The Safecom system has several functions:

• Monitoring load weight on the surface
• Slack rope detection
• Taut rope detection
• Cage to surface shaft signals
• 2 Way speech from cage to cage and cage to the surface
   

Safecom shaft equipment diagram

The benefits of using the Safecom system are:

• Increased safety to people working around the shaft
• Extended winder rope life
• 2 Way Speech directly from the cage
• Automatic Winder option
• Emergency and Cage top signals for maintenance purposes

The Safecom system transmits speech and other information via the winding rope using radio. Antennas are positioned at the shaft top and torriodal transformers are mounted on the cage as shown in the diagram.

Load Monitoring

A rugged compression load cell is attached to the cage coupling linkage. The output of the load cell is proportional to the weight of the load and to rope tension. Monitoring rope tension is essential to ensure safe operation of the shaft and to ensure maximum life of the winder rope.

The system is suitable for both drum and multi-rope friction winders.

A range of equipment is available depending on the application, cage equipment can be permanently installed on the cage, or portable units can be used on top of the cage for intermittent usage in an emergency or during shaft inspections

Speech Systems

The system can be used for speech only as shown, this provides two way speech to the surface or to another cage in the same shaft.

The equipment can be permanently installed in the cage, or plugged in when required.

The cage system is intrinsically safe and powered by a battery unit installed on the cage.

Shaft Signals

The Safecom system can provide statutory shaft signalling facilities between the cage and the winder. The system can be permanently installed allowing full control of the cage by passengers when required, or plugged in the event of an emergency or shaft inspection.

The Data unit is equipped with buttons and displays, however an optional plug-in pendant control unit is available if required.

The cage system is intrinsically safe and powered by a battery unit installed on the cage.

The cage data unit has 8 digital inputs to monitor the cage gates, flaps and the position of any cars in the cage.

Surface Equipment

A radio transmitter receiver unit is connected to the speech and data antennas at the top of the shaft. The Receiver transmitter is connected to the base station which provides the display and control interface to the Winder operator. If required the system can be configured for fully automatic operation. In both cases the winder wll be tripped if the system detects a stop command from the cage or if the load weight, rope tension or transducers detect a fault condition.

Other Applications

The Safecom system can also be used for Manriding haulage signals and communications.