ACARP ACARP ACARP ACARP
Underground

Alternate Approach To Intrinsically Safe System Certification

Underground » Detection and Prevention of Fires and Explosions

Published: November 04Project Number: C12023

Get ReportAuthor: Andre De Kock, Jill Stuthridge | Simtars

The aim of this project was to determine the research needs of the industry with regard to the testing and certification of intrinsically safe equipment. By identifying the actual needs, the submission of future research projects can be coordinated and focused on a common goal.

In order to obtain a truly representative input to the project, the industry groups targeted were; mines in Queensland and New South Wales, Legislators in New South Wales and Queensland, manufacturers of coal mining related equipment and Testing Stations. Input from the different groups was collated making use of an adapted Delphi method. The Delhi method allows a geographically dispersed group to be covered without the cost associated with travel. The method allowed the research team to tap into an excess of 400 man-years of experience, in establishing the research needs with regard to Intrinsic Safety.

Three key areas have been identified which need to be addressed:

  • The first is a lack of knowledge with regard to Intrinsic Safety. This covers all areas, from the basic principles, to the use of entity parameters in the configuration of systems. Methods of obtaining information as well as the transfer thereof will have to be investigated. It would be of benefit if some 'technology pushed' research, eg the use of a PC to replace the Spark Test Apparatus is conducted, as it would assist in highlighting what could be achieved.
  • The second area that needs addressing is the use of a PC in the testing of equipment for intrinsically safe approval.
  • The third key area to be addressed directly relates to the testing of equipment. A more consultative process is required at the start of the testing procedure. Testing Stations should consider providing a guide to clients of what is required - as a first pass. Additional information beyond the Standards to be used should be identified before testing commences. An additional point that needs addressing is the perception that the different Testing Stations conduct testing to differing Standards and rules.

Underground

Health and safety, productivity and environment initiatives.

Recently Completed Projects

C34019Longwall Bretby Cable Handling Monitoring With Fibre Optics

This project examined the potential of using fibre optic sensing tec...

C27049Mine Machine Radar Sensor Integration

The aim of this project was to develop an integrated radar sensor an...

C29007Innovative Coal Burst System To Investigate The Influence Of Confinement Loss And Pre-Conditioning On Coal Burst Mechanism

The challenges associated with designing and operating a safe and pr...

Underground

Open Cut

Safety, productivity and the right to operate are priorities for open cut mine research.

Recently Completed Projects

C33035High Water Recovery, Low Cost Desalination Using PV-Powered Membrane Capacitive Deionisation (Mcdi)

Capacitive deionization is a robust, energy efficient and cost effec...

C28035Topsoil Deficits In Site Rehabilitation Accelerated Transformation Of Spoils To Functional Soils

The incorporation of commercial biological amendments (compost, worm...

C34036Tyre Handler Testing Rig Stage 2: Lifting Trials

Tyre handling is a major source of risk in surface mining operations...

Open Cut

Coal Preparation

Maximising throughput and yield while minimising costs and emissions.

Coal Preparation

Technical Market Support

Market acceptance and emphasising the advantages of Australian coals.

Recently Completed Projects

C34060In-Situ Investigation Of Coke Structure Formation Under Stamp Charged Coking Conditions

Stamp charged cokemaking has emerged as an effective technique to im...

C34062Improving The Classification Of Microstructure Distribution In Coke CT Images Using Deep Learning And Lineal Path Calculations

This project builds on a number of earlier projects that have helped...

C29071Source Of Variability Of Reactivity Of Coke In The CSR Test

The Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) test is used worldwide to det...

Technical Market Support

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from the production of coal.

Recently Completed Projects

C28076Selective Absorption Of Methane By Ionic Liquids (SAMIL)

This third and final stage of this project was the culmination of a ...

C29069Low-Cost Catalyst Materials For Effective VAM Catalytic Oxidation

Application of ventilation air methane (VAM) thermal oxidiser requir...

C23052Novel Stone Dust Looping Process For Ventilation Air Methane Abatement

This multi‐phase project is concerned with the mitigation of m...

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Low Emission Coal Use

Step-change technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Recently Completed Projects

C17060BGasification Of Australian Coals

Four Australian coals were trialled in the Siemens 5 MWth pilot scale ga...

C17060AOxyfuel Technology For Carbon Capture And Storage Critical Clean Coal Technology - Interim Support

The status of oxy-fuel technology for first-generation plant is indicate...

C18007Review Of Underground Coal Gasification

This report consists of a broad review of underground coal gasification,...

Low Emission Coal Use

Mining And The Community

The relationship between mines and the local community.

Recently Completed Projects

C16027Assessing Housing And Labour Market Impacts Of Mining Developments In Bowen Basin Communities

The focus of this ACARP-funded project has been to identify a number...

C22029Understanding And Managing Cumulative Impacts Of Coal Mining And Other Land Uses In Regions With Diversified Economies

The coal industry operates in the context of competing land-uses that sh...

C23016Approval And Planning Assessment Of Black Coal Mines In NSW And Qld: A Review Of Economic Assessment Techniques

This reports on issues surrounding economic assessment and analysis ...

Mining And The Community

NERDDC

National Energy Research,Development & Demonstration Council (NERDDC) reports - pre 1992.

Recently Completed Projects

1609-C1609Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

1301-C1301Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development...

Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development and Extraction Operations

0033-C1356Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals...

Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals - An Industry Handbook

NERDDC