Who Should Attend?

This diploma in mining engineering would be ideal for you if you are seeking to get instrumentation know-how and expertise in the mining industry and are an: Instrument and process control technician or technologist; Instrument fitter; Mining engineering supervisor; Sales engineer; Chemical, mining or mechanical engineer; Electrical Engineers and Electricians; Maintenance Engineers and Supervisors; Design Engineers; Project Managers; Consulting Engineers, and recent graduate electrical, instrumentation or mechanical engineers. Even if you are highly experienced you will find this a great way to become familiar with mining engineering technology as quickly as possible.

 

Introduction

Mining equipment has come a long way since the days of mule-drawn carriages for haulage, and canaries or Davy lamps for safety.

In terms of high-voltage equipment, large AC and DC motors are still at the order of the day, but with increased sophistication. Load-haul-dump trucks operate in hazardous environments without a driver on board. Sophisticated Motor Control Centers now house Variable Speed Drives and soft-starters, and the motor control equipment is often networked via Ethernet.

It is, however, on the low-voltage side where the developments are almost breathtaking. In certain parts of the world all mines in the region are monitored centrally on a SCADA system, with backhauls (fiber and wireless) to all mines in the region, forming a large Wide Area Network.

At the mine sites Ethernet networks, both wired and wireless, are at the order of the day both above and below ground level. Leaky Feeder wireless systems are still to be found, but nowadays they support Ethernet and TCP/IP, making them suitable for voice and data. IEE802.11 wireless (a.k.a. Wi-Fi), suitably adapted for the mining environment, is making vast inroads into mining operations. Wi-Fi-based systems are used for both data and voice (VoIP), and with suitable Radio Frequency ID interfaces they also provide the infrastructure for monitoring personnel and vehicle movement. Some 802.11-based systems can even be configured in mesh topologies, delivering military-grade reliable communications between moving personnel and vehicles in an open mine environment.

Industrial field buses such as HART, AS-i, Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus and DeviceNet are widely used in the mining industry. As is the case with most other electronics, they are increasingly moving towards a co-existence with Ethernet, and augmentation with wireless. And, of course, some of them can perform safety functions as well as operate in intrinsically safe environments.

SCADA and distributed control is at the order of the day, and data from these systems are used as inputs to expert systems. These systems are used for various purposes such as providing data for optimized mine management, safety, and advanced process control. It is, in many cases, not even necessary for control room staff to understand anything about PID control in order to optimize a given control loop; the advanced process control system will heed their ‘operator’ inputs and optimize the process on their behalf.   

Personal safety has not lagged behind. For example, ground radar can detect sub-millimeter ground movements, UWB and Wi-Fi systems are teamed up to avoid collisions between people and vehicles, and integrated headlamps for miners not only have built-in radio communications facilities, but also Ultra-Low Frequency ground-to-surface pagers for emergency location.

So, in short, the mining industry is attracting the best of the best cutting-edge commercial and industrial electrical and electronics technologies. The question is…are you capable of dealing with it? Welcome to the EIT Advanced Diploma in Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering for Mining.

Course Content

The Diploma in Instrumentation is composed of 20 modules, covering 5 main streams: Power Engineering; Communications; Control; Analytics & Management Systems, and Safety. The modules will be completed in the following order;

1. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING DRAWINGS
2. ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION
3. CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND SWITCHGEAR
4. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
5. POWER SYSTEMS PROTECTION
6. MOTOR CONTROL
7. DATA COMMUNICATIONS
8. ETHERNET
9. TCP/IP AND VoIP
10. TERRESTRIAL MICROWAVE AND SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
11. LEAKY FEEDER SYSTEMS
12. WIRELESS LANs
13. WIRELESS MESH NETWORKS
14. FIELD BUSES
15. SCADA SYSTEMS AND OPC
16. PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS
17. PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS
18. DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEMS
19. ANALYTICAL AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
20. PERSONAL SAFETY SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

** A note regarding recognition of this course in the Australian education system: The EIT is the owner of this course. The course is officially accredited within the Australian Qualifications Framework by the Training Accreditation Council, and is approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for delivery by the EIT in all Australian states. The EIT delivers this course to students worldwide.

The Program

1. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING DRAWINGS

You Will Learn How To:

1. Read drawings for electrical and electronic schematic diagrams 

2. Use symbols to represent electrical and electronic devices schematically 

3. Plan and execute schematic drawings using universally understood conventions 

4. Make the best use of CAD packages and their extensions 

5. Manage a drawing office and organize suitable workflow procedures 

6. Carry out version control, storage and retrieval of CAD drawingsOverview
   Drawings are used to communicate and share information between different teams of engineers; the design engineer who conceptualizes equipment or systems, the production engineer who plans the steps in manufacturing the required components and subsystems, the assembly engineer who puts the components together, the testing engineer who tests the complete system, the installation engineer who installs the system or equipment and the maintenance engineer who is responsible for its upkeep. To all these individuals, with diverse backgrounds and expertise, a drawing should convey precise and identical information. This calls for standardized methodologies, conventions and approaches in preparing drawings. This module covers all these aspects with respect to engineering drawings in general and electrical drawings in particular. Various types of electrical drawings and their application, the steps in planning a drawing, selection of drawing size and scale, use of standardized symbols etc. are described in detail with commonly used examples from industry practice.

