Smart Bunker Developed in Russia to Protect Miners
The new solution cuts concentrations of hazardous dust for workers by up to 30%.
Scientists at the Perm National Research Polytechnic University have developed and patented an innovative transfer bunker for potash mines, the university’s press service said.
The upgraded design is equipped with a protective canopy and an automated loading system. A hopper body with a removable tarp isolates the internal space, while a loading opening connected to the mining combine’s conveyor via a chute reduces dust generation during ore transfer.
According to Dmitry Shishlyannikov, Doctor of Engineering Sciences and professor at the Department of Mining Electromechanics, the effectiveness of the solution was confirmed through tests under real production conditions. Researchers compared the performance of a standard bunker and the new design at the same mining site.
Concentrations of suspended dust in the air were measured at the operator’s position under different operating modes. Levels of hazardous dust were reduced by up to 30% compared with conventional equipment.
Automated Fill-Level Control
The Perm-based researchers also introduced an automated system for monitoring the fill level of the transfer bunker. The amount of ore is measured in three stages using three sensors installed beneath the canopy.
Automating fill-level control reduces downtime for the mining combine and increases overall extraction productivity.
The PNRPU team has already received a patent for the development.
