Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Applications Of Automation In Environmental Monitoring Systems

One way that automation can contribute to the principles of development is via environmental monitoring systems using computerized machines with wireless communication. This allows a mining company to monitor and analyze variable such as ground water levels, water flows and quality, temperature changes and soil conditions etc.

The production and environmental monitoring information is collected synchronously and is incorporated into production statistics and environmental management systems. Mines uses usually ETHERNET network for its system to conduct real time monitoring and even for transmitting the data to the server. This provides the mine with relevant information about the environmental hazards, which does not arise near the operation. By using that data the key performance indicators such as reliability, energy efficiency, safety and security can be monitored continuously.

The automated systems provide companies the ability to monitor and control environmental impacts. Key performance Indicators (KPI’s) are used to find out the positive and negative contribution on the automated machinery. KPI’s allow a company to take a clear view before and after the implementation of automated systems, providing an opportunity to make decisions and necessary changes.

Thus the automated system with the help of KPI’s allows us to monitor the environmental conditions.