Practical Exercises
Interpret the drawing of a typical circuit breaker schematic
Represent the interlocking logic of a control schematic for a PLC
Plan and create a drawing for an analog circuit with CAD software (CircuitMaker)

Topic 1.1:
Introduction
Introduction to engineering drawings
Components of a drawing
Drawing sizes
Scales
Symbols

Topic 1.2:
Types of Diagrams
Single line and 3-line diagrams
Schematic diagrams
Logic diagrams
Cabling and wiring drawings
Layout drawings

Topic 1.3:
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
2D and 3D CAD applications
Symbols, attributes and symbol libraries
Automated Bill of Material generation from a CAD drawing
Concept of layers and their use in sharing information
Automation of drawing through programming
Linking imagery with drawings - GIS related applications
Management of drawings

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2. ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION

You Will Learn How To

1. Determine short-circuit ratings

2. Assess the influence of fault levels on switchgear ratings

3. Select the correct type of switchgear for a specific application

4. Recognise the different applications for various cable insulation types

5. Know when and how to use single-core cables vs. three-core cables

6. Specify correct power cable installation methods

7. Correctly utilise and protect power transformers

8. Assess and specify correct earthing/grounding throughout an electrical network

9. Determine the need for Power Factor Correction

Overview
Electricity distribution refers to the final stage in the delivery of electricity to end users. A distribution network carries electricity from the main transmission system, and delivers it to consumers. In general such a network includes medium-voltage (under 50 kV) power lines, electrical substations, pole-mounted transformers, low-voltage (under 1 kV) distribution wiring and, in some cases, electricity meters. This module will focus on the distribution systems for mines, both above and below ground.

Practical Exercises
Calculation of short-circuit currents
Selection of switchgear (case study)
Calculation of cable parameters with software (SolutionsElectrical)
Power factor calculations

Topic 2.1 Introduction to Power Distribution
Elements of a power distribution network
Fundamentals of power distribution
Basic design considerations
Voltage considerations and improvement of voltage conditions
Equipment generally used in power networks today
Short circuit current calculations

Topic 2.2 Switchgear and Cables
Medium Voltage Switchgear
Capabilities and ratings
Types of switchgear and applications
Insulation methods
Internal arc proofing
Protection relays
Power Cables
Insulation types and their applications
Cable losses and voltage drop
Cable ratings and short-circuits
Single-core vs. three-core cables
Mining cables
Installation, splicing and termination
Connectors

Topic 2.3 Transformers and Power Quality
Transformers
Classification and specifications
Connections and voltage taps
Transformer impedance
Insulation and cooling methods
Accessories and protection
Compensation and Power Factor Correction
Causes and effects of low power factor
Methods to improve power factor and benefits
Transients and capacitor switching
Resonance and harmonics
Protection of capacitor banks

Topic 2.4 Earthing/Grounding and Simulation
Earthing/Grounding
System and equipment earthing/grounding
Electrical safety earthing/grounding
Static earthing/grounding
Lightning protection
Ground resistance issues
Computer Simulation Software
Load flow studies
Fault level studies
Equipment sizing
Motor starting studies

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3. CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND SWITCHGEAR

You Will Learn How To

1. Selection appropriate types and ratings of switchgear

2. Draw up purchase specifications

3. Understand switchgear components (CTs, VTs, relays, cable terminations)

4. Adopt safe operational policies including safety rules and safety documents

5. Use diagnostic tools and test equipment

Overview
Switchgear plays an important role in electricity distribution and its performance significantly affects the overall performance of the system. Failure to efficiently disconnect faults elsewhere in the network or failure in switchgear itself is costly, resulting in additional loss of supply, damage to equipment. and possibly fatal injury to personnel. It is therefore critically important that switchgear is operated and maintained correctly, within an overall asset management regime that is both economic and effective in securing a high level of system reliability. This module focuses on medium voltage switchgear, which comprises by far the bulk of switchgear on most electricity distribution systems. The emphasis is primarily on oil, air blast, SF6 and vacuum circuit breakers, but other forms of MV switchgear, for example ring main units and auto-reclosers, will also be discussed.

Practical Exercises
Case study: Design of a 132 kV switchboard

Topic 3.1 Switchgear Basics
Principles of current interruption
HV fuses
Auto-reclosers
Circuit breaker types
Switchgear in association with disconnectors
Switchgear standards

Topic 3.2 Switchgear Rating and Specification
Switchgear ratings
Switchgear ancillaries, measurement CTs, VTs, relays
Cable terminations
Substation and switch room layouts and design
Testing methods

Topic 3.3 Safety and Operation
General safety precautions, safety rules and personnel authorization
Isolation in a circuit breaker context
Safety documentation
Safe working in a substation environment
Safety interlocks
Operation of modern switchgear: specific case studies
(Westinghouse, Magrini, Reyrolle Pacific, Sprecher+Schuh SF6, NEBB)

Topic 3.4 Asset Management, Diagnostics and Maintenance
Time and condition based asset management
Asset management systems
Switchgear diagnostics
Principles of circuit breaker maintenance
Maintaining oil circuit, vacuum and SF6 breakers

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4. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

You Will Learn How To

1. Create quality project plans

2. Generate effective work breakdown structures

3. Create PERT and GANTT charts and monitor your project effectively

4. Define appropriate cost reporting mechanisms for your projects

5. Define, analyse and manage the risks associated with your projects

6. Introduce appropriate quality management procedures

7. Keep your projects on track using Earned Value Analysis

8. Exercise an appropriate leadership style and keep team members creative and motivated

9. Avoid the pitfalls caused by a lack of understanding of relevant legal issues

Overview
More and more engineering and technical professionals are making career transitions from product design into project management. This, however, requires formal training and a willingness to learn new skills. All the technical know-how in the world will not deliver a project successfully, i.e. with the required level of quality, within cost constraints and on time, without proper project management skills. Unfortunately very few engineering professionals have any degree of formal project management training, which results in a great deal of personal stress as well as cost blowouts and other woes, too often cited in the media. The lack of training often applies to the 'people skills' required for effectively leading the project team as well. To address this problem, these topics will focus on the critical project related activities such as work breakdown, scheduling, cost control and risk management and show how these can be performed with software to lighten the project manager's workload. The 'soft' (but equally important) aspects such as team leadership and contract law are also covered. All topics will be

supplemented with practical exercises focusing primarily on the areas of electrical/electronic (including instrumentation) and mechanical engineering within the mining industry.

