Automation of Water Drainage Systems Using a Programmable Logic Controller in Mining

Abstract

This article examines the automation of drainage systems in the mining industry, emphasizing the urgent need to modernize this critical component of mining infrastructure. The proposed system is based on open-source hardware and software, making it suitable for use by designers working in small enterprises as well as for educational and training purposes. Drainage systems are used to pump water from underground mines to maintain safe working conditions and prevent flooding. The presented solution enables automatic control of pumps based on parameters such as current water level, pipeline pressure, actuator positions, and the presence of a cooling water flow. The developed system provides a convenient platform for experimentation with large-scale mining control applications, such as water drainage systems. The introduction of automation in the management of drainage processes significantly enhances their efficiency and reliability by reducing the need for continuous human supervision and minimizing the risk of operational errors. The architecture of a typical automated drainage system is described, comprising water level sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLC), and monitoring and control systems (SCADA). Modern automated drainage systems in the mining sector utilize PLCs to provide reliable and flexible process control. The automation of pumping stations with PLCs requires adherence to specific operational principles to ensure safe and fault-free equipment performance. One of the innovative solutions in this category is the Arduino Opta, which combines industrial-grade reliability with open-source flexibility. The article describes the system’s operational algorithm and its ability to respond in real time to variations in the hydrogeological environment. The advantages of automation are analyzed, including reduced human intervention, improved operational safety, and increased efficiency.