Author: chris

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Communications Network Design

Communications Network (Shutterstock)

Over 800 mines, tunneling operations, steel and construction projects look to us as their trusted IT infrastructure advisors for everything from data network design and implementation to disaster recovery solutions.

We also offer a complete range of voice communications solutions, which are a critical part of a mine’s IT infrastructure as mining operations centers need constant communications with the mining personnel underground.

And like everything we sell, our Network Design and Consulting Services are backed by Carroll Technologies Group’s 24/7 support teams.

Here are just a few of the services we offer:

Network Design & Installation

We provide our customers everything for their communications and networking needs.

We consult with our customers to design local area and wide area networks for their headquarters, operations centers and underground operations.

Mines are hazardous environments, unlike the typical office buildings where most networks and computers are installed.

Specialized environments require unique specialized skills. That’s why so many industries turn to Carroll Technologies for advice, sales and installation services for infrastructure design, networking assessment plus fiber optic and copper cabling.

Our services also include consulting and implementation for back-up and disaster recovery.

VOIP and Data Communication

Carroll Technologies Group also offers a full range of voice and data communications solutions, including DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), mobile/portable radio systems, and leaky feeder.

Linking control centers on the surface to underground operations with voice and data communications is a significant challenge requiring detailed knowledge of mining environments combined with in-depth technical expertise.

Carroll Technologies has what it takes to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to mines and industries across North America.

Monitoring Services

We offer a full range of customized monitoring, alerting products, and services including sales and implementation. We also offer our customers full-featured solutions for surveillance so that their environments are secure and their assets are well-protected.

Get in touch below today for more information about the complete range of services available from Carroll Technologies Group.

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Rapid Response Safety Compliance

Mine safety emergency response (Shutterstock)

We carry a vast range of products ranging from spare parts to major equipment items.

These range from self rescuers, such as the W65 self rescuer respirator, handheld monitoring equipment, cap lights, radios, atmospheric monitoring components, tracking components and electrical distribution equipment just to mention a few.

In emergency situations we can also do rush repair of equipment.

We make sure to stock spare parts for all of the systems we provide, sell and service.

Our sales staff and field service technicians are always available 24/7 to meet your needs.

We have a range of items to despatch today from our online store. But we also have a much larger range of items available on request with more than $7m in inventory.

Contact us now for a competitive quote and expert advice on how to get your operation back up and running as quickly as possible.

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North America’s Leading Supplier of Conveyor Belt Fasteners

Conveyor Belt Monitoring and Control in Mines (Shuttersock)

Through a partnership with GORO America, Carroll supplies a comprehensive range conveyor belt fasteners and splicing solutions.

GORO’s record V6 (RV6) series is a complete fastener strip, which is installed on the belt across the full width. This prevents fastener loss or damage during storage and transportation. The loop section is designed to maintain an even radius after the fastener is clenched, in order to provide a good working surface for the connecting pin.

GORFLEX bolt plate fasteners are simple to install and are ideal for the quick repair of belt tears. They offer excellent impact resistance and are suitable for hard rock conveying systems and the transportation of abrasive substances such as sand, gravel, cement, crushed stone, coal and salt.

Carroll’s portfolio also includes adhesives, miner equipment, electronics, communication equipment, lighting solutions, power distribution equipment, safety solutions, motor controls and monitoring.

Carroll Technologies provides more than just mining and safety products, offering a range of services such as product consultancy and post-purchase support. All products supplied through Carroll are supported by its 24/7 MinerCare service, which includes on-call technical support, certified repair centres, a spare parts inventory worth more than $7 million, same day delivery and repair processes that meet or exceed MSHA requirements.

Rapid response services support mine operators in any emergency situations, from machine break down to mine fires. Safety equipment such as self-rescuers, hand held monitoring equipment, cap lights, radios, atmospheric monitoring components and tracking components can be delivered to the site, along with rush repair of equipment.

Training is also provided to keep workers up to date with safety regulations and proper usage procedures for products provided through Carroll.

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America’s Leading Supplier of Mine and Tunnel Safety Equipment

mine foam sealant for mining ventilation

With more than 30 years of experience providing safety solutions to more than 800 mines, Carroll Technologies is ideally positioned to ensure the safe and efficient operations of mines and tunnels.

Carroll’s range of safety equipment includes self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR), underground refuge chambers, multi-gas detection instruments, ventilation and air quality testing, firefighting equipment and foam packs, anemometers and temperature controls, as well as testing and calibration equipment.