Practical Exercises
Create Work Breakdown Structure
Schedule project (Pert and Gantt)
Perform cost estimation and statistical contingency analysis (Monte Carlo) 
Perform Earned Value Analysis on project

Topic 4.1 Fundamentals and Time Management
Project organizations, life cycle and phases
Success criteria and critical success factors
Work Breakdown Structures
Precedence method of project network analysis
Project schedules (PERT/GANTT charts)
Resource allocation, analysis and levelling
Progress monitoring and reporting

Topic 4.2 Cost and Risk Management
Cost estimating
Budgeting
Financial and change control
Cost reporting and variance analysis
Value management
Risk identification
Risk analysis methods
Risk assessment, treatment and monitoring

Topic 4.3 Quality and Cost Management                                                        
Quality systems
Project quality assurance
Preparation of inspection and test plans
Earned Value Management
Budgeted vs. actual costs
Cost and schedule variances
Cost and schedule performance indices
Final project costs

Topic 4.4 Project Team Management and Contract Law
Situational leadership
Organisation and project team cultures
Teams: motivating factors
Authority and power of the project manager
Essential elements of contracts
Factors destroying the legal force of contracts
Termination of contracts
Breach of contracts and liquidated damages

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5. POWER SYSTEMS PROTECTION

You Will Learn How To

1. Explain the operation of fuses, current and voltage transformers, circuit breakers, tripping batteries and relays

2. Use the abovementioned devices for the protection of feeder lines, transformers, busbars, switchgear, motors, generators and overhead lines

3. Identify the additional challenges posed by underground mining operations

Overview
Power system protection is a branch of electrical power engineering that deals with the protection of electrical power systems from faults, through the isolation of faulted parts, from the rest of the electrical network. The objective of a protection scheme is to keep the power system stable by isolating only the components that are under fault, whilst leaving as much of the network as possible still in operation. Thus, protection schemes must apply a very pragmatic and pessimistic approach to clearing system faults. For this reason, the technology and philosophies utilized in protection schemes can often be old and well-established because they must be very reliable. This unit will primarily deal with more established methods of protecting motors, generators, switchgear and transformers.

Practical Exercises
Power system simulation with software (ETAP/SKM)
Calculation of fault currents
Selection of current transformers for over-current protection and differential protection

Topic 5.1 Protection Systems Part I
The need for protection
Fault types and their effects
Simple calculation of short circuit currents
System earthing/grounding
Protection system components

Topic 5.2 Protection Systems Part II
Instrument transformers
Circuit breakers
Tripping batteries
Relays
Applications co-ordinated by time grading

Topic 5.3 Protection Systems Part III
Underground mine distribution protection
Principles of unit protection
Feeder protection
Transformer protection
Switchgear (busbar) protection

Topic 5.4 Protection Systems Part IV
Motor protection
Generator protection
Overhead line protection
Management of protection

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6. MOTOR CONTROL

You Will Learn How To

1. Specify protection requirements for motors

2. Maintain electrical motors

3. Specify speed control requirements for motors

4. Understand essentials of motors and drives

5. Detail the main issues with testing of motors

6. Prevent, or at least minimize, motor bearing failure

7. Troubleshoot and fix faults on motors and drives

8. Interface control circuits of motors with PLCs/DCSs

9. Reduce downtime on electrical motors

10. Improve plant safety

11. Improve plant throughput

12. Reduce your spares usage and requirements

Overview
It is estimated that electrical drives and other rotating equipment consume about 50% of the total electrical energy consumed in the world today. The cost of maintaining electrical motors can be a significant amount in the budget item of manufacturing and mining industries. This module will give you a thorough understanding of electrical motor protection, control and maintenance and provide you with the tools to maintain and troubleshoot electrical motors. You will gain a fundamental understanding of the protection, control and maintenance of electric motors and drives. Typical applications of electric motors in mining, manufacturing, materials handling and process control will be covered in detail.

Practical Exercises
AC motor control simulation (remote labs)
DC motor control simulation (remote labs)
Motor drive simulation (remote labs)

Topic 6.1 AC Motors
Fundamentals of 3-phase AC motors
3-Phase induction motor construction and ratings
Squirrel cage
Wound rotor
3-Phase synchronous motor construction and ratings
Mining applications

Topic 6.2 DC Motors
Fundamentals of DC motors
DC motor construction and ratings
Brushed
Brushless  
Mining applications

Topic 6.3 Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
Basic concept
Mechanical, hydraulic and electrical VSDs
Power electronic converters
Electrical protection of VSD components
VSD control systems

Topic 6.4 Other Control Methods and Drive Components
Gearboxes
Brakes
Motor control
Phase vector drives
Direct torque controllers
SCR (thyristor) drives
PWM (chopper) drives
Ward-Leonard control
Motor Control Centers (MCCs)

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7. DATA COMMUNICATIONS

You Will Learn How To

1. Describe the OSI and TCP/IP protocol stack models, and how they relate to each other as well as to the various wired and wireless communication technologies covered in this course

2. Perform basic troubleshooting on RS-232 and RS-485

3. Explain the difference between synchronous and asynchronous communication

4. Explain the basics of protocols

5. Perform basic protocol analysis on serial data communication systems

6. Describe the advantages, disadvantages and application of the various conductive media (copper and fiber)

Overview
This module introduces the 7-layer OSI and 4-layer TCP/IP models as overall frameworks in which to appraise all available wired and wireless communication technologies. It also describes the various conductive media (copper and fiber) that underpin these frameworks.

