Improving the early warning system of predicting cyclones

Customer Requirement

The extensive and vulnerable mining and port facilities situated in remote tropical North West Australia meant that it is essential that the best cyclone early warning system be available. It was therefore necessary for the client to augment the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather reports.

Equipment

• DT50 data logger
• Sensors: Temperature; Barometric pressure; Humidity; Anemometer

dataTaker Solution

The dataTaker DT50 collected data from both the mine site and the port. The analog signals from the sensors measured temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, wind speed and direction. The logger converts these signals into digital form using its own software to perform initial data manipulation and then supplies the information to an on-line computer supplying a complete picture of prevailing weather conditions. The logger generates hourly and daily weather reports. When cyclonic conditions apply, the dataTaker data logger generates a report every ten minutes.

When a cyclone threatens a well-rehearsed procedure is put into place. Conveyor belts and other vulnerable plant equipment is secured, ships in port are sent out to sea and the work site is evacuated with only a skeleton force remaining at the facility to monitor the effect of the cyclone.

By using the on-site reports in conjunction with the Weather Bureau reports the client believes they are amassing a high quality set of records from which to make predictions about potentially dangerous cyclones.