To ensure that safety equipment continues to run efficiently, Carroll provides comprehensive post-purchase services, from rapid response teams, to next-day delivery and technical support. Carroll Technologies offers consultancy services to ensure that operators choose the best equipment for their application. All products are backed by MinerCare 24/7 support and are MSHA approved.

With a distribution network of more than 70 manufactures, Carroll Technologies has partnered with industry leading companies to provide the best safety equipment available to the mining industry, including Ocenco, Mine Safety Appliances (MSA), Davis Inotek Instruments and Task Force Tips.

Ocenco’s Self Rescuers are supplied through Carroll Technologies. They use pure oxygen instead of chemical based solutions used by alternative vendors. This allows for an extended work-life, a critical feature for mine safety, as they can be repaired and refurbished (unlike chemical-based solutions).

From Mine Safety Appliances (MSA), Carroll distributes a range of safety products, including Solaris Gas Detection units, Galaxy Calibration units for Solaris & Altair spotters, Elf Dust Pumps and Fall Protection Equipment.

Carroll Technologies portfolio of products includes miner equipment and tracking, communications, monitoring, power distribution equipment, motor controls, electronics and a mine central communications centre. Carroll also provides factory authorised repair that meets MSHA specifications, as well as a range of rapid response safety components such as self-rescuers, hand held gas detectors, circuit breakers, cab lights, radios, atmospheric monitoring and tracking components.

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Leaky Feeder Amplifier: Improving Communications for Mining Operations

Atmospheric Monitoring Devices & Equipment for Mining

How Does a Leaky Feeder Amplifier Work?

A leaky feeder amplifier acts as an antenna for devices to receive a signal, and drastically expands the distance over which miners can communicate with each other.

This means a worker ten miles underground can easily speak to a colleague on the surface, using the antenna between them to connect the signal.

This is done via a stationary telephone console such as the Pyott Boone Electronics (PBE) 112 mine telephone, a two-way radio which can be integrated into a leaky feeder system.

This phone, which is distributed by leading mine safety equipment supplier Carroll Technologies Group, can be incorporated into PBE’s fourth generation of leaky feeder technology.

This incorporates systems such as proximity alerts, gas monitoring, as well as both text and voice communication into the leaky feeder amplifier system, improving safety throughout an operation as notice of emergency can be passed through the site more efficiently.

Leaky feeder systems require an amplifier to expand their reach PBE’s bidirectional line amplifier 4 (BDA-4) maintains signal levels throughout a leaky feeder system, and can be used as a tag reader, modem or gateway. It incorporates SAW filter design to increase bandwidth and provide solid and consistent RF performance.

BDA-4 supports voice and data transmission, with wireless tracking interconnectivity and wires interconnectivity on select models.

The device also is designed to adjust to the radio signal it receives accordingly to minimise the risks of noise degradation, with three multi-platform communications adapter slots which allow it to adapt to multiple leaky feeder systems.

The BDA-4 also provides both remote and local diagnostics to indicate the current state of the amplifier for ease of maintenance.

24/7 Support and Customer Care

Carroll Technologies Group representatives are always on hand, through either a scheduled visit or via a phone call to one of its expert MinerCare operatives, to provide all necessary repairs and technical support a customer of theirs may need on their leaky feeder amplifier.

MinerCare support is available 24/7, meaning there’s always a helping hand available for customers of Carroll, even during a late-night shift.

The brand prides itself on fostering a healthy working relationship with its clients, meaning when you buy a Carroll Technologies product, you aren’t just investing in a device that will serve you here and now but in your business’ future.

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The Importance of Effective Breathing Air Systems in Mining and Underground Environments

brattice ventilation curtains for mining

Why Are Air Filtration and Dust Collection Systems Needed?

Dust emissions pose a threat to workers, as well as the efficient functioning of equipment and processes, so effective breathing air systems for confided spaces are a must for any mining operation.

Air filtration systems capture dust particles, significantly increasing the quality of air. Additionally, collecting dust reduces the amount of mining throughput that may be lost during operations. Up to 1% is lost during cement installations, meaning seven tonnes would be lost every hour at a 700TPH quarry.

How to Choose the Right Breathing Air System for Your Operations

There are a number of areas throughout a mining system where dust is generated, including crushers, conveyor belt transfer points, truck dumps, bin filling stations and transport loading.