In addition, it describes some of the more common ‘Layer 1’ technologies such as RS-232 and RS-485. It also introduces the concept of protocols, their functionality, and their relationship with the OSI model. These protocols include asynchronous character-based (ASCII) protocols, asynchronous hexadecimal protocols and synchronous hexadecimal protocols.

Practical Exercises
RS-232 simulation and protocol analysis (Remote Lab)
RS-485 2-Wire and 4-Wire simulation (Remote Lab)
Fiber optic link design

Topic 7.1 Data Communication Basics
The 7-layer OSI and 4-layer TCP models
Standards and regulatory bodies
Number systems
Encoding vs. modulation
Physical vs. logical channels
Full vs. half-duplex

Topic 7.2 Wired Serial Communication Standards
Synchronous vs. asynchronous operation
RS-232
RS-422/423/485
4-20 mA
Bell-202

Topic 7.3 Introduction to Protocols
Definition of a protocol
Protocols vs. the 4 and 7-layer reference models
Modbus
DNP3

Topic 7.4 Conductive Media
Copper
Coax
UTP/STP
Connectors
Fiber
Multi-mode fiber
Single-mode fiber
Connectors

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8. ETHERNET

You Will Learn How To

1. Distinguish between all the Ethernet variants

2. Choose the most appropriate variant for your application

3. Understand the issues addressed by ‘Industrial’ Ethernet

4. Select the correct hardware (e.g. switches) for your application

5. Design a basic Ethernet network

6. Perform basic troubleshooting on Ethernet

Overview
World-wide, and in virtually all industries, Ethernet has become the networking technology of choice. Mining is no exception and here Ethernet is increasingly to be found both above and below ground. It is being integrated with data as well as voice communications, and is even being integrated with Leaky Feeder and other wireless systems. It is even finding its way into Intrinsically Safe environments. This module takes an in-depth view at Ethernet, its method of operation, the various speed options and hardware components (switches, routers etc) and its application in the Mining industry.   

Practical Exercises
Design basic switched network (star)
Design basic switched Ethernet network with redundancy (ring)
Configure a managed Industrial switch (Remote Lab)
Capture packets and examine Ethernet headers (WireShark)

Topic 8.1 Legacy Ethernet
Ethernet II vs. IEEE 802.3
Variants (10Base5/2/T)
Medium Access Control (CSMA/CD)
MAC addresses
Frame format

Topic 8.2 Higher-speed Ethernet
Fast (100 Mbps) Ethernet variants
Gigabit Ethernet variants
Ten Gigabit Ethernet
Full-duplex and auto-negotiation

Topic 8.3 Networking Components
Repeaters/ hubs
Bridges/ switches
Routers/gateways
Terminal servers/ media converters
Switch applications
VLANs
QoS
Switched rings

Topic 8.4 Industrial Ethernet
Packaging
Cabling and connectors
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Intrinsically Safe Ethernet (IECEx.ia)
Determinism
Mining applications

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9. TCP/IP AND VoIP

You Will Learn How To

1. Perform IP configuration  on IP devices

2. Check TCP connections

3. Use TCP/IP utilities for troubleshooting

4. Use a protocol analyzer for troubleshooting

5. Explain the vasics of VoIP

Overview
The TCP/IP protocol suite was originally designed for what was to become the Internet, but it has since been embraced by Industry, world-wide, because of its open (non-proprietary) nature and its robustness. It is therefore also ubiquitous in the mining industry, both above and below ground and on wired as well as wireless systems. In addition, there has been a rapid convergence between conventional voice telephony systems and networking (such as TCP/IP over Ethernet), with the result that Voice over IP (VoIP) is becoming commonplace in mines.

Practical Exercises
IP configuration (IP addresses, Subnet Masks, Default Gateways)
Header analysis with Wireshark (IP/TCP/UDP)
Observation of TCP connection (Wireshark)
Use of built-in TCP/IP and Windows-based utilities (IP address and port scanners/trace utilities)
Troubleshooting/packet sniffing VoIP packets on a routed network (Remote Lab)

Topic 9.1 Internet Layer Protocols
IPv4
Header structure
Addressing concepts
Basic routing principles and NAT
ARP
ICMP
IPv6
Header structure
Addressing concepts

Topic 9.2 Transport Layer Protocols
TCP
Header structure
Ports and sockets
Connection setup and teardown
UDP

Topic 9.3 Application Layer Protocols and Utilities
FTP
HTTP
BootP
DHCP
Telnet
SSH and SSL
Utilities (ping, arp, tracert)

Topic 9.4 Voice over IP (VoIP)
Codecs
RTP and RTCP
H.323
MGCP and SIP
QoS issues
Mining applications

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10. TERRESTRIAL MICROWAVE AND SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

