Motion Metrics trials technology underground

Motion Metrics’ technology, PortaMetrics™, is designed to analyse blasting results in opencast mines and quarries.

With its portable capabilities, PortaMetrics provides detailed rock fragmentation analysis of a desired scene in seconds. With much worldwide interest in underground applications, this November the PortaMetrics team headed to an underground mine in British Columbia to put the system to test.

PortaMetrics has not been trialled underground due to lack of lighting. The device does not incorporate its own lighting system and given poor lighting conditions underground, shadows have the potential to reduce accuracy. In the underground trial, portable LED flood lights are frequently used to light the underground tunnels. The same lights were used to test the system. Spaced several metres apart with the PortaMetrics device placed between the two, the tablet was able to capture a clear image, report accurate fragmentation results and remain unaffected by shadows.

The team found the LED lights proved successful in combination with the device and feel the results were very promising.

Going forward, the PortaMetrics team is working diligently to address specific underground concerns, including ensuring the device is water tight (as underground mines are often humid and damp), ensuring the device is intrinsically safe and adheres to underground explosive safety guidelines to ensure the device will not cause ignition and incorporating greater battery longevity.

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/product-news/27012016/motion-metrics-trials-technology-underground-121/