PROVIX Thermal Imaging Cameras for

Heavy Equipment
VISION ENHANCEMENT FOR SAFER MORE PRODUCTIVE OPERATIONS
 WHO WE ARE
Cameras – Lights – Proximity Detection

PROVIX supplies and installs equipment based solutions that are proven to increase safety and
boost productivity and efficiency by providing enhanced vision for operators. From proximity
detection to equipment lighting, to thermal imaging cameras that allows operators to move
equipment through steam, fog and darkness with enhanced vision, to shovel and haul truck
collision avoidance systems that reduce risk while increasing productivity, PROVIX has proven
solutions that are field tested and currently in operation in surface and underground mines around
the world.
PROVIX IN YOUR OPERATION?
Thermal Imaging from the Driver’s seat
Thermal Imaging – Where?
- Bulldozers and Loaders for CNRL, Syncrude, Suncor, ESSO, Fort Hills in the Oil Sands
- Loaders in dusty conditions on loaders in South Africa (Surface Mining)
- Teck employee transport buses
- Ambulances traversing Newfoundland and Northern Saskatchewan
- Underground mine rescue vehicles in various mines
- Underground Load Haul Dump scooptrams in Ontario
- Tractor trailers operating in moose country.
The Challenge
Steam, dust, fog, darkness, snow, and other weather conditions reduce visibility in all
types of operations.

Reduced visibility leads to unsafe operating conditions and significantly impacts on

productivity.

Certain mine sites are more susceptible to environmental weather conditions due to
climate and topography.
Diavik Diamond Mines Lac de Gras NWT : Fog on the Ramp.
The Challenge
In Fort McMurray, surface mining and tailings operations are “haunted” by
fog and steam that impacts on safe operations at any time of year.
Bitumen laden oil sands are recovered using heavy equipment during
surface mining operations. During processing, hot water is used to
separate the bitumen from the mined material. After the bitumen has
been removed, the spent sand, laden with heated moisture is distributed
in an environmentally sensitive manner. During the spreading of the spent
sand there is a significant amount of steam and fog rising from the piles of
reclaimed material. Dozer operators are often unable to see more than a
few feet as they work in tailings cells leading to dangerous working
conditions.
Challenge
Navigating heavy equipment in dust,
fog and steam is a challenging task at
best. Equipment lights can be
distorted causing additional visual
distraction. Thermal Cameras allow
operators to see other vehicles and
equipment, reducing the likelihood of
collision and increasing safety and
productivity for everyone.
Challenge – Kearl Lake
This situation was first brought to our attention three years ago, after more than one dozer had
dropped into a tailings pond and there had been a few near misses between dozers in the tailings
cells. Kearl Lake is Exxon’s oil sands project that operates fourteen D9 and D10 Caterpillar
bulldozers that are tasked with the spreading of moisture laden spent sand once the bitumen has
been extracted. The operators could not see properly through the thick fog and steam and
therefore could not maintain expected speeds or maintain proper alignment for spreading. Not only
does this decrease production efficiency issue, it also presents a significant safety issue, as the
operators cannot see other personnel, equipment or vehicles.
Challenge

Damage to Equipment can be

reduced when operators can identify
areas based on thermal signatures.
Varying temperatures of ponds and
pits versus ambient air temperature
allows for thermal cameras to clearly
distinguish no go zones. Operating
vehicles have a distinct heat
signature.
Solution
PROVIX utilised FLIR thermal imaging technology to equip the 14 Caterpillar D8,9 and 10
bulldozers with both forward and rearward facing thermal cameras to provide the operators with
enhanced vision through both fog and steam.