You Will Learn How To

1. Perform site selection based on given criteria

2. Generate terrain maps/path profiles (manually and online)

3. Determine mast/tower heights based on Fresnel Zone clearance

4. Calculate link power budgets

5. Select appropriate components (transceivers, antennas, etc)

6. Apply computer-based propagation models and network planners

7. Use this knowledge to design specific applications such as long-distance leased-line replacements, wireless Ethernet backhauls or wireless Ethernet bridges 

8. Use satellite services for communications in remote locations

Overview
Terrestrial microwave links, in either Point-to-Point (PtP) or Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) configurations, employ earth-based transmitters and receivers, and are frequently used to transmit signals in situations where it would be impractical to run cables. The frequencies used are typically in the 800 MHz-5 GHz range, although 60-80 GHz links for backhauls are not uncommon. This limits all communications to line-of-sight, with or without intermediate repeaters. In most cases the unlicensed ISM bands are used, which simplifies installation. However, the EIRP (Effective Isotropically Radiated Power) at the antenna is still regulated by the relevant body such as the FCC in the USA and ACMA in Australia. In mining applications, wireless links are often used between sites although satellite services might be required in locations where a terrestrial wireless infrastructure does not exist..

Practical Exercises
3D terrain mapping for given path (online or software)
Mast height determination
Complete link design, including antenna selection for;
- 2.4 GHz long-distance wireless Ethernet link
- 80 GHz Gigabit Ethernet wireless backhaul
- 60 GHz Gigabit Ethernet wireless inter-building bridge

Topic 10.1 Wireless Basics
Frequency bands and associated propagation methods
Spread Spectrum (FHSS, DSSS)
UWB
Amplitude Modulation (AM, SSB, DSB)
Phase modulation (PM, BPSK, QAM)
Frequency modulation (FM, FSK)

Topic 10.2 Terrestrial Link Design|
Path profile and mast height calculation
Link budget
Availability vs. fade margin
Frequency and transmit power issues
Antenna and feeder choices

Topic 10.3 Terrestrial Applications
Point-to-Point vs. Point-to-Multi-Point considerations
Multiplexers
Wireless Ethernet modems
Wireless Ethernet range extenders
Telemetry
Wireless backhaul (linear and ring topologies)
Mining applications

Topic 10.4 Satellite Systems
Satellite basics
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)
Satellites for telemetry
Satellites for tracking
Satellites for communications
Mining applications

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11. LEAKY FEEDER SYSTEMS

You Will Learn How To

1. Explain the concept of Leaky Feeder operation

2. Select appropriate feeder cable

3. Design a basic Leaky Feeder system with commercially-available components

Overview
Leaky Feeder is a communications system used in underground mining and other tunnel environments. It consists of a coaxial cable run along passageways, which emits and receives radio waves. The cable is ‘leaky’ in that it has gaps its outer conductor along its entire length to allow signal to leak into or out of the cable. Because of this leakage, amplifiers are inserted at regular intervals to boost the signal back to operational levels. In recent years Leaky Feeder systems have been augmented with Ethernet, so that data and even voice (VoIP) can be accommodated.

Practical Exercises
Designing an underground Leaky Feeder system based on commercially-available components.

Topic 11.1 Leaky Feeder Theory
Leaky Feeder concept
Typical system specifications
Topologies
Leaky coax
System components

Topic 11.2 Leaky Feeder Implementation
VHF vs. UHF
Intrinsic Safety issues
Ethernet over Leaky Feeder
Voice and data over Leaky Feeder
Mining applications

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12. WIRELESS LANs

You Will Learn How To

1. Describe the inherent operating mechanism (frame structure, medium access control etc.) of IEEE 802.11 WLANs

2. Predict the performance of the various implementations in terms of raw and actual

3. data speeds

4. Compare various ‘Industrial WLAN’ offerings in the marketplace, and understand their differences from conventional WLANs

5. Design a basic industrial WLAN with Access Points and Clients, with or without redundancy considerations

6. Perform basic configuration of an industrial AP

Overview
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) links devices via a wireless infrastructure (typically one or more Access Points) and often provides a connection to the wider Internet through a router. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area whilst maintaining their connection to the network WLANs have become popular in the home due to ease of installation and the increasing popularity of laptop computers. In industrial applications they simplify the deployment of movable client devices (e.g. on fork-lift trucks in warehouses) and eliminate the need for costly wiring.

In mining applications WLANs are increasingly being deployed underground, and are used for data as well as voice management and other services such as RFID tagging for vehicle and personnel management. 

Practical Exercises
Setting up Industrial Access Point (AP) (remote lab)
Configuring two Industrial APs as a wireless bridge (remote lab)
Capturing packets ‘from the air’ with Wireshark
Design of mining WLAN with redundancy and fiber backhaul

Topic 12.1 WLAN Concepts
Access Points (APs)
Ad-hoc vs. Infrastructure mode
Basic and Extended Service Sets (BSSs, ESSs)
Wireless bridging
Client roaming (MAC-and IP-level)
Association and authentication
Distribution Systems

Topic 12.2 WLAN Standards/Amendments
Brief overview of the IEEE802.11 standards and amendments 
IEEE 802.11a
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n
Co-existence between ‘b’, ‘g’ and ‘n’

Topic 12.3 Industrial Wireless LANs
Industrial Access Points (APs) and Clients (ACs)
IEEE802.11h (Spectrum and Transmit Power Management Extensions)
Redundancy
Wired vs. wireless backhaul/distribution systems
Mining application areas
Commercially available WLAN systems for mining

