INTERFLO
Industrial and mining signalling solution
Designed to optimize the movement of ore and freight.
The efficient movement of freight 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is essential to a modern and productive resource industry. Specifically designed for industrial and mining applications, the INTERFLO 150 optimizes and maximizes the rapid transport of raw materials to enable fully automated, continuous, efficient and streamlined productivity.
The system provides a step change in rail productivity by enabling flexible operations and integration with a mine’s loading and unloading systems. The system is also scalable, making it cost-effective in mines of varying size and grades of automation around the world.
Advanced technology
The INTERFLO provides greater cost-efficiency, speed and capacity as well as increased availability.
Efficient operation
The INTERFLO 150 system solution is the optimal choice for heavy haulage lines as well as industrial automated haulage systems. It uses the latest communication-based technology with a minimal wayside footprint while offering maximum rail capacity. The system can be run in automated driverless mode, offering minimal OPEX cost. The INTERFLO 150 system solution includes several functions for industrial automation and integration with other production control systems.
Key features
- Built-in Automatic Train Protection (ATP) for increased safety
- The system manages unmanned Automatic Train Operation (ATO)
- Maximum freight capacity through moving block functionality
- Integration with loading/unloading facilities
- No wayside train detection equipment required
- No optical signals required
- Built-in driverless capability
- Automatic dispatching and traffic on demand
- Use in combination with various radio systems (e.g. VHF, UHF, Tetra, GSM(-R), LTE, Wi-Fi)
Tailored lifetime solutions
We offer tailored solutions ranging from sub-systems to complete turnkey solutions as well as maintenance, installation, commissioning, training, spare parts, obsolescence management and other services. To achieve the very best solution for our customers, we discuss and tailor solutions to suit your needs and are available for support throughout the entire lifecycle of the project.
Latest technology
The INTERFLO 150 haulage-train control system uses the latest communication-based technology with a minimal wayside footprint while offering maximum rail capacity.
Increased capacity
- Integrated traffic management including interface and integration with loading and unloading stations so trains can be automatically directed for optimal production
- Automatic dispatching, automatic route-setting and online traffic and pro-duction optimization
- Moving block – safe operation, shorter headways and improved track and rolling stock utilization as well as power efficiency
Reliable
- Offers a complete solution with proven components
- Enables driverless operation and dispatching, removing human error and inefficiencies
- Limited or reduced trackside equipment lowers maintenance and installation costs as well as the risk of theft, vandalism or accidental damage
- Exceptional reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (RAMS)
Traffic optimization
- Traffic on demand in addition to traffic according to time schedule, meaning reduced train idle times
- Automatic optimization based on actual length and braking capability of each train
- Automatic conflict detection and resolution built into the system which calculates a movement authority to ensure trains do not collide and do not need to wait for each other to pass
- Trains are constantly monitored by a remote control centre, enabling better dispatch of trains and allowing operators to see where trains are and how they are performing.
Flexible
- Compatible with any mobile data radio communication available
- Scalable architecture ensures expansion for future capacity demands.
- Safety equipment ensures the train’s speed, position and integrity.
Accomplishing more together
Our complete system for underground rail transport is a shining example of concentrating expertise and benefitting from synergies.
Specifically designed for industrial and mining applications, the joint solution from Bombardier Transportation, Schalke and Nordic Minesteel Technologies optimizes and maximizes the rapid transport of raw materials to enable fully automated, continuous and efficient productivity.
As a specialist for safe, reliable, high-performance traction units, Schalke provides a range of mining locomotives from 10 to 130 tonnes as well as service and shunting locomotives.
NMT specializes in the continuous loading and unloading of rail transportation vehicles. It supplies mine cars and freight vehicles as well as loading and unloading stations for the system.
Kiruna Mine, Sweden
In 2010, Bombardier was awarded a contract to supply an INTERFLO 150 solution to the world’s most advanced underground mine, LKAB in Kiruna, Sweden. Bombardier is the main supplier of a fully automated system for train control and automation on approximately 14 km of track. Up to seven trains run simultaneously during full production. The system comprises 27 chutes in 10 groups and four unloading stations.
El Teniente and Esmeralda Mine, Chile
In the main haulage level of El Teniente, an INTERFLO 150 system controls nine trains hauling copper ore on a 22 km line, loading two different types of ore from 25 locations and unloading in four different locations. The implementation of our system has enabled an output increase of 155 per cent from approximately 55,000 tonnes a day to 140,000 tonnes a day.
In the Esmeralda mine (part of El Teniente), four trains run simultaneously 24 hours a day, seven days a week hauling more than 48,000 tonnes of copper ore a day.
INTERFLO 150 Grasberg Block Cave, Indonesia
The Grasberg mine, Indonesia
The Grasberg mine has the world’s largest known gold reserves and the second-largest copper reserves. Bombardier has supplied its INTERFLO 150 train control solution. The system covers 29 km of track, a centralized traffic control centre and wayside equipment controlling 80 points. The automated system will have an integrated interface with 120 chutes and three unloading stations to secure the efficiency of the mine.
Featured video
Bombardier Transportation, Schalke and NMT offer a complete underground rail transport system that maximises the rapid transport of raw materials. The solution is fully automated and ensures efficient movement of freight 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
