EXAIR’s Atto Super Air Nozzle Helps AI Analyze Mining Equipment Deep Underground

Lately it seems everywhere you turn you find some new story about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it’s impacting the world today. Not too long ago, AI was this futuristic concept that everyday folk didn’t have access to. With the release of Chat GPT and other AI software, we are quickly learning just how powerful these tools can be and just how much they can impact daily life and operations.

Recently I worked with a manufacturer that builds equipment for the mining industry. They’ve been doing this for years, but have developed some new equipment that utilizes AI software and computer vision to improve mine safety and enhance energy efficiency.

I haven’t been in a mine personally, but I’ve worked in industry long enough to know that deep inside a mine is not a “clean” environment. The equipment they build requires that the camera systems remain clean and free of debris, otherwise the imaging isn’t clear enough for the software to properly analyze the conditions of the equipment. Their systems monitor shovels, loaders, and haul trucks that help to improve worker safety and boost the equipment’s overall productivity.

All the data is analyzed and managed through their included software platform. Providing the authorized users with easy access and summaries as well as in-depth performance report and activity logs from anywhere in the world (internet access required of course). To ensure that the camera lenses on their various equipment remain clean, they looked for a solution that could be actuated as-needed with a short blast of compressed air. EXAIR’s Model 1108SS was selected as the ideal fit for keeping this small lens free of dust and debris. The 1108SS consumes just 2.5 SCFM of compressed air at 80 PSIG while only operating at 58 dBA sound level.

EXAIR’s Super Air Nozzles utilize an engineered design that allows us to provide both safe and efficient solutions to common blowoff processes. They’re designed with fins that serve two purposes. They help to entrain ambient air from the environment, allowing us to maximize the force and flow from the nozzle but keeping the compressed air consumption minimal. In addition, these fins are what prevents the nozzle openings from being completely blocked off. Using an OSHA compliant compressed air nozzle at all points where a blowoff operation is being performed should be a priority simply for safety’s sake. In addition, each individual non-compliant blowoff infraction can result in a fine if you happen to receive an unannounced OSHA inspection and they are noted.

If you’re looking to enhance the efficiency of your blowoff processes or need to improve on worker safety EXAIR has the solutions you need ready to ship from stock. Give us a call today and an Application Engineer would be happy to assist you in determining the best products for your application!

Tyler Daniel, CCASS