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13. WIRELESS MESH NETWORKS

You Will Learn How To

1. Explain the basics of mesh networks in general

2. Explain the specifics of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) based mesh networks

3. Compare commercially-available wireless mesh solutions for mining applications

Overview
A Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) is a communications network made up of wireless nodes organized in a mesh topology, and can be seen as a special type of wireless 'ad hoc' network.  WMNs usually consist of mesh clients, mesh routers and gateways. The mesh clients may include sensors, flow controllers, laptops, mobile phones and other wireless devices, depending on the application, while the mesh routers forward traffic to and from the gateways which may (optionally) connect to the Internet or to a larger wired network. The coverage area of the wireless nodes working as a single network is sometimes called a mesh cloud. A mesh network is reliable because of redundancy. All nodes communicate with each other directly or through intermediate nodes. When one node can no longer operate, the rest of the nodes will reconfigure around it, and still communicate with each other, directly or indirectly. Wireless mesh networks can be implemented with various wireless technologies including IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.4, or proprietary variations of the aforementioned. Recent years have seen more and more mesh systems in mining applications, especially on open mines.

Practical Exercises
Access to IEEE 802.15.4-based wireless  flow controller (remote labs)
Comparison of various IEEE 802.11 Industrial mesh implementations for mining applications
Configuration of security settings on IEEE 802.11 access Point  

Topic 13.1 Mesh Basics
Single radio mesh
Dual radio mesh
Multi-radio mesh
Bridging mesh with wired or wireless
Mesh routing algorithms
Gateways
IEEE802.11-based mesh

Topic 13.2 Mesh Implementations
Proprietary mesh implementations
Motorola
Cisco
Proxim
Strix
SmartMesh
Mini-mesh
Commercial and industrial applications

Topic 13.3 Wireless Security
Firewalls
VPNs
Authentication
Encryption
AES
SecNet 11

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14. FIELD BUSES

You Will Learn How To

1. Identify mining applications that can be automated with a field bus

2. Be aware of the pros and cons of the various field bus offerings

3. Select the most appropriate system for your application

4. Perform basic diagnostics on various field buses

Overview
Profibus is a standard for field bus communication in automation technology and was first promoted (in 1989) by the German Department of Education and Research. Profibus DP uses RS-485 or fiber optics at the Physical Layer, and Profibus PA. DeviceNet is a field bus used in the automation industry to interconnect control devices for data exchange. Typical applications include information exchange, safety devices, and large I/O control networks. The HART protocol (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer protocol) is a digital industrial automation protocol. It’s most notable advantage is that it can communicate over legacy 4-20 mA analog instrumentation wiring, sharing the pair of wires used by the older system. It uses Bell 202 signaling over a current loop. Foundation Fieldbus is an all-digital, serial, two-way communications system, similar to Profibus PA, that serves as the base-level network in a plant or factory automation  environment. All these systems are used in the Mining industry, and also perform safety functions.

Practical Exercises
Remote diagnostics on DeviceNet system (remote labs)
Remote diagnostics on WirelessHART device (remote labs)
Packet (telegram) diagnostics on Profibus simulator (remote labs)

Topic 14.1 HART
What is a field bus?
Field bus standards
HART
The HART concept
Media, Physical layer and topologies
Mining applications
Actuator Sensor-interface (AS-i)
The HART concept
Media, Physical layer and topologies
Mining applications

Topic 14.2 DeviceNet
Media
Supported topologies
Physical layer implementation
Message structure
Medium access control
Device power
Mining applications

Topic 14.3 Profibus DP/PA
Media
Supported topologies
Physical layer implementation
Message structure
Medium access control
Device power
Mining applications

Topic 14.4 Foundation Fieldbus
Media
Supported topologies
Physical layer implementation
Message structure
Medium access control
Device power
Mining applications

Topic 14.5 Ethernet, Wireless and Safety on Field Buses
Ethernet-based field buses
Ethernet/IP
ProfiNet
Foundation Fieldbus HSE
Wireless extensions to field buses
WirelessHART
Wireless Profibus
Wireless DeviceNet
Safety systems
DeviceNet Safety
ProfiSafe
Mining applications

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15. SCADA SYSTEMS AND OPC

You Will Learn How To

1. Design a basic SCADA system

2. Choose a suitable WAN link from your local Service Provider

3. Choose an appropriate device for your SCADA data acquisition

4. Integrate OPC with your SCADA application

Overview
SCADA has traditionally been used to create a window into the process of a plant, or to gather data from devices in the field, but now the focus is on integrating this process data into the actual business, and using it in real time. The current emphasis is on using open communication protocols such as IEC 60870, DNP3 and TCP/IP, and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software to keep the costs down. This module covers four major aspects of SCADA, namely (1) the overall SCADA system design, (2) the long-distance WAN links that convey data from the point of acquisition to the central station, (3) the systems and methods of remotely acquiring plant data, and (4) OPC, which is increasingly used in SCADA applications.

Practical Exercises
Design of a SCADA system architecture
Setting up an OPC Data Access server
Using OPC to access SCADA system data
Using OPC to build simple SCADA Human-Machine Interface

Topic 15.1 SCADA Basics
SCADA hardware
SCADA software
Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
SCADA networking
Typical SCADA system topologies
Good practice for SCADA networks

Topic 15.2 Wide Area Network (WAN) Technologies
Landlines
Digital hierarchies, T1 and E1
X.25
Frame Relay
ATM
SDH/Sonet

Topic 15.3 Data Acquisition
Data acquisition devices
SDI-12
Linking data acquisition devices to the central station
Signal sources
Signal conditioning
Digital I/O
Analog I/O

Topic 15.4 OPC
The role of OPC in SCADA systems
DCOM infrastructure
(dot) NET infrastructure
OPC specification structure
Legacy specifications: DA and AE
Unified Architecture (UA)
Typical OPC applications

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16. PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

You Will Learn How To

1. Tune PID control loops

2. Connect cascade loops

3. Explain cascade loops and feed-forward control

4. Correct long dead-times in a loop

5. Specify and design the analog loop requirements for a plant using PID control

6. Identify and apply the essential building blocks in automatic control

7. Explain concepts used by major process control equipment vendors

Overview
To succeed in process control, a designer must first establish a good understanding of the process to be controlled. Since we do not wish to become too deeply involved in the process itself, we need to find a way of simplifying the representation of the process. This is done by adopting a technique of block diagram modeling of the process.

