New Cap Lamp for the mining industry

Managing director of First National Battery, Dr Louis Denner says, "This marks a definitive paradigm shift in the evolution of the Miner's Cap Lamp. The new models have been designed and developed by First National Battery in South Africa, specifically for the South African mining industry and its unique underground conditions - which are amongst the most severe in the world."

The enhanced intelligence and LED light technology of the new Cap Lamp sets a new standard in underground lighting. It also features a patented optical reflector design which significantly improves peripheral lighting. The main light output is greater than 6, 000 candela - more than three times that of a .75 amp incandescent bulb - and more energy efficient. The auxiliary bulb has a light intensity of greater than 2 400 candela.

In-built intelligence

The new high-level in-built intelligence of the lamp warns the user when it has an hour of battery life left by switching on and off at defined intervals. When ten minutes of battery life remain, it automatically switches to a low or auxiliary beam. If the lamp is not used for more than a week it automatically goes into energy-saving 'Sleep Mode'. The new lamp is also fully compatible with existing charger installations, offering significant savings.

While charging, the lamp has a built-in microprocessor to regulate the input voltage and prevent the battery from over-charging. The cable connections in the battery have been configured to prevent incorrect wiring in order to ensure that miners are not sent underground with faulty lighting equipment.

"A 12-hour charge makes it possible for the main light to operate on high-beam for at least 24 hours," explains Denner, adding that if only the auxiliary light is used it can last for more than 52 hours. The lamp is approved for use in SA by the Director of Mine Safety for the Department of Mineral Resources.

New safety standards

"The battery casing of the lamp allows for the incorporation of an RFID device, which means miners can be located in the event of an emergency shaft clearance," says Denner.

The identification of the user can be determined by issuing the lamp with a card specific to both the miner and the lamp and without which it will not function. The TC2 model also has a pocket space big enough to allow for electronic tags used in the mines for man tracking, anti-collision detection and other such applications.

"First National Battery believes that better lighting technology will create a safer and more efficient industrial environment. This is especially pertinent in the context of the local mining industry, which is constantly under scrutiny for the standard of its safety measures," concludes Denner.

For more, go to www.battery.co.za.