Laser alignment starts with the initial alignment of the laser to the surface of the coalface. The operator selects the alignment pattern on the tablet. There are a few patterns for the alignment procedure.
Depending on coalface geometry and personal preferences the operator can opt either “circle and center cross” or “coaxial circles and corner crosses” patterns.
Having linked the laser projector to the face the operator opens desired drilling drawing and, in necessary, performs its fine tweaking.
During targeting of the drill as well as during drilling process a few types of projections can be chosen.
Since all the operators have their own traditions and preferences in drilling the flexible approach in laser projection is provided.
In the most cases drilling starts from the ceiling and then goes down. Therefore, the software guides the operator from the top blast-holes to the bottom ones, from the left to the right.
The system can highlight: a) the whole drilling drawing, b) the current blast-hole, c) the previous hole plus the current one plus the next one.
The blast-holes can be displayed as circles, crosses, net. If the process of drilling requires providing tips to the operator these short messages also can be projected.
The system guides the operator step by step so that the likelihood of any mistake eliminates.
All the parts of the system can be readily dismounted from the drilling machine and mounted back, if necessary, because of safety reasons or for maintenance.
Although the parts of the system are water and dust proof, a special version of the system for extreme conditions is available. It includes such features as compressed-air knife for keeping optical windows clean, bumpers against falling rocks, heaters and coolers for high or low temperature operation.
