Underground Mining Monitoring and Communication Systems based on ZigBee and GIS

ZigBee as a wireless sensor network (WSN) was developed for underground mine monitoring and communication systems. The radio wave attenuations between ZigBee nodes were investigated to measure underground communication distances. Various sensor node arrangements of ZigBee topologies were evaluated. A system integration of a WSN-assisted GIS for underground mining monitoring and communication from a surface office was proposed. The controllable and uncontrollable parameters of underground environments were assessed to establish a reliable ZigBee network

A Conflict Resolution Model for Water Allocation and River Water Quality Management

In this study, a conflict resolution methodology for water quality management in a river system is presented. The proposed model maximizes an objective function based on the Nash product which includes different utility functions related to the water quality deviations from the standard limits. Simulation and optimization models are proposed to determine operating policies for river water quality management, based on evaluation of system performance to derive the most appropriate diffusing strategy for different stakeholders. The proposed model includes an integrated GA–based optimization and a water quality simulation model. Sustainability measures of system performance, termed "reliability, resiliency, and vulnerability", are calculated for each water withdrawal sector and combined into a Nash product as an objective function. The model is applied to the Karkheh River system in the southern part of Iran. The utility functions are based on the acceptable risk of the allocated water quality by different sectors, especially by the Environmental Protection Organization. The results of the proposed model show that the waste load allocation policies can significantly reduce the number and duration of deviations from the standard quality limit

Time-dependent behavior of tunnel lining in weak rock mass based on displacement back analysis method

Weak rock mass behavior is an important and challenging consideration during construction and utilization of a tunnel. Tunnel surrounding ground deformation in weak rocks causes to gradual development of loading on the support system and threats the opening stability. In this research, time-dependent behavior of Shibli twin tunnels was investigated using laboratory testing, monitoring data, and finite difference numerical simulation approaches. The host rock of Shibli tunnels are mainly composed of gray to black Shale, Marl and calcareous Shale. Geological maps and reports demonstrate a heavily jointed condition in the host rock through two orogenic phases. The experiment was organized in following order to understand the behavior of the rock mass around the tunnels. At first, triaxial creep test were conducted on intact rock specimens. Then, the time-dependent behavior of the tunnel host rock was numerically simulated considering Burger-creep visco-plastic model (CVISC). Finally, displacement based direct back analysis using univariate optimization algorithm was applied. Also, the properties of the CVISC model and initial stress ratio were estimated. Numerical modeling was verified by its comparison with tunnel displacement monitoring results. The creep behavior of the rock mass was predicted during tunnel service life based on back analysis results. Results show that thrust force, bending moment, and the resulting axial stresses will gradually increase at the spring line of the final lining. After 55 years of tunnel utilization the compressive strengths of lining concrete will not be stable against the induced-stresses by thrust force and bending moment, thus the tunnel inspection and rehabilitation are recommended

Estimation of Hydraulic Pressure in Water Networks Using Artificial Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic

Hydraulic pressure is one of the most significant parameters in optimizing water distribution networks. Its simulation and estimation are essential tools in water distribution network management due to the significant effects it has on certain parameters of these networks. As a result of water losses to leakage, not all the inflow to urban water networks is consumed. Water leakage results in losses of supply, pressure, and capital investment. It also has adverse effects on water transfer capability, water treatment, and other elements in the distribution process. Furthermore, water quality problems could result from pollution at leak points. It is, therefore, necessary to estimate the amount of leakage at each point as a function of pressure. In this paper, artificial neural network as a powerful and flexible mathematical tool is used to model pressure estimation based on reservoir head, node elevation, water consumption, and the amount of leakage at a given point. Part of Tehran metropolitan water distribution system is modeled and the EPANET2.0 software is used to estimate the pressure variations in the network. Two different artificial neural network models, namely, a multi-layered ANN and a fuzzy logic neural network (ANFIS) are used for this purpose. The results are analyzed and compared with those from EPANET