All processes have some basic characteristics in common and, if we can identify these, the job of designing a suitable controller is relatively easy. The trick is to make a reasonably accurate mathematical model of the process and use this model to find out what typical control actions we can use to make the process operate at the desired conditions.

The first part of this module deals with the modeling process, resulting in a system block diagram. From this analytical result an accurate selection of the type of measuring transducer as well as the final control element can be made. The rest of the module deals with other aspects of  Process Control, namely the controller(s), functions, actions and reactions, function combinations and various modes of operation.

Practical Exercises
Various control simulations using PC-ControLAB software. These include:
Introduction to basic open loop control
Introduction to basic closed loop control
Proportional (P) control
Integral (I) control
Proportional and Integral (PI) control
Derivative (D) control
Introduction to stability aspects
Identification of process characteristics
Tuning of open loop control systems
Tuning of closed loop control systems
Cascade control
Dead-time compensation in feedback control

Topic 16.1 Process Control I
Basic definitions and terms used in process control
Process modeling
Process dynamics and time constants
Proportional, integral and derivative control modes
Process management and transducers
‘Smart transmitters’

Topic 16.2 Process Control II
Basic principles of control valves and actuators
Fundamentals of control systems
On-off control
Modulating control
Open loop control
Closed control loop
Stability and control modes of closed control loops

Topic 16.3 Process Control III
Digital control principles
Proportional control
Integral control
Derivative control
Real and ideal PID controllers
Tuning of PID controllers in both open and closed loop

Topic 16.4 Process Control III
Process diagrams
Concepts and applications of feed-forward control
Combined feedback and feed-forward control
Long process dead-time in closed loop control and the Smith predictor
Basic principles of Fuzzy Logic and Neural Networks
Self-tuning Intelligent Control and statistical process control
Advanced Process Control (APC) in the mining industry

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17. PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS

You Will Learn How To

1. Specify PLC hardware and installation criteria

2. Describe PLC software structure

3. Write medium-level PLC programs (using ladder logic)

4. Troubleshoot a typical PLC system

5. Specify PLC systems

Overview
This module provides up-to-date information on the application of PLCs to the automation and process control of plants and factories. It is suitable for people who have little or no previous exposure to PLCs, but expect to become involved in some or all aspects of PLC installation. You will receive practical advice from experts in the field in order to assist you to correctly plan, program and install a PLC with a shorter learning curve and more confidence. While the program is ideal for electricians, technicians and engineers who are new to PLCs, much of the content will be of value to those who already have some basic skills, but need a wider perspective for larger and more challenging tasks ahead. The accompanying material includes contributions from a number of experts and will become a valuable reference document in your work.

Practical Exercises
Various ladder logic programming exercises and simulations, including (but not necessarily limited to) the following:
Sequential startup
Multiple recipe sequences
Multiple step sequence with common timers
Split range valves
Valve limit switch monitoring

Topic 17.1 Introduction to the PLCs
Processors, power supplies and programming devices
Memory systems and I/O interaction
Digital I/O systems
Analog I/ O systems
Special function I/O and serial communication interfacing
Good installation practices

Topic 17.2 PLC Programming I
Data acquisition
Analog and digital control
Fault tolerance
Peripheral equipment
Operator interfaces

Topic 17.3 PLC Programming II
High Security PLC systems
Simulation and testing of systems
Best documentation practice
HMI (Human Machine Interface)

Topic 17.4
Electrical Design and Construction
Functional specification
System configuration
Installation and commissioning
Working examples of PLC programs
PLC applications in Mining

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18. DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEMS

You Will Learn How To

1. Understand the concept of distributed control

2. Identify the various components of a DCS system

3. Identify processes that lend themselves to DCS automation

4. Evaluate DCs offerings from the major vendors

5. Design a basic DCS system

Overview
DCS (Distributed Control System) is a broad term for a type of system used in a variety of industries to monitor and control distributed equipment. DCSs are used in manufacturing systems, processes, or any kind of dynamic system in which the controller elements are not centrally located but are distributed throughout the system. Each component sub-system is controlled by one or more controllers. The entire system of controllers is connected by networks for communication and monitoring. DCSs are very similar to SCADA systems except for the fact that the data processing in a SCADA system is usually centralized, and SCADA performs high-level (supervisory) control only. DCSs are widely used in the mining industry.

Practical Exercises
Case study: design a DCS for a given plant, using hardware from a selected vendor.

Topic 18.1 DCS Basics
What is distributed control
DCS vs. SCADA
DCS system components
Data communications for DCS
The basic controller
The operator interface

Topic 18.2 DCS Operation
Basic DCS controller configuration
Programming of DCS systems
DCS alarm system management
DCS reporting
DCS configuration
Advanced control strategies maintenance
DCSs for the Mining industry

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19. ANALYTICAL AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

You Will Learn How To

1. Become aware of state-of-the-art in analytical and management systems for the mining industry

2. Identify the most appropriate system for your requirements

Overview
The advent of expert systems and technologies such as GPS, WLANs, wireless mesh systems and RFID have enabled rapid strides in the development of systems that enhance safety and optimize mine productivity. Vehicles and individuals can now be tracked with pinpoint accuracy, while dangerous operations such as draglines and load-haul-dump can now be run without the presence of a human being. Expert systems can extract data from SCADA systems and make long-term mining optimization decisions. This module deals with current technology in this regard.   

