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Mining Contract: Kutta OutCall Micropower Messaging System (KOMMS)
Keywords: Radios
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Contract #
200-2013-56050Start Date
8/12/2013End Date
8/11/2014Research Concept
This contract aims to develop and demonstrate a prototype medium-frequency signaling system, the Kutta OutCall Micropower Messaging System (KOMMS, Kutta Radios, Inc.). This technology will allow underground mine personnel to report their location to outside operations using a unique “outcall” device that eliminates the need for an external power source or batteries.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.
The 2006 Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act) required all underground coal mines in the U.S. to provide post-accident communication and electronic tracking capabilities. In response to the MINER Act, post-accident communication and electronic tracking technologies were developed to aid in self-escape and rescue efforts, and every active underground coal mine is now equipped with one of these systems. However, two limitations to the existing communications and electronic tracking systems are: (1) the need for batteries for primary power or as a backup in the event that line power is interrupted, and (2) the need for frequent maintenance activities to ensure proper function—this limits the ability to use these systems in remote, infrequently traveled areas such as bleeder entries that are exempt from the MINER Act requirements.
Under this contract, Kutta Radios, Inc., developed a specialized communication and tracking system for which the underground components do not require line power or batteries. The system uses known-position, hard-wired devices (“outcall” devices) that allow underground personnel to report their location to an outside monitoring station, requiring only the power generated by manipulation of the device—the device uses mechanical to electrical energy conversion when bumped or otherwise engaged by the miner to supply power to and activate an integral transceiver. When activated, the outcall device sends a preprogrammed location-identifying signal to a surface station where the alert is displayed and logged, and then remains energized briefly to receive a “signal-received” confirmation from the surface station.
A prototype system was tested at the NIOSH Pittsburgh Safety Research Coal Mine, successfully operating over a simulated distance of nearly five miles using a two-conductor lifeline. While not meeting the requirements of a primary tracking system as defined by the MINER Act, this system may be used in remote workings, bleeder entries, or as an auxiliary tracking system for mine escapeways. The numerous beneficial features of the system include its simplicity, ruggedness, ease of installation, low cost, minimal maintenance requirements, and the ability to provide exact miner-location information and message-received confirmations.
Because of the battery free operation, the outcall devices developed under this contract are ideal for long-term, maintenance-free use in bleeders and other remote, rarely traveled areas of a mine. Periodic installation along escapeway routes would enable surface personnel to obtain information about numbers of escaping miners and the routes they are taking if multiple escapeways are possible.
Prior to offering the KOMMS system as a commercially available system, KuttaRadios, Inc. would need to obtain MSHA approval for the system, since it will be installed in underground areas that require permissible equipment. The overall technology readiness for the KOMMS is at a proof-of-concept stage or better, and the micropower circuitry utilized in the outcall device will readily adapt to an intrinsically safe design that will meet MSHA requirements for permissibility.
See Also
Development of a Call Alert System for Paging Mine Personnel
A GPS Based System for Minimizing Jolts to Heavy Equipment Operators
The Implementation of UHF Radio Communications and CCTV Monitoring Systems in a Room and Pillar Metal/Non-metal Mine
A Medium Frequency Wireless Communication System for Underground Mines
Propagation of EM Signals in Underground Metal/Non-Metal Mines
Propagation of UHF Radio Waves in Limestone Room and Pillar Mines
Radio 101: Operating Two-Way Radios Every Day and in Emergencies
Theory on the Propagation of UHF Radio Waves in Coal Mine Tunnels
A Whole-Mine Medium-Frequency Radio Communication System
Wireless Communications for Trackless Haulage Vehicles
Page last reviewed: July 19, 2016
Page last updated: July 19, 2016
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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