| Mines Rescue Vehicle - Trials prove successful (Published May 2006) |
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| The QMRS ACARP project has progressed through the first two trials. QMRS was successful in winning an initial ACARP grant to develop a scoping document establishing the foundation for research into an Emergency Mines Rescue Vehicle. |
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| A successful second ACARP grant focused the committee, chaired by Ray Parkin, endorsing the first trial of diesel engines in laboratory conditions. The trial will test the scope of a diesel engine in methane to develop the parameters for which diesel engines might operate. There is still a long way to go but the trials are the first ever to be clinically tested. Mr Parkin said " if this gives us a wider scope in utilising diesel vehicles then the opportunities are encouraging for the future". |
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| The third round established a prototype vehicle with a leased PJB personnel carrier. The vehicle is currently undergoing trial at Crinum colliery. The trials are to work through the any concerns and receive feedback on modification and design features relating to ergonomics and user friendliness. |
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| Further trials will follow and the concept is to establish a retrofit arrangement to existing diesel vehicles. The vehicle increase the scope of escape from mines during evacuation exercises or the real thing. |
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| QMRS can be proud of the fact that it brought the project to this level and we eagerly await the outcome. |
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| The committee steering the project are quite optimistic of the possibilities for the industry and the possible extended use of diesel vehicles underground. Trials are being conducted during March with SIMTARS , the partner in the project. |
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