Miner and Equipment Tracking System

  • Text Communication
  • Tracking
  • CO Monitoring
  • Pre- and Post-Accident Rated

The Matrix METS 2.1 System is a wireless communications, electronic tracking and CO monitoring system designed for use in coal mines.

METS 2.1 scalable design works effectively in small or large operations with simple, flexible deployment options that are ideal for coal mining.

METS 2.1, the most widely used tracking system in U.S. underground coal mines, is designed specifically for survivability and reliable post-accident use.

T1000 Tracking Tag

Miner & Equipment Tracking

  • Guaranteed two-year battery – no daily recharge required.
  • Rugged high-strength polycarbonate
  • Compatible with all versions of METS
  • Innovative attachment methods
  • MSHA & US FCC approved
  • Low profile and weight for minimal intrusion on normal

Matrix Intrinsically Safe (IS) tracking tags, communications devices and CO sensors communicate with IS infrastructure nodes connected via coaxial cable or through wireless transmission. Hubs connected to the IS infrastructure provide fiber or copper ethernet switch connectivity to an above-ground server that stores and communicates data from/to the devices.

Workstations communicate with the server to display location status of tracking tags, data from devices like CO sensors, and communication with METS 2WC-T text pagers.

Specifications

  • Base Tx Frequency: 433.92 MHz
  • Tx Range: 200-600 ft
  • MSHA Certification: 23-A060003-0
  • FCC Certification: USKMDG-T1000
  • Enclosure Material: Clear Polycarbonate
  • Overall Diameter: 2.2 in
  • Height: 0.72 in

Wireless Node

Wireless, battery-powered nodes relay tracking tag, text messaging, CO sensor and other data to/from METS wired nodes to provide simple, easy-to-advance tracking and communications.

  • Inexpensive, lightweight, compact and portable
  • Easily interchangeable battery packs
  • True wireless unit (no outside connections)
  • Intrinsically Safe (IS) design
  • LCD screen with text-based status information
  • Receives transmissions from CO sensor, Text Pager and Tracking Tags
  • Easily configured and moved on Matrix tracking map display

Specifications

  • Battery Life: Approx. 35 – 75 days
  • Range: Approx. 300’ between readers
  • Node Dimensions: 2” x 8.5” x 8.5” (depending on seam height and conditions)
  • Battery Pack Dimensions: 1.9” x 10” x 10”
  • Weight: 12 lbs
  • Communication Frequency: 433 MHz band
  • Power Source: 12 – 15 D cell alkaline batteries

Wired Node

Receives transmissions from tags, text pagers and CO sensors and relays information to the server.

  • Low cost, easy to repair
  • Connected with MSHA approved IS Coaxial Cable
  • Multiple antenna ports allow redundancy and coverage of multiple areas
  • Power and data supplied through coaxial cable
  • Underground cabling can be configured in a mesh topology for redundancy and maximum survivability
  • Fixed or flexible antenna
  • Intrinsically Safe for use in fresh air or return without need for a barrier

Specifications

  • Range: Approx. 300’ between readers
  • Node Dimensions: 2” x 8.5” x 8.5”
  • Weight: 12 lbs
  • Comm. Frequency: 433 MHz band
  • Power Source: Hard wired – coaxial

Simplified Diagram for Tracking & Communications

Designed to deliver pre- and post-accident CO sensing using advanced Matrix technology, which minimizes calibration labor and radio interference. Each WAMS S1000 includes a sensor unit for gas detection and base unit for unique identification.

  • Intrinsically Safe (IS) design allows system to be energized when the fan is down, allowing examiners to enter the mine
  • Battery powered for easy placement and advancement with section moves
  • Performance-tested to comply with MSHA 30 CFR 75.351and APOL 2207 by Intertek
  • Specifically designed for resistance to RFI even in close proximity to two-way radios
  • The only post-accident, performance-tested and NRTLListed stationary CO system on the market today
  • The first and only stationary CO sensor compliant with the performance-testing standards set forth by MSHA
  • Wireless data transmission with no MSHA blasting clearance requirement

Specifications

  • MSHA IS Approval No. 18-A090002
  • MSHA 30 CFR 75.351 & APOL 2207 compliant
  • Display: Four-digit screen with membrane keypad
  • Battery Life: 6+ months on three inexpensive D-Cell alkaline batteries
  • Dimensions: 11”H x 5.25”W x 3.5”D
  • Weight: 2.25 lbs
  • Temperature Rating: 30°F to 120°F
  • Range: 300’ to 500’ in five-foot coal seam
  • Solid-state circuits, no trim pots

THE ONLY POST-ACCIDENT, PERFORMANCE-TESTED, AND NRTL-LISTED STATIONARY CO SYSTEM ON THE MARKET TODAY

Specifications

  • Battery Life: 30 – 45 days
  • Range: Approx. 500’ in 5 – 6 ft coal
  • Display: 2” Multicolor (128 x 64 pixels)
  • Weight: 11 oz.
  • Batteries: 4 AA alkaline
  • Audible Alert: Loud tone
  • Visual Alert: Dual ultra-bright LEDs

Text Pager

The METS Text Pager transmits and receives text messages from other text pagers or any METS workstation. It also has the ability to receive AMS, belt and reader status information.

  • MSHA IS approval No. 23-A090007-0
  • Compact, rugged, mine duty case fulfills MSHA’s communications requirements on sections and escape ways (Miner Act 2009)
  • IS design using alkaline batteries
  • Full QWERTY keyboard for easy use
  • Cost-effective compared to traditional radios
  • Can communicate “1-to-1” or “1-to-many”
  • Audible and visual alerting
  • Text and graphics can be displayed
  • Uses existing METS infrastructure

Matrix is the safety and productivity technology leader for underground mining products and services in the United States. We specialize in cost-effective systems for communications and tracking, atmospheric monitoring, belt control, automation and proximity detection. Matrix’s products and services include the following:

MX3TM and METS 2.1 Communications, Tracking, Mine-Wide AMS & Belt Control Systems

MX3 is Matrix’s newest mine-wide communications (voice/text), tracking, atmospheric monitoring and belt control system that operates through a single high-speed redundant network. MX3 combines the best features of wireless node systems, METS 2.1 and conventional mine monitoring/control technologies into one easy-to-use lower maintenance system.

METS 2.1 is the most widely used tracking system in the United States’ underground coal mining industry. This proven system includes two-year battery life tracking tags, full-keyboard text communicators, wireless Intrinsically Safe (IS) CO sensors and comprehensive miner friendly software. METS 2.1 is IS and post-accident rated for.

Atmospheric Monitoring

Matrix S1000 wireless Intrinsically Safe (IS) CO sensor, integrated with METS 2.1 or MX3, is the only fixed-location, wireless CO sensor to be MSHA approved (IS), listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and part of a comprehensive AMS package.

Proximity Detection

The Matrix IntelliZoneTM proximity detection system uses MSH Aapproved Intrinsically Safe (IS) devices to precisely track individuals within close proximity to mobile mining machinery.

Controls & Automation

The Matrix Controls & Automation Team is focused on delivering cost   effective  industrial  productivity solutions. We  design  everything  from complete mine prep plants to upgrades of existing equipment. We can also manage the entire project to ensure that it’s completed on-time and on-budget.

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