Ringmon

In a conventional system, using a recorder only in which all signals including an invalid signal will be stored for future analysis, there is no means of preventing the winder being “Cleared” or the brakes from being released with the inherent possibility of an unsafe situation arising from incorrect signalling.

The “RINGMON” overcomes this situation by being proactive and dynamic as opposed to passive and static. The “RINGMON” will not allow the winder to be cleared, or the brakes to be released, until a valid signal is interpreted.

Many of the “RINGMON” features are NOT available with a conventional relay based interlocking scheme. All of the “RINGMON” features provide enhanced safety, and virtually eliminates the risk of the Driver misinterpreting, and reacting incorrectly, to the signals given to him.

The “RINGMON” desk display provides the Driver with visual confirmation of the signal that he has heard. This feature also improves productivity, as the Driver will not need to request confirmation of a signal sent from the Banksman or Onsetter.

The “RINGMON” is a device that dynamically and proactively controls and monitors the bell signalling system and provides the following safety enhancement features:

1) All Clear timer starts after Banks-man’s or Onsetter’s last ring.
2) Only valid signals will “Clear” the winder.
3) Identifies the source of the signal.
4) Decodes all signals rung.
5) Displays the source and signal rung to the driver.
6) Disables the Driver’s bell pushes when the Driver is prohibited from ringing.
7) Separation of the Interlocking/Display devices from the Recording devices.
8) Key operated emergency clearing facility.
9) Self checking hardware.
10) Identifies the source of the “Call” signal (Belltronic ID required).
11) Latches the Call Bell signal until a key reset is activated.
12) Valid signals are stored in a re-configurable look-up table.
13) ECAM Shaftphone interlocking for shaft examination.

Processing of invalid signals:
Of particular note is that the “RINGMON” will allow invalid signals to be rung, and consequently stored for analysis, but WILL NOT allow the winder to be cleared or the brakes to be released until a valid signal is interpreted.

The Driver’s lamps for Bank and Underground “Clear” will flash when any new signal is rung, only when a valid signal has been interpreted will they be steady, and remain steady, until that zone is again locked.

1) Interfaces to standard “Belltronic” units.
2) “Locked” and “Clear” status of signalling zones.
3) Driver’s brake lever / signal safety interlocking.
4) Enforced single ring by Driver in Material mode.
5) “Bailey’s” device Men to Rock changeover interlocking.
6) Automatic re-locking after time delay if no movement of the winder detected.
7) Uses standard shaft cable layout (7 wires to the Bank and 7 wires down the shaft).
8) Interfaces to most available bell recorders.
9) Operates on 32V or 110V, AC or DC systems.
10) Dual compartment options available.
11) Modular plug in construction.

The following hardware will be mounted in an enclosure to suit the particular requirements of each installation.
· Terminal rail for power and field wiring.
· 3 connectors for voltage segregation (plug-in module).
· Opto-coupler input interface for bell signals to PLC.
· Relay output interface.
· PLC with discrete I/O and display interface.
· Watchdog relay for PLC proving interlock.

The above active components will be mounted on a quick release chassis, and in conjunction with the plugs and sockets, will enable a fast swop-out with a spare chassis so as to minimise down time on the winder in the event of a fault.

A standard programmable, multi-line, alphanumeric display unit will be provided for mounting in (or on) the Driver’s desk, and will be driven from the PLC communications port. This will display the source and the decoded signals from the Banksman and Onsetter in an easy to read form.

A back lit LCD display panel will be provided and installed on the Driver’s desk for the following indications:
· Brake On.
· Bank clear.
· Onsetter Clear.
· All Clear.
· Men Selected.
· Material Selected.
· ECAM Lock.
· Call Bell.
· Watchdog Trip.

A field proven industrial PLC is used. The software incorporates all the aspects for safety critical applications as used on a winder safety circuit. A separate external watchdog relay continuously monitors the scan time and internal process monitoring. I/O cross checking is also employed.

Following commissioning an EPROM will be programmed with a password thereby not relying on battery backed RAM, and providing the mechanism to ensure controlled revisions to the software in the future.

· 110V AC auxiliary supply.
· 32V or 110V, AC or DC bell supplies.
· Men mode selected.
· Material mode selected.
· Brakes on.
· Onsetter’s ring.
· Banksman’s ring.
· Driver to Onsetter ring.
· Driver to Banksman ring.
· Call bell ring.
· Left conveyance above bank.
· Right conveyance above bank.
· Bailey’s Bank clear pushbutton.
· ECAM lock / clear (from Driver’s Shaftphone).

· Banksman Locked.
· Onsetter Locked.
· All Clear (includes Watchdog Healthy).
· Brake Lever lock solenoid.
· Bank Robot light.
· Underground Robot light.
· ECAM Clear.
· Men / Rock changeover.
· Disconnect Driver to Banksman bell push.
· Disconnect Driver to Onsetter bell push.
· Call Bell flasher.

· Onsetter’s bell.
· Banksman’s bell.
· Driver to Onsetter bell.
· Driver to Banksman bell.
· All Clear.
· Men selected.
· Material selected.
· Brakes On.
· Call Bell.
· ECAM lock.

If required the “RINGMON” can be interfaced to a commonly used SCADA package (Citech, In-Touch, etc.) to provide real time status as well as historical logging.

The additional components, such as LED display units, selector switches and alarms will be installed and wired in the existing desk with the wiring marshalled to a separate terminal rail for connection to the new “RINGMON” panels.

All new “RINGMON” equipment will be interfaced to the existing equipment to make an integrated system. Schematics will be re-drawn where necessary so that a composite set of documentation will be provided for all electrical equipment on the winder. Experienced personnel will carry out this work with the minimum interference to the normal operation of the winder.