Air filtration is needed in these areas to capture lost throughput, but it is also essential when these areas are in confined spaces to protect mining workers well-being.

When choosing where to locate filtration systems/dust collectors, operators can choose between close to the primary source (any of the above locations where materials are dropped to generate dust) or a central location, to which dust will be diverted for filtration.

Operators must take into account that dust particles generated during mining operations can be extremely abrasive and cause damage to filters if using a central filtration system.

When choosing their dust collecting system, air patterns and velocity, as well as dust distribution, must be taken into consideration.

Collected dust must be removed at regular intervals to prevent blockages, secondary dust emissions and damage to equipment.

Additionally, central systems will rely on hoppers and ducting to divert air to the system from the dust generating source.

Source locations pose other potential issues. Water and oil may be present in dust if the filter is close to operating equipment. Consequentially, to avoid filter abrasion, breathing air filters should be placed as far from the equipment as possible to avoid unnecessarily high dust loading.

Donaldson Dust Collectors

Donaldson manufactures a number of breathing air and dust collection systems for confined spaces.

Donaldson Torit advanced-technology cartridge dust collectors and filters are optimized for industrial dusts. They are primarily used in the pharmaceutical, chemical, bulk powder, food and metal sectors.

The Downflo Evolution (DFE) dust collector is an industry-leading piece of equipment, which will significantly reduce the size and quantity of filtration machinery that is required by up to 40%.

The company’s Torit PowerCore dust collection technology uses proprietary Ultra-Web nano-fiber technology. This requires a much smaller and more efficient filter, taking up less space on location. Despite its small size, this filter can handle high air flow and abrasive dust particles.

Donaldson offers a comprehensive range of efficient and robust baghouse collectors, including the Dalamatic, Unimaster and Syvac.

The automatic Dalamatic is a reverse-jet fabric filter dust collector. It can be used for continuous process applications that involve heavy-duty product recovery, which produce large concentrations of dust.

The compact Modular Baghouse dust collector is a dependable system supplying continuous-duty, pulse-jet operation.

Donaldson works with a global network to provide industry-leading filtration solutions to its customers.

Carroll Technologies distributes these safety-assured breathing air filters and dust collectors to the mining industry as part of its manufacturer network of more than 70 companies across the globe.

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Mining Rescue Packs & Equipment: Protecting Your Underground Workers

Self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR), for example, are used by workers in mining and tunneling operations. This type of mining rescue equipment provides users with oxygen when it becomes insufficient in the atmosphere or the breathing environment is hazardous.

There are two forms of rescue packs; respirators, which oxidise carbon monoxide, and oxygen sources, which comprise a chemical oxygen generator or a compressed oxygen cylinder.

Also known as emergency escape breathing devices (EEBD), mining rescue packs are essential to the safety of workers in the event of emergency incidents such as explosions, mine roof collapses or gas leaks.

Mining Hazards and Safety Advancements

Mining safety has advanced significantly in recent years, with developments in solutions such as early gas detections, air filters and refuge chambers; however rescue packs are still a necessary part of safety culture and the go to product when it comes to mine rescue equipment.

The primary cause of the release of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide in underground tunneling and mining operations, are explosions.

Following such an incident, it is imperative that workers have a safe oxygen source that can last for the duration that they are trapped underground with unsafe or insufficient air.

Carroll Technologies provides safety solutions to the mining industry worldwide, including a range of rescue pack equipment.

The W65 Self-Rescuer Respirator by MSA is a hands-free device that can provide the user with oxygen for up to four hours. It is simple to equip and contained in a hermetically sealed stainless steel case, which offers an in-service life of ten years.

Another certified manufacturer in Carroll Technologies’ distribution network is Ocenco, which specializes in reliable respiratory protection for the mining and tunneling industry, as well as for military, industrial and offshore applications.

Ocenco Respiratory Protection

Ocenco provides a range of rescue packs for the mining industry, namely the M-20 SCR, the M-20.3 CCER MINING, the EBA 6.5 SCR and the EBA-75 CCER.

The M-20 SCR is a belt-wearable SCSR designed for mining and tunneling operations. It is field proven and simple to use, and can be equipped in less than ten seconds to ensure that the user does not go without safe oxygen.

Ocenco’s M-20.3 closed-circuit escape respirator (CCER) is a compressed oxygen delivery system that automatically activates when removed from its case, which is clear to enable visual assessment of operational readiness.

