Development of a Protective Enclosure for Remote Sensing Applications—Case Study: Laser Scanning in Underground Coal Mines

Abstract

Sensing for equipment location and mapping in explosion risk zones such as underground coal mines is a difficult proposition due to the regulatory requirement for certified protective enclosures to safely house the required complex electrical equipment. This paper provides a case study for the process involved in creating and implementing an optical-grade enclosure for use in these environments. The result of this process has been the creation of ExScan®, a 3D laser mapping system that is providing step-change capability for remote operations and automation in the underground coal mining industry.

Keywords

• laser
• flameproof
• mapping
• scanning
• mining
• coal mining