Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
Search
            ×
                        Mining
                        Mining
                            NIOSH
                            All CDC
                    Submit
                For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
                Advanced Search
            Advanced Search


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Contract: Design and Demonstration of a Location Tracking System for Underground Coal Mines (Award 2)
Keywords: Coal mining Personnel tracking Radios Reverse RFID systems Underground
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Contract #
200-2007-21250Start Date
7/25/2007End Date
11/30/2009Research Concept
Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a radio technology that can be used for short-range, high-bandwidth communications by using a large portion of the radio spectrum in a way that does not interfere with, or experience interference from, more traditional radio systems. It has found applications in radar imaging, precision positioning, and tracking technology.Topic Area
Emergency Communications and Tracking
Contract Status & Impact
This contract is complete. To receive a copy of the final report, send a request to mining@cdc.gov.
L3 Communications has combined UWB technology with active reverse Radio Frequency Identification (RRFID) tags. As a miner walks through the mine, an antenna integrated into his or her cap lamp receives an UWB-based signal from the fixed tag in closest proximity to the miner. By utilizing UWB signals, the proposed system is able to overcome mine environment challenges (e.g., numerous reflective surfaces) which impede the effective use of standard narrowband communications systems, thereby decreasing the number of active tags required.
Research under this contract involved three phases. Phase I (prototype feasibility testing) was completed and the final feasibility report was reviewed by NIOSH. Testing at Consol's Enlow Fork mine in Pennsylvania showed that the location of a miner outfitted with the system could be calculated within 50 ft with roof-mounted tags spaced about 150 ft apart. Phase II involved the design of a preproduction system for long-term testing. NIOSH reviewed and approved the final design report. Phase III involved fabrication of the system, submission to MSHA for approval, and long-term testing at a coal mine.
L3 Location Tracking System
See Also
Design and Demonstration of a Location Tracking System for Underground Coal Mines (Award 1)
Medium Frequency Radio System Modifications for Refuge Chamber Situational Awareness
Passive Fiber Optic System for Locating, Tracking, and Communicating with Personnel in Coal Mines
Performance Characteristics for Welded Wire Screen Used for Surface Control in Underground Coal Mines
Propagation of UHF Radio Waves in Limestone Room and Pillar Mines
Technical Solutions for Enhancements to Mine Safety Using Barricade II Fire Blocking Gel
Technology News 543 - Reverse Implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology for Personnel Tracking in Underground Mines
Theory on the Propagation of UHF Radio Waves in Coal Mine Tunnels
Through-The-Earth Wireless Real-Time Two-Way Voice Communications
Wireless Mesh Mine Communication System
Page last reviewed: July 18, 2016
Page last updated: July 18, 2016
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate Mining
        Site BrowserSafety and Health TopicsData & StatisticsMethodologyMine DisastersMSHA Data FilesMine & Mineworker ChartsTools & PublicationsTools You Can UsePublicationsNews & ArticlesResearch ProgramNORA Mining CouncilStrategic PlanMining Program, 2019-2023Miner Health Program, 2020-2030ProjectsContractsFunding OpportunitiesMining LinksAbout UsContact NIOSH MiningEmploymentFacilitiesHistoryVisitor Information Emergency Communications and Tracking
 NIOSH Homepage
 NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue