The Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) will enable the Datong Coal Mine Group to increase mine safety and improve the operating efficiency of its mining operation.

The contract includes design, engineering, commissioning, testing and maintenance services.

“One of the primary challenges we face today is how to increase safety and, at the same time, improve operational efficiencies to maintain a strong competitive edge,” chairman of Datang Tashan Coal Mine (part of the Datong Coal Mine Group) Jia Haitang said.

“Honeywell’s complete process knowledge system will enable us to lead the company to a higher level of automation control capability and build a better safety environment.”

According to the World Coal Institute, coal production in China has surged from less than 1 billion tons in 2000 to around 2 billion tons last year.

With the increasing demand, the Chinese Government aims to implement stricter safety regulations, while maintaining high productivity.

Honeywell’s mining safety surveillance system consists of the Experion PKS platform, Digital Video Manager, e-Server and Event Initiated Processing (EIP).

The total control system, together with the integration of sub-control systems, will allow Datong to reliably control and monitor all underground and above-ground equipment and meet its production requirements.

The project implementation commenced earlier this year and the entire project will be completed by September 2006.

“When coal mine manufacturers strive to increase their coal output to meet the growing needs from the market, the workers naturally increase their exposure to the dangers of the job,” Honeywell Process Solutions Greater China Region managing director Thomas Liu said.

“The mining safety surveillance system keeps an eye on more than productivity – it ensures a high level of coal mine safety.”

Honeywell has key facilities in major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, KaiPing, and ShenZhen, and continues to expand its local manufacturing and engineering presence.

Datong Coal Mine Group is one of the largest coal production bases in the northern Shanxi province, with a planned production capacity of 31.2 million tons per year at the Tashan Industrial Park.