Authors
Wojciech Korski MEng.
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Innovative Technologies EMAG wojciech.korski@emag.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Aim of the project
The INDIRES project aimed to study technologies and to develop solutions enabling the collection and exchange of information when planning and implementing rescue operations after severe incidents in the underground coal mines that may threaten the lives of personnel and the operational continuity of the mining plant. This goal is to be possible to achieve even in the event of the destruction of power and communication networks and limited access to key areas of the mine, e.g., as a result of a rock collapse.
Short description of the problem addressed by the project
The work carried out by Łukasiewicz-EMAG focused solely on the development of a remotely controlled transport vehicle. As described in the design application, the primary purpose of this vehicle is the transport of large amounts of mechanical equipment and materials, including drilling rig and rescue stands deployed to the area mine where a serious incident occurred, in conditions where other means of transport are unavailable or cannot be used. The goal of such action is to allow faster use of the most appropriate equipment, depending on the type of rescue operation. Additionally, this allows redirection of the effort of emergency personnel from transportation to more specialized activities, requiring knowledge and experience. This in turn will result in shortening the time of a rescue operation and should have a positive effect on the condition of potential victims. Due to the lack of availability in the project power and communication infrastructure, the vehicle will be battery-powered and radio-controlled by a rescuer.
Main results and achievements
The ETV vehicle prototype and other solutions developed within the project were intended to facilitate the planning and implementation of an underground rescue operation, leading to its faster accomplishment. The potential benefits to the economy include shorter disruptions of the continuity of operations of mining plants of strategic importance, such as anthracite mines and coking coal mines. The ETV vehicle developed as a part of the project constitutes the first approach to the topic of a transport vehicle for underground rescue operations in underground plants and hard coal mining. Previous work of similar character was focused on remote inspection activities (MPI, RFCS TeleRescuer) in explosion hazard zones or concerned solutions and zones not covered by the ATEX directive (2014/34/E.U.).
Conclusions
The INDIRES project developed and tested several innovative solutions. Creative and resilient communication methods have been created to improve the efficiency and security of information exchange. Data collection tools, such as sensors and unmanned vehicles, have also been developed to enable rapid and accurate information collection under various conditions.
The INDIRES project also brought innovative mechanical solutions that can significantly improve the efficiency and safety of rescue operations. Additionally, computer simulations of the consequences of various events were carried out, allowing for a better understanding and prediction of the effects of different crises.
Finally, the INDIRES project developed hardware and software tools to support rescue operations. These tools can significantly improve the efficiency and safety of rescue operations, enabling rescuers to respond more quickly and effectively to various emergencies.
Acknowledgement
The project was implemented with financing under RFCS-2016 – the E.U. Research Fund for Coal and Steel based on a contract concluded with the European Commission under GRANT AGREEMENT No. 748632 and from financial resources for science allocated by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education to implement an international co-financed project. We want to thank the consortium members: University Of Exeter, KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology, GEOCONTROL S.A., The Silesian Technical University, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Central Mining Institute, Premgovnik Velenje D.D., DMT GmbH&Co. K.G., and Polska Grupa Górnicza sp. z o.o.
