6
The USB-6210 from National Instruments (NI) is used
as data acquisition device. It is used to acquire and convert
analog and digital signals into digital data that are processed
on the minicomputer. All data are digitized using a voltage
signal and an analog-to-digital converter. The displacement
sensor is the only sensor with a direct voltage interface and
is read without further signal conversion. The rotation sen-
sor generates an edge signal that is also connected directly
to the data acquisition system. The pressure and accelera-
tion sensors output is a current signal. This is converted to
a voltage signal using a resistor, which is connected directly
to the data acquisition system. The temperature sensor is a
resistor a resistor network and a voltage source are used to
generate a valid voltage signal that is connected to the data
acquisition system.
The software on the minicomputer is written with NI
LabVIEW. This software reads the analog digital converter
(ADC) values directly from the data acquisition device via
USB, then converts and analyses the data. The software also
provides the operator with a dashboard of current data. The
dashboard provides all the information from the sensors as
well as the calculated borehole length and drill speed. The
values help the operator to run an efficient drilling pro-
cess. All measured data are transmitted in real time to the
Mine.io cloud. The real-time Apache KAFKA interface
is used to transfer the measurement data to the Big Data
Platform, which is used for data distribution. As explained
in the Mine.io project chapter, several project partners
work together to handle the data and develop the Mine.io
platform. As a backup, all data is stored in a csv file with a
frequency of 10 kHz. Figure 6 shows the data management
of the drill rig.
DISCUSSION
The measurement system was set up using different sen-
sors and a basic digitization approach. The sensors were
selected based on their specifications and application. They
are designed for harsh environmental conditions, but not
specifically for mining applications. Due to the use of high-
quality stainless steels in the sensors, no problems meant
to be expected. The defined requirements for the sensor
system were fulfilled. In October 2024, the measurement
system, including the drill rig, was completely installed
underground. Its functionality was proven during the first
drilling operation. The measurements were recorded and
stored efficiently. The real-time data from the sensors were
directly visible to the rig operator while drilling. This gave
the rig operator a deeper insight into the current drilling
process. The drilling progress could be read directly from
the display of the measured values. The core barrel of the
core drill is 300 mm long. This 300 mm is the maximum
length that can be drilled in one piece before the core bit
has to be manually removed and the core recovered. In pre-
vious drilling campaigns without the measurement data
before the retrofitting of the drill rig, this length could only
be estimated or measured manually. In most cases, it was
not possible to drill continuously. A significant improve-
ment in core quality was observed from the very first hole.
Figure 6. Data management of the drill rig. (Friedemann, 2024)
The USB-6210 from National Instruments (NI) is used
as data acquisition device. It is used to acquire and convert
analog and digital signals into digital data that are processed
on the minicomputer. All data are digitized using a voltage
signal and an analog-to-digital converter. The displacement
sensor is the only sensor with a direct voltage interface and
is read without further signal conversion. The rotation sen-
sor generates an edge signal that is also connected directly
to the data acquisition system. The pressure and accelera-
tion sensors output is a current signal. This is converted to
a voltage signal using a resistor, which is connected directly
to the data acquisition system. The temperature sensor is a
resistor a resistor network and a voltage source are used to
generate a valid voltage signal that is connected to the data
acquisition system.
The software on the minicomputer is written with NI
LabVIEW. This software reads the analog digital converter
(ADC) values directly from the data acquisition device via
USB, then converts and analyses the data. The software also
provides the operator with a dashboard of current data. The
dashboard provides all the information from the sensors as
well as the calculated borehole length and drill speed. The
values help the operator to run an efficient drilling pro-
cess. All measured data are transmitted in real time to the
Mine.io cloud. The real-time Apache KAFKA interface
is used to transfer the measurement data to the Big Data
Platform, which is used for data distribution. As explained
in the Mine.io project chapter, several project partners
work together to handle the data and develop the Mine.io
platform. As a backup, all data is stored in a csv file with a
frequency of 10 kHz. Figure 6 shows the data management
of the drill rig.
DISCUSSION
The measurement system was set up using different sen-
sors and a basic digitization approach. The sensors were
selected based on their specifications and application. They
are designed for harsh environmental conditions, but not
specifically for mining applications. Due to the use of high-
quality stainless steels in the sensors, no problems meant
to be expected. The defined requirements for the sensor
system were fulfilled. In October 2024, the measurement
system, including the drill rig, was completely installed
underground. Its functionality was proven during the first
drilling operation. The measurements were recorded and
stored efficiently. The real-time data from the sensors were
directly visible to the rig operator while drilling. This gave
the rig operator a deeper insight into the current drilling
process. The drilling progress could be read directly from
the display of the measured values. The core barrel of the
core drill is 300 mm long. This 300 mm is the maximum
length that can be drilled in one piece before the core bit
has to be manually removed and the core recovered. In pre-
vious drilling campaigns without the measurement data
before the retrofitting of the drill rig, this length could only
be estimated or measured manually. In most cases, it was
not possible to drill continuously. A significant improve-
ment in core quality was observed from the very first hole.
Figure 6. Data management of the drill rig. (Friedemann, 2024)