Automated Fiber-Optic System for Monitoring the Stability of the Pit Quarry Mass and Dumps

Abstract

This article ls with the issues related to the development of a system for monitoring the deformation and displacement of the rock mass leading to the collapse of the quarry sides. Monitoring system uses point-to-point fiber-optic sensors. Fiber-optic sensors and control cables of the communication line are made based on the single mode optical fibers, which allows to measure with high accuracy the deformations and displacements of the rock mass at a distance of 30-50 km. To create fiber-optic pressure sensors, an optical fiber of the ITU-T G. 652.D standard is used. Laboratory sample is developed concerning the point fiber-optic sensor made based on the two-arm Mach-Zender interferometer using a single mode optical fiber for monitoring strain (displacements) with a change in the sensitivity and a reduced influence of temperature interference leading to zero drift. The article presents a mathematical apparatus for calculating the intensity of radiation of a light wave passing through an optical fiber with and without mechanical stress. A laboratory sample of single mode optical fibers based on the Mach-Zender interferometer showed a fairly high linearity and accuracy in the measurement and can be used to control the strain of the mass after appropriate refinement of its design. Mathematical expressions are also given for determining the intensity of the light wave when the distance between the fixing points of a single mode optical fiber changes depending on the change in the external temperature. A diagram for measuring strain using a point fiber-optic strain sensor is developed. Hardware and software package is developed, which can be used to perform a number of settings of measuring channels. The work is aimed at solving the production problems of the Kenzhem quarry of AK Altynalmas JSC.