Users can inhale from the device immediately after it is equipped, providing up to 100 liters of oxygen flow during high work rates.

The self-contained EBA 6.5 is a closed circuit breathing system that uses compressed oxygen instead of generating oxygen from chemicals.

This piece of apparatus also has a clear case for visual inspection and a demand regulator for immediate inhalation. The oxygen valve can be manually adjusted and provides the user with up to eight hours of respiratory protection.

The EBA-75 is a CCER. It also comprises a clear case, immediate inhalation properties and 100 liters of oxygen flow. It offers a user-at-rest procedure than provides trapped miners with respiratory protection for up to 6.5 hours.

Carroll Technologies distributes Ocenco products and a whole host of other mining rescue equipment across North America, including 800 mining and tunneling sites across the continent.

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Providing Public Safety DAS Systems in Tennessee and Across North America

Depending on the State, these systems must comply with its jurisdiction’s safety regulations. Tennessee requires full compliance with IFC and NFP codes of practise.

DAS or Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) technology is used in large buildings and facilities, as well as underground structures such as tunneling operations.

These communication systems amplify radio frequency signals to notify first responders, including medical, fire and police services, in the case of an emergency.

Carroll Technologies, leading provider of mining and tunneling equipment, now provide a range of essential public safety DAS systems in Tennessee and across the US.

How Do DAS Systems Work?

Distributed antenna systems (DAS) boost radio frequency across a network of antenna nodes using a bi-directional amplifier.

Originating from the donor antenna, the distributed antenna network is dispersed across a large building or facility to ensure that RF coverage is provided wherever it is needed.

There are two types of DAS systems; active and passive.

An active system distributes the signal via a fiber optic cable to remote units which then pass the signal on to the antennas to boost signals across the required route.

A passive system comprises a bi-directional amplifier, coax, splitters and diplexers to carry the radio frequency signal.

Public Safety DAS Systems in Tennessee

Public safety DAS systems ensure that first response emergency services can maintain clear and reliable communication with public-use facilities or working locations, including mining and tunneling sites.

ERRC/DAS technology enables emergency responders to communicate with each other to collaborate and provide an efficient and unified service in the case of fires, security threats or an emergency.

The National Fire Protection Association (NTFPA), International Fire Code (IFC) and Tennessee Government have building codes in place to ensure that DAS systems keep in line with safety regulations.

DAS Technology Provided by Carroll

Carroll Technologies is a supplier of mining safety equipment across North America. The company provides a number of safety certified DAS systems from its distribution network of manufacturers, including G-Wave Solutions, SOLID, Wilson Pro, SureCall and Pyott-Boone.

Carroll Technologies is also a leading provider of safety equipment for more than 800 mines in the United States.

Its diverse range of communication solutions supports operations across the mining, tunneling and construction industries.

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Key Tunnel Safety Systems for Mining Personnel

Improving Tunnel Safety Systems with Breathing Equipment

It might sound obvious, but workers need enough oxygen to breath in tunnels and should be equipped to handle any drop in levels.

Going without oxygen for as little as half a minute can cause someone to fall unconscious. This becomes even more dangerous if workers are operating vehicles or heavy machinery while underground, so being aware of and taking the necessary health and safety precautions in tunneling is vital.

Working in tunnels can also expose workers to poisonous gases. Harmful substances can be quickly released during operations.

Adding to this, the lower pressures and lack of fresh air underground can make gases such as methane explosive.

Temperatures in tunnels also need to be kept in check. Working in conditions that are too hot can increase personnel fatigue.

Self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR) can provide workers with enough air to breath in the event of low oxygen levels or when air is contaminated.

Carroll’s W65 Self-Rescuer Respirator purifies the air for the wearer, with the mask and nose-clip offering protection from carbon monoxide and other toxic substances that may be released.

It has the capacity to provide the wearer with up to four hours of clean air, which should be enough time for them to get to safety in an emergency or call for assistance.

Another tunnelling safety option from Carroll is Ocenco’s Self Rescuer range. What makes these units different from other solutions on the market is that they use pure oxygen instead of chemical-based substances.

Unlike chemical-based solutions, Ocenco’s Self Rescuer units can be repaired and used again. This ensures a 15-year service-life, eliminating the need to buy as many replacements. Their robustness has been proven not just in mines, but also in military operations.

Oceano’s EBA 6.5 SCSR is able to deliver pure oxygen for an hour, which is of particular use for injured personnel during medical emergencies.

