SVECOM, an engineering company based in Belgrade, Serbia, has become the general agent in Serbia for leading manufacturer of sensors and gas detection systems, Trolex.
The two companies have worked together on a number of projects, including supplying equipment to Soko Coal Mine, one of the most dangerous mines in Europe with extreme methane concentrations which often exceed the lower explosive limit (5%).
Established in 1908, the mine has been using gas detection and domestic data transmission systems since 1978. Trolex was awarded the contract to deliver fixed detectors for CH4, CO, O2 and temperature, as well as power supplies, power-down systems and controllers on international tender in 2009.
A data transmission system and fixed devices for measuring ventilation air velocity and differential pressure were implemented after a new tender in 2010. The TX6373 Toxic Gas detector, TX5922 Vortex air flow sensor, TX6143 Differential Pressure sensor and TX6274 temperature sensor have now been installed, allowing for monitoring of basic parameters as well as gas monitoring in the mine.
Commenting on the installation, Bogdan Djoric at SVECOM said, “The frequent and rapidly appearing methane concentrations reach a lower explosion limit of 5% and present a big challenge in choice of equipment and concept of the system. TX6363 infrared gas detectors from Trolex have a measuring range of 0-5% and 0-100% in locations where extreme methane concentrations are likely. The TX6383 flammable gas detector based on catalytic principle have also been used for methane detection in other areas of the mine. “
Due to technological limitations, TX9042 programmable sensor controllers have been used for data transmission, along with TX6649 intrinsically safe uninterruptable power supplies, which allow 20AHr operation in the event of a power cut, and control relays for coupling with the energetic part of the Trolex EXD/EXI Isolating Relay unit. Trolex TX9042 controllers have digital outputs which interface with the mine’s high voltage control gear via the Trolex Exi/Exq isolating relay units.
New computer equipment with SCADA software has been installed in the despatch centre, providing telemetry modules, displaying measured analogue values, status of digital input, Microsoft SQL server database, SQL information management system (IMS), sensor data archiving and analysis, event archiving and analysis and operation of drainage systems. The system also has the option to access measured data in real-time over the Internet at the request of mining inspectors.
Trolex equipment was chosen for the project as it fully satisfies the strict technical regulations for the potentially dangerous conditions within the mine.
SVECOM is basing its market position on the cooperation with world leading manufacturers in particular sectors, with Trolex amongst the most prominent partners.
As one of Trolex’s foreign partners, SVECOM’s quality policy is based on high professionalism, fulfilment of business obligations and continuous business improvement. SVECOM has been carrying out projects in Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, Jordan, Russia, Ukraine and Czech Republic.
Further details are available from Trolex Ltd., on 0161 483 1435, email info@trolex.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.trolex.com.