated with expanding the existing MMCS created the need for the Pyott-Boone-Electronics development of the PBE/PLC based system to enhance the features necessary to provide for larger systems needs while still maintaining the compatibility with the older field proven 950 MMCS and peripheral field devices.