For the first time, commercial scanning laser-based imaging systems, commonly used in industrial automation will be deployable underground in this enclosure. Many areas of underground mining automation including, creep retreat monitoring, collision avoidance, equipment and personnel recognition will be able to take advantage of this development.

The project, which is being funded by ACARP, is being conducted by CSIRO Energy senior coal mining research engineer Ron McPhee.

A cylinder manufactured from transparent polycarbonate is being further developed due to the results of a recent pressure and impact tests that confirmed that a stock of tempered glass does not perform consistently.

The cylinder is machined from 200mm diameter solid polycarbonate rod and vapour polished to give a crystal clear finish similar to the appearance of glass.

To avoid surface crazing during service the polycarbonate cylinder is stress relieved after the machining process and to improve the surface quality of the polycarbonate, the outer surface is wrapped in a thin, tough clear anti-static polyester film.

The enclosure design has a steel base machined from a solid steel billet with no welded joints or fabricated sections. Drawings and documents required for certification are nearing completion.