In addition, the more compact M-20 SCSR can provide pure oxygen for a slightly shorter period of 20 minutes. Both of these units are approved by the MSHA.

The EBA 6.5 can be stored in caches, so does not need to be continuously worn. Units should be placed strategically throughout the mine so workers know where they are and are able to get to them should an emergency arise.

How Communication Affects Tunnel Safety Systems

Something as simple as communication can also make a big difference to safety.

Equipment such as underground telephones and radios can both protect workers and increase operations efficiency. Underground workers are able to communicate with each other, as well as colleagues working at ground level offices or further afield.

If any problems are encountered in tunnels, workers can alert colleagues above ground to receive support or advice.

Carroll offers an extensive portfolio of underground radios such as Kenwood’s NEXEDGE model, which has been designed to operate in the adverse conditions encountered at mines.

The NEXEDGE also features a long battery-life and GPS, meaning that workers’ movements can be tracked so their whereabouts are known at all times. Other worker tracking systems are also available from Carroll.

When it comes to underground telephones, Carroll stocks a number of models from Pyott-Boone Electronics. Not only do they provide clear communications, but they have also been built to withstand the adverse conditions encountered during underground tunnelling operations.

Effective communication also reduces the chances of a potentially fatal underground collision between vehicles and workers.

Figures from the US Mine Safety and Health Administration revealed that seven workers deaths in 2018 were caused by a collision with a vehicle. Risks can be reduced further with proximity monitoring solutions.

Whatever the safety requirements for tunnelling, Carroll Technologies Group will be able to provide expert advice on solutions that meet the demands.

Key tunnel safety systems for mining personnel available from Carroll Technologies include:

Read more: Mining Risks and Hazards

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Quality Mining Lights, Headlamps & Cap Lights for Underground Workers

Mine cap lights are cordless, hands-free LED lighting solutions. In addition to providing a light source, mining helmets require workers to keep their head protection on at all times, protecting the wearer from falling debris or low hanging ceilings.

Miner cap lights and mining headlamps

This lighting solution makes for a more efficient alternative to hand-held flashlights or expensive fixed lighting throughout the tunnel.

The light source is either fixed or adjustably attached to a safety helmet, which underground workers can comfortably wear as they work.

How Mining Lights Effect Tunnelling Operations

Installing fixed lighting not only takes time, but can prove to be an unnecessary expense. It also reduces flexibility if the range of the available light source does not cover where the workers need to see.

While hand-held flashlights provide this portable flexibility, they are also cumbersome, and may reduce overall productivity.

Having come a long way since Davy lamps, the mining industry relies on mining cap lights to traverse dark underground environments.

Workers are granted more flexibility and can light any area with just a turn of their head. As a lighting solution, it is more cost-effective, work-efficient and safer than its alternatives.

Mining Lights, Headlamps & Cap Lights Available From Carroll Technologies

Carroll is a supplier of electronic services for the mining industry and has served more than 800 mines across North America.

The company distributes MSHA approved mining lights and lighting solutions from Northern Lights Technologies and currently offers two mine cap light options.

The Polaris NLA0M1 and NLA0M3 both provide 12-40 hours of LED lighting, using a high-capacity lithium ion battery, which recharges in ten hours. This long battery life ensures that workers do not need to recharge the mining headlamp during a shift, eliminating the need to carry external battery packs. They are also housed in a sturdy plastic casing to protect the equipment from dust, water and debris.

 

NLA0M1 Polaris Cordless Cap Lamp

NLA0M3 Polaris Cordless Cap Lamp

 

Whereas the Polaris NLA0M1 comes equipped with a fixed clip, the NLA0M3 mining helmet light is adjustable. Both weigh just 6oz and have an operating ambient temperature of 0°C to 60°C.

The miners cap lights provide a typical luminance of 6,500LUX, and guarantee a minimum of 5,000LUX. This makes these lighting solutions the most powerful miners headlamps available on the market, even when up against other quality products like Koehler mining lights.

As well as making underground workers’ jobs easier, these bright LED lights are also essential to safety, with a flashing beacon mode that can be engaged in case of an emergency.

Carroll also sell the Rebel and Genesis series, the latter of which incorporates a tracking tag to locate personnel. All three models provided by Carroll can be fitted with fixed or adjustable clips.

Customers can reach Carroll Technologies Group through its 24/7 MinerCare team, which comprises industry-leading experts. Products are shipped from its 13 distribution centres across North America.