Development of wireless sensor networks for underground communication and monitoring systems (the cases of underground mine environments)

The challenges of maintaining safe workplaces and improving operations and services in underground mines are unique. These have largely been mitigated by implementing new technology of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in the last few years. Establishment and development of a reliable monitoring and communication network through such hostile environments are still major concerns. In this study, a more comprehensive monitoring and communication system for underground mine environments using ZigBee network are developed. To this regard, experiments with real systems and prototypes are applied. The controllable and uncontrollable parameters of both underground environment and network for the establishment of ZigBee network are also assessed. Then, a practical method to design a model of an underground mine monitoring and communication system is proposed. This model was verified by testing system functions and applications for example, temperature, humidity and illumination readings, text messaging, and controlling ventilation fans throughout an underground mine in Western Australia. The monitoring and communication systems operated successfully and it demonstrated the reliable outcomes of their function and application for underground mines

An automated underground space monitoring and communication system based on wireless sensor networks

In the challenging environment and cutting-edge technology in mining industry, reliable and effective communication is a high-stake issue, along with the objectives of safe and efficient underground mining operations. Automation through remote and automatic systems has delivered improvements in workplace health and safety for employees, operational management, energy and cost-effectiveness, and real-time response to events. In this context, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been widely employed in underground monitoring and communication systems for the purpose of environmental monitoring, the positioning of workers and equipment, operational monitoring and communication system. Considering the capabilities of WSNs, a ZigBee network is adopted in this study. The aim of this study is to propose a reliable and effective monitoring and communication system in underground environments, using WSN nodes were developed to sense environmental attributes and texting emergency messages. A trigger action plan for monitored attributes above normal and threshold value limits is programmed in the surface GIS management server. The system will provide multi-users surface operation and 3D visualization for realistic understanding of underground environment and miners’ conditions

Improving Coal Powder Wettability using Electrolyte Assisted Surfactant Solution

Evidence has shown that the prevalence of Coal Worker\u27s Pneumoconiosis (CWP) has been increasing among coal workers due to over-exposure to coal dust. Water spray is a widely used approach to suppress the coal dust in underground coal mines. The high surface tension of water prevents the water droplets to effectively capture coal particles. Although the addition of surfactant into water has been implemented in the mining industry to increase dust suppression efficiency. However, it is still a challenge to most of the mining industries for meeting the latest regulation. Studies have shown that the suppression efficiency could be improved significantly by using the surfactant with the addition of electrolyte. Thus, the selection of an optimum compounding solution is important. In this study, a standardised sink test method, which is reliable and accurate, was first proposed for evaluating the wettability of surfactant solutions. After that, the established standardised sink test method together with the commonly used surface tension test is used to evaluate the effectiveness of adding four different electrolytes to three types of surfactants. The finding of this paper provides the insight of an easy-conduct sink test method which may benefit other researchers who conduct similar tests. And the result reveals that the addition of electrolyte can significantly improve the coal powder wettability in anionic and cationic surfactant solutions. This study provides a starting point for the development of a more efficient low-cost dust suppression solutions

Seco-ursane type triterpenoids from Salvia urmiensis with apoptosis-inducing activity

Fractionation of an acetone extract of the aerial parts of Salvia urmiensis led to the isolation of a new (1) and a known (2) E-seco-ursane-type triterpenoid, together with four other known compounds. Their structures were established by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance as well as high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The effect of compounds 1 and 2 on cell viability of HeLa and HepG2 cells was investigated with the MTT assay. We also report the mechanism of action of compound 2 as a potential anticancer agent in HeLa cells. Bcl-2, Bax, and caspases signaling pathway expression in HeLa cells was analyzed. HeLa cells treated with compound 2 were assayed for the cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase and DNA fragmentation resulting in nuclear shrinkage. Taken together, these results suggest that treatment of HeLa cells with compound 2 can induce apoptosis by regulating Bcl-2 family members and by suppressing caspase cascade activation