Bucyrus has recently delivered the 50th ExPC, a rugged PC for use in explosion-hazard areas, at OKD’s CSM II mine in the Czech Republic.
The first was delivered to Xi Shan in China in January 2003.
The ExPC collects and visualises data from drives, roof supports, shearers and plows at the coalface.
It also transmits this data via fibre-optic cable or DSL to the mine network for visualisation, control and troubleshooting.
The computer features an explosion-protected housing, an armoured glass screen and a waterproof keyboard with a built-in mouse.
It also has intrinsically safe ports and network connection guarantee smooth data exchange with other control systems.
No mechanical damage has been reported on any of the 50 ExPCs in use in mines around the world, Bucyrus says.
The ExPC has a powerful processor and the 19 inch display is the largest on the market.