The PROVIX system combined dual thermal cameras and an in cab viewing LCD monitor, with an
automated control system that automatically displayed the camera image based on the direction
of travel. The two FLIR cameras are connected to a rugged control panel that is directly
connected to the vehicle's power system. The system is activated upon engine start up and has
low amperage draw. The system is fully expandable to include proximity detection, radar
sensors, rear side and front view cameras, as well as recording.
Solution- Thermal Imaging
FLIR PathFindIRs are thermal cameras that are designed for mobile deployment. Originally
developed as a military solution, they have been commercialised and re-invented as a safety
solution for over the road vehicles, as well as for heavy equipment operating in environmental
conditions that necessitate enhanced vision. Provix has taken the proven FLIR technology and
ruggedized it to withstand the extreme operating conditions found in the mining industry, whether
that be surface mining or underground hard rock mining.
Solution - Provix Thermal Vision
The Provix system consists of single or dual thermal imaging cameras that are
automatically activated based on direction of travel and required no operator input to
display an enhanced image of what is in front or behind the equipment. Provix added a
Collision Detection algorithm to the thermal cameras processor that provides advance
warning of other equipment, vehicles or personnel that are in a collision path with the
thermal outfitted equipment.
System Enhancements
Provix has developed an algorithm for proximity detection and collision avoidance that is
dependent on the thermal imaging camera for data analysis.
The collision avoidance component of the system provides early warning to vehicle or equipment
operators of impending interactions with other vehicles, equipment or personnel.
Equipped with an in cab audible alarm and flashing light, the system alerts the operator to view the
LCD screen to determine what has been detected.
Collision Avoidance
The Provix thermal camera system provides identification of other vehicles and equipment that are
driving in front of the camera field of view. When there is a vehicle or other equipment detected, the
system uses a rectangular frame to mark the "target" position, and judges the potential of collision.

Scope of identification for forward collision Alarming icon for forward collision
Collision Avoidance
If there is a risk of collision, the system will provide an alarm to the driver. The area
indicated by arrow 1 and arrow 2 is the full scope of the detection area. When a vehicle
is identified in the detection area, the system will mark the location with a rectangular
frame. The area pointed by arrow 2 is the alarm area. When the system identifies that
there will be risk of collision between the detected vehicle and the Provix system
equipped vehicle, it will provide a warning alert to the driver.

Scope of identification for forward collision Alarming icon for forward collision
Collision Avoidance
The area 15-60m ahead of the vehicle is red alarm area; the area 60-120m ahead of the
forward vehicle is yellow alarm area. The area indicated by arrow 1 is the area for
identification but not for sounding the alarm. In other words, when the target is shown in
this area, the system can only identify it's presence and will mark the location with a
rectangular frame, but it will not judge the level of danger of potential collision.

Scope of identification for forward collision Alarming icon for forward collision
Subsequent Deployment- Fort McMurray
The first installations were completed in September of 2016 atKearl Lake.
Word spread quickly through Fort Mac on the success of the thermal implementation on the
Dozers at Esso’s Kearl Lake project.
In the second year after Esso implemented the thermal cameras, Syncrude deployed them on all
tailings dozers. CNRL followed with implementation at Jack Pine and Horizon sites shortly
thereafter. Suncor moved ahead with full implementation on all dozers in their tailings division
at Base Mine and the Teck/Suncor project at Fort Hills outfitted all of their dozers this spring.
Kearl Lake has also outfitted their marine units operating in the tailings cells. CNRL has begun
outfitting loaders operating in the mining division, and Suncor has scheduled the first system
deployment for loaders in the mining division for mid July of this year.
We have been told that it is very rare for all of the surface miners in Fort Mac to be using the
same technology.
System Enhancements
Provix is fully invested in ensuring that the vehicle or equipment operator is not suffering from
information overload. The LCD screen in the Thermal Camera system is capable of displaying
other safety cameras such as rear view or blind spot. Each camera can be displayed on the same
monitor, without operator intervention. There is no requirement for a second in cab monitor.
No operator initiated actions are required. The system is fully automated with the exception of
push button operated wash system.

