Safe and Fast Precision Scanning of Voids and Cavities through the use of Ruggedised 3D Laser Scanning Systems
With more than 25 years’ experience Measurement Devices Limited (MDL), is a global pioneer and world leader in laser measurement technology. With offices located throughout the world including Australia, MDL offer a wide range of sophisticated 3D laser equipment for all your measurement needs. Incorporating sales, service and a dedicated ‘Hire and Rental’ fleet, MDL Australia are committed to providing an easy access solution for all clientele.
The company offers a full comprehensive range of 3D laser surveying and imaging systems for surveys of inaccessible spaces, underground voids and cavity monitoring applications, face profiling and borehole deviation analysis.
The most serious threat posed by abandoned mine workings relates to the effects of void collapse, subsidence and the steady migration of voids towards the surface due to natural and man-made activity so they present a hidden danger of imminent collapse. In order to understand potential hazards and take action to avoid them, it is imperative to carry out accurate surveys of these cavities and voids or lives can be put at risk. The conventional survey techniques are costly, dangerous and time consuming and - in many cases - not practical or possible.
After studying the hazards and their causes, MDL developed the Cavity Autoscanning Laser System (C-ALS), a self-navigating, ‘motorised’ robotic probe which can enter, and survey, dry abandoned mine workings or cavities.
With a diameter of just 50 mm, the unit can be deployed down pre-drilled boreholes of 65 mm or more, from where it employs a miniaturized laser scanner to measure the three-dimensional shape of the void together with its surface reflectivity.
The C-ALS unit consists of a pulsed laser range finder using ‘time-of-flight’ measurement principles, housed in a custom designed probe manufactured to military standards. Full 360º scans are completed in both the horizontal and vertical planes. The C-ALS probe design incorporates a digital compass as well as pitch and roll sensors, enabling accurate positioning and orientation of the unit itself and the resulting ‘point cloud’.
A rugged PC computer is used for set up, data acquisition and control. A cable data telemetry system transmits all measured data back to a surface control unit. MDL supplies software for processing, viewing and editing the data and can also provide advanced processing software for 3D modeling and analysis.
Ongoing research and development into the requirements for safe and efficient surveys within a mining environment, has further led MDL to the development of the Voidscanner (VS150). The VS150 is a derivative of the C-ALS System that has been specifically designed for ‘boom’ deployment into open stopes & voids. Operators can view a 'real-time' 3D model of the data generated by the VS150 instantly. With a range of 150m, the VS150 is small, lightweight, easy to use and extremely rugged with data quickly and easily exported to most mining packages.
MDL Australia’s General Manager Kevin Jacobson said, “We have shifted the focus and added hire option into our business model and developed a strong fleet incorporating several Laser equipment. The equipment is offered on a Try-it, Hire-it and Buy-it basis. This allows our clients to evaluate the unit on the job without committing to a significant purchase.”
“With no capital outlay, our client can have immediate access to our range of modern survey equipment meeting short-term measurement requirements without worrying about the issues of depreciation, storage, repairs and maintenance”
“MDL also have a qualified training team available and offer classroom and on- the- job training on equipment and software for the first time user.”
“The fleet consists of modern advanced equipment which is maintained carefully and kept in excellent condition. The equipment is tested thoroughly before and after each rental term. Our service facilities incorporate the latest testing and repair equipment to ensure accuracy and efficiency. All the equipment is supplied with a step by step easy to use manual and constant support is offered from our team”
“The fleet offers flexible hire terms to suit the customers’ needs. Clients can choose to rent for as little as a week or for as long as they like. We do not charge our clients for the transit times or for weekends when the hire term is for a week or more,” said Jacobson
Both the C-ALS and Void Scanner are available for ‘dry-hire’ where the unit will be sent to site and operated by site personnel. Hire of the unit is also available with an MDL operator on site for the completion of the survey. The units are supplied with operating software and survey results can be output as point clouds, triangulations or solid volumes dependent upon requirements.
Media contact information:
Julia Reynolds
3/115 Technology Drive, Sunshine West
VIC 3020
Tel: 03 9318 9666
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