# Testing the Elios Drone at a High Altitude Mine in the Andes Mountains The Elios 2 underwent rigorous testing at a high-altitude mine nestled nearly three miles above sea level in the Andes Mountains. The results exceeded the expectations of the mining personnel, proving its capabilities in extreme conditions. ## Key Benefits at a Glance ### High Altitude Performance The Elios 2 demonstrated impressive performance at an altitude of 4,600 meters (about 2.86 miles). Despite the challenges posed by the thin air, it operated smoothly and gathered all the necessary visual data. ### Detailed 3D Models Using advanced software like Pix4D, high-quality 3D models and sparse point clouds were created. These models provided mining personnel with a clear visualization of the mine's interior, helping them identify additional ore deposits and enhance their understanding of the spatial layout. ### Accessibility and Lighting The drone excelled in navigating tight spaces like chimneys, stopes, and orepasses. Its built-in lighting was sufficient to illuminate these dark areas, ensuring that all critical visual data was captured without the need for supplementary lighting. ## Mining Operations in the Andes Volcan Compañía Minera SAA, a prominent Peruvian mining company established in 1943, operates multiple mines in the Andes Mountains. These mines are renowned for their silver, zinc, copper, and lead deposits. One of the largest operations is the Andaychagua mine, located in Campamento Minero at an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,091 feet). Given its extreme elevation, the mine faces unique challenges, such as limited oxygen availability, which affects the performance of machinery and personnel. The Andaychagua mine spans two access points via narrow roads and extends to a depth of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet). Mining activities occur around the clock, with daily blasting at 6 p.m. followed by ore extraction throughout the night. During daylight hours, workers focus on securing and inspecting the mine in preparation for the next round of blasting. Each day, approximately 2,500 tons (over 5 million pounds) of minerals are extracted from the Andaychagua mine, making it a crucial asset for Volcan’s operations. ## Unveiling the Potential of the Elios 2 The Andaychagua mine administration is always on the lookout for innovative tools to optimize costs and ensure worker safety. Upon learning about Flyability’s Elios 2—a drone specifically designed for challenging environments—they decided to put it to the test under the extreme conditions of their high-altitude mine. The main objectives of the test were: - **Capabilities**: Could the Elios 2 function effectively at 4,600 meters above sea level? - **Visual Data**: What kind of visual data could the drone capture, and was the quality sufficient for mining needs? - **Lighting**: Was the drone’s built-in lighting adequate for detailed inspections? - **3D Modeling**: Could 3D models be generated from the data collected by the Elios 2, and how efficient was the process? Despite the logistical hurdles posed by the high altitude, the test proved highly successful. All planned inspections were completed, and the drone performed beyond expectations. ### Test Outcomes - **Capabilities**: The Elios 2 operated flawlessly at the extreme altitude, demonstrating its robustness. - **Visual Data**: High-quality visual data was captured, fully satisfying the mining personnel’s requirements. - **Lighting**: The drone’s lighting proved sufficient, eliminating the need for additional illumination. - **3D Models**: Both detailed and sparse 3D models were created using data from the Elios 2. Detailed models required extensive processing time but offered precise insights into the mine’s structure, while sparse models were generated more quickly and facilitated rapid identification of key points of interest. In total, approximately 40 flights were conducted. The inspection targets included chimneys, ore passes, ventilation tunnels, and stopes. Visual data was collected to assess conditions in these areas, and 3D models were created to provide a comprehensive view of the mine’s interior. Four 3D models were ultimately produced, including representations of stopes and tunnels. Pix4D software was used to generate detailed models, which took several hours to process but offered exceptional accuracy. These models could theoretically assist in identifying hidden ore deposits and aid in strategic planning. Sparse point clouds were also created using Flyability’s Inspector 3.0 software, allowing for quick identification of specific points of interest. These models required minimal processing time—around 20-30 minutes—and were highly practical for immediate analysis. ## Best Practices for High Altitude Drone Operations Operating the Elios 2 at such elevations demanded meticulous preparation. Here are some key strategies employed to ensure success: - **Flight Time**: Anticipate a 30% reduction in flight duration due to the drone’s motors working harder in low-density air. - **Motor Maintenance**: Allow motors to cool for about 10 minutes between long flights to prevent overheating. - **Ascent Strategy**: Avoid prolonged ascents by flying down from the top of a chimney instead of ascending from the bottom. Using a fishing line to manually lower the drone can also reduce motor strain. - **Fishing Line Use**: When working in chimneys and ore passes, attaching a fishing line to the drone helps maintain control amidst strong winds and motor stress. - **Temperature Adaptation**: Let the drone acclimate to the environment by leaving it outside its case for 10-20 minutes before flying. Clean the lens prior to beginning the mission to avoid blurred images. - **Wind Management**: Since Altitude mode requires manual control, anticipate having to compensate for wind manually during flight. With these considerations in mind, the Elios 2 proved to be a reliable tool for high-altitude mining inspections. Following the success of the test, Volcan Compañía Minera is seriously contemplating adopting the Elios 2 for regular inspections at the Andaychagua mine and potentially extending its use to other high-altitude mines across Peru. The potential for improved efficiency, enhanced safety, and better decision-making makes the Elios 2 a promising investment for Volcan’s mining operations.

Direct Expansion Wshp

Introduction to GENT direct expansion wshp

GENT direct expansion wshp is a Direct Expansion Air Conditioning that uses natural water sources at normal temperature, such as surface runoff, groundwater, etc., and refrigerant as the medium to achieve indoor cooling and heating through direct heat exchange between indoor air and water.

How the unit works?

After the unit uses a water pump to take water from the preset water intake point, the direct-expansion Water Source Heat Pump uses the fan, refrigerant and compressor in the unit to blow air directly into the room to achieve indoor space cooling and heating. Therefore, this unit is a direct expansion device that can achieve its purpose without the assistance of indoor terminals. The water after heat exchange is discharged back to the water intake point by the water pump, and is not continuously circulated in the direct expansion water source unit.

From this, it can be seen that the water source dx Air Conditioning is actually a deformation of the water source heat pump. The water source used by water source heat pump is also the natural water at normal temperature, and the water involved in the heat exchange does not circulate continuously within the unit.

The difference between the two units lies in the different output forms. The dx water source heat pump directly produces cold air or hot air, while the water source heat pump produces cold water or hot water. If indoor cooling and heating are to be achieved, the assistance of indoor terminals is also required.

Therefore, the special feature of GENT water source direct expansion ac system is that it does not require the installation of indoor terminals. This can effectively reduce the initial equipment investment cost and installation difficulty.

What are the restrictions of using the unit?

The unit needs to be close to the water source.

Because the unit needs to continuously take in water and drain water during operation, the unit should be installed close to the water source. If the unit is far away from the water source, the long water source transportation distance will increase the cost of laying pipes and cause a certain degree of heat loss, which will affect the operation effect of the unit. Therefore, users who intend to use this unit need to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of corresponding water source around the preset use site for the unit to use.

In summary, this unit has both advantages and disadvantages. This unit does not require the installation of additional indoor terminals, but it also has the common pain point of water source heat pump, that is, the unit needs to be installed close to the water source. If there is no available water source around the installation site of the unit, the high-efficiency and energy-saving characteristics of the unit will not be brought into play, and even the unit will not be able to operate normally, which greatly limits the installation range of the unit.

Then, users who need to control the initial equipment investment cost and have available water sources around are very suitable for this unit. This unit can save you costs to the maximum extent while ensuring the heating and cooling effects. Interested users are welcome to communicate with us for consultation.

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GUANGZHOU GENT NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD , https://www.gentgz.com