Practical Exercises
Identification of commercially available systems in the following areas:
Mining robotics
Personnel tracking systems
Vehicle tracking systems
XRF analysis
Specialised mining software (simulation, modeling etc)

Topic 19.1 Mining Robotics Applications
Rock breaking
Shovel loading automation
Dragline automation
Load haul dump automation
Excavator guidance
Blast hole charging

Topic 19.2 Personnel, Vehicle and Asset Tracking Systems
UWB-based RFID tracking
Wi-Fi-based RFID tracking
GPS-based tracking
DGPS (differential GPS)-based tracking
On-board vehicle management systems
Software suites for asset, vehicle and personnel tracking/management

Topic 19.3 Specialised Instruments, Devices & Systems
Portable XRF analysers
Conveyor belt XRF analysers
Mine radar
Electronic detonators
Remote blasting systems
Automatic pH monitoring sytems

Topic 19.4 Specialised Software
Expert systems
Digital (3D) terrain imaging
Drilling/blasting software
Terrestrial communications modeling
Haulage fleet analysis
Dragline operations simulation
Longwall face configuration and cutting cycle analysis

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20. PERSONAL SAFETY SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

You Will Learn How To

1. Identify risk areas on both underground and open mines

2. Identify current equipment and devices addressing those issues.

Overview
Safety systems in mines have come a long way since the caged canary and the Davy safety lamp. This module gives an overview of current safety systems and devices.

Practical Exercises
Written assignment on commercially available mine safety devices and devices

Topic 20.1 Personal Safety
Ultra-Low Frequency (ULF) pagers
Integrated headlamps
Proximity detection (collision avoidance) systems
Gas detectors
Slope stability monitoring systems
Ventilation monitoring system

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The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) provides distance education to students located almost anywhere in the world – it is one of the very few truly global training institutes. Course fees are paid in a currency that is determined by the student’s location. A full list of fees in a currency appropriate for every country would be complex to navigate and, with today’s exchange rate fluctuations, difficult to maintain. Instead we aim to give you a rapid response regarding fees that is customised to your individual circumstances.

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Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) Advanced Diploma Course Payment Options

Three payment options are available for the Advanced Diploma courses;

OPTION 1 - PAY UPFRONT

Pay total amount upfront to receive a 5% reduction in fees.

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Pay in 6 equal instalments over 18 months. First payment at least two weeks before the course starts, then the remaining five every 3 months. Payment dates will be set ahead of time and provided at the start of the course. You would receive the 30 technical reference eBooks in batches over the duration of the course.

OPTION 3 - PAY IN  MONTHLY INSTALMENTS BY CREDIT CARD

Pay in even installments for 18 months. First payment at least two weeks before the course starts, then one on the same date every month for the remaining period. This option incurs a 2% administration fee. You would receive the 30 technical reference eBooks in batches over the duration of the course.

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For a rapid reply to your enquiry regarding courses fees and payment options, please contact us with your name, email address, course title(s), and location using the form below, and we will respond within 1 business day.

 

 

Courses

1. Vocational Graduate Diploma of Project Management in Industrial Automation
2. Master of Business and Project Management in Industrial Automation
3. Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation 
4. Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E & I) Engineering for Mining
5. Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E & I) Engineering for Oil and Gas Facilities
6. Professional Certificate of Competency in Hazardous Areas for Engineers & Technicians
7. Professional Certificate of Competency in Instrumentation, Automation and Process Control
8. Professional Certificate of Competency in Process Control Incorporating Loop Tuning, and Advanced Control Strategies
9. Professional Certificate of Competency in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and SCADA Systems
10. Professional Certificate of Competency in Safety Instrumentation Systems for Process Industries
11. Professional Certificate of Competency in Control Valve Sizing, Selection and Maintenance

In order to meet the exacting demands of the oil and gas, mining, manufacturing and downstream processing industries, modern plants are equipped with systems and devices which are needed to measure and regulate variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, humidity, liquid level, velocity and density.  Industrial Automation provides the technology to control and monitor a process plant using such concepts as feedback, cascade, feedforward and advanced process control. Here at the EIT, we have developed advanced training and diplomas in Instrumentaion and Control.

There is a critical shortage of automation, instrumentation and control engineers, technicians and technologists around the world now due to the retirement, restructuring and rapid growth in new technologies and industries.  The respected ISA organisation estimated that at least 15,000 new automation engineers are needed annually in the USA alone.  In keeping with the philosophy of the EIT, students in this school are exposed to the practical, up-to-the-minute knowledge and skills demanded by leading industries worldwide, with online instrumentaion courses - The EIT doesn't just cater to a generic student body, instead all of our instrumentation courses online are specific to industry, for example mining engineering.

Students in the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) School of Automation study subjects which include: process control, instrumentation, control valves, process plant layout and piping design, tuning of process loops, SCADA, PLCs, advanced process control (APC), boiler control, hazardous areas, safety instrumentation (IEC 61511 and IEC 61508), HAZOPs, industrial data communications, networking, deviceNet and Fieldbus, industrial wireless, radio telemetry systems, shielding/EMC/EMI and noise reduction. 
 

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