Rajant and ESG Solutions join forces to transmit microseismic data for underground mining

Posted by Daniel Gleeson on September 9, 2021

Rajant Corporation, the Kinetic Mesh® wireless network provider, and ESG Solutions, a leading microseismic solution provider, say they have successfully completed testing with Rajant as the backbone to carry microseismic data to the surface.

Underground and surface mining customers could benefit from these developments, as the two companies begin deployment trials in October, the last step in the qualification process, they say.

ESG Technical Sales Advisor Tony Butler said: “Many mines are installing microseismic systems for monitoring rock bursts and for collecting data on microseismic events that can lead to a better understanding of the deformation of the rock. rock mass. ESG Solutions installs microseismic systems that rely on sensors (geophones and / or accelerometers) to record seismic waveforms digitized with our ESG Paladin® data acquisition units housed in junction boxes. Each Paladin unit must be precisely synchronized across the entire network for optimal determination of the location of seismic events. System data and synchronization signals are currently transmitted to and from Paladin units over fiber optic networks. To reduce initial system costs and ongoing maintenance of the fiber system, customers asked if it would be possible for our systems to operate on a wireless system.

According to Butler, the main obstacle to a wireless approach for microseismic monitoring has been the ability to provide precise synchronization of the seismic system between Paladin units.

“With Rajant Kinetic Mesh, we overcome the time synchronization problem with the 30 microsecond (+/- 10 microsecond) Precision Timing Protocol system synchronization for networked Paladins,” he said. “Together, we have demonstrated in the lab that Rajant and ESG can perform seven jumps through the kinetic mesh and maintain extremely precise synchronization of the system. “

This development will allow Rajant’s wireless network to be considered for monitoring the microseismic system in the field up to sampling rates of 10 kHz, explained Butler, with more than sufficient system timing accuracy. for the vast majority of microseismic systems installed which use geophones and / or accelerometers.

Darrell Gillis, Rajant Sales Director for Canada, added: “Rajant provides voice and data communications on the mine face. Deployed in over 230 of the world’s largest mines, Rajant’s fully mobile, self-contained V2X / M2M for underground mining eliminates the hassle of a voice-only leakage feeder with high-speed multi-radio connectivity. Next-generation technology, such as that provided by ESG, has critical requirements to function “no fiber required”. Rajant offers a robust, reliable and redundant alternative to fiber that is easy to install and maintain.

“Rajant supports very precise system synchronization, which is not possible with a Layer 3 solution, which makes Rajant Kinetic Mesh unique, not only for mining but for other IIoT applications, such as oil fields. and civil projects.