Rear View Camera with

Side View/ Blind Spot Split Screen/ Quad Monitor
Wash & Dry system
System Enhancements
Provix safety cameras can be equipped with operator controlled wash and dry systems to provide
clear visibility when enhanced vision is required.
Provix rear view cameras are equipped with wide angle lenses to provide full coverage of the area
behind the vehicle or equipment.
Feedback and Results - Provix Thermal
Three years since first implementation at Esso in Fort MacMurray, the word has spread
about the enhanced safety and efficiency using thermal cameras.
Exxon Kearl Lake has made the thermal cameras an SOP- dozers don’t run without
thermal cameras.
Syncrude Base Mine Tailings - fleet wide deployment; all dozers have dual thermal
cameras.
CNRL Jack Pine and Albion Hills Tailings - fleet wide deployment; all dozers have dual
thermal cameras.
Suncor Tailings - fleet wide deployment; dual thermal cameras have been supplied for all
dozers and are being installed currently, after a successful one year trial program.
Fort Hills Tailings - fleet wide deployment; dual thermal cameras have been supplied for
all dozers and are being installed currently, after a successful one month trial program.
Synopsis- Provix Thermal
The Provix Thermal camera solution provides the operators with enhanced visual acuity in dense
steam, fog and darkness, allowing them to confidently operate heavy equipment once they can
see to do so. Operators are comfortable, knowing that anything with a heat signature will be
clearly visible on the in cab monitor. Both personnel and other operating equipment are clearly
detected and as such, operators are able to ensure safer operating conditions while at the same
time maintaining an effective productive pace while moving through the work area.
Solution- Camera Placement- Kearl Lake
Solution- In Cab
The single magnified image from either camera is displayed on either a 7” waterproof, dustproof
monitor that is ergonomically positioned for ease of reference and can be adjusted to suit
individual operators sight lines. Access to the monitor controls are physically blocked or
programmatically locked out, to ensure there is no operator interference with the operation and
functionality of the system. Auto Brightness and automatic display of the appropriate camera
image eliminate the requirement for operator intervention. Larger monitors are available as are
recording options.
Solution- In Cab
Components
Panel Enclosure
Provix designs, manufactures and
installs process control systems that
allow for seamless connection to OEM
equipment and vehicle systems. The
weatherproof enclosures provide cable
management solutions and protection
for sensitive electronic components, as
well as automate operation of the
system.
 Dustproof- Waterproof
Quad 7” Inch Monitor
Waterproof, Dustproof Quad Monitor will
display up to four cameras. With two thermal
cameras operating as part of this solution,
conventional Rear, Side and Front CCD
cameras with IR can be added for Real Time
Video Viewing by the operator. If required
recording of all cameras can be added to the
system.
Stainless Steel
Monitor Brace
The waterproof dustproof quad monitor
is further supported by a Provix
produced Stainless steel brace that
attaches to the dozer via a RAM mount.
The Ram mount allows for flexible
positioning and ergonomic viewing by
the operator.
Installation
Photos
Provix Thermal Cameras
deployed on D8’s and D9’s at
Esso’s Kearl Lake project
Provix Haul Truck Thermal Camera System
Provix Integrated Rearview Camera System

Rearview system uses the monitor and hardware from the thermal system.
Provix Camera Wash System

Cleans the Camera lens of Dirt, Ice, and Muck with the push of a button.
Proposed System for Haul Truck
Single Forward Facing Thermal Camera in protective steel guard with a Cable Management
Junction box, 24V power harness, 7or 9" Quad camera/ Split Screen Monitor with or without DVR.
Rugged Service Installation kit with Fire Retardant loom and cable straps. Rugged Ram Mount
with Steel Brace allows for Ergonomic positioning of In cab monitor. In Cab operator alert system
that includes both audible alarm and visual flashing light, activated when thermal camera detects
any heat source.
Single Rearward Facing 150° FOV camera in a steel guard with IR LEDs and internal heater.
External Operator Activated Wash System with Air Dry, Reservoir, air and liquid supply tubing and
mounting hardware.
Blind Spot Camera available upon request.
Radar System available upon request.
Rear Camera Field of View
Overall Thermal Camera System Cost
TCK-70MQWP-PF3X1GA
PF3 Thermal WP Kit w/ 1 ip68 panel, 1 monitor, 1x Thermal Cameras, 1x 20 ft cable, 1x Guard,
Alert
System Cost = $9,999
Installation Hardware Kit = $199
Optional DVR = $1,000
Rear Camera with Integrated Camera Guard & Wash/Dry System = $1,900
Contact

PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS

Tel: (888) 434-0253 Sales@provix.net 6436 Hwy 89 East
Fax: (705) 435-6419 Alliston, ON. L9R 1V2
CANADA