A successful module testing project was done by Hitex Development Tools for Becker Mining Systems. Its subject was the test of the software for an active explosion barrier system for gassy underground mines. This is a safety-system for use within a working mine, mainly consisting of a large reservoir of water. In case of a gas explosion underground, this system will detonate and produce a shield of water from a local reservoir. The water shall shield the man and the material in the mine against the effects of the explosion. Obviously, such a system can only be ignited once, like an airbag. Therefore, it is very important that it is not used prematurely by a “false alarm”. On the other hand, the system must not fail, in case it is needed.

Because of the safety-related functionality, the system had to be certified according to IEC 61508, Safety Integrity Level 2. Because of the safety integrity level, module testing of the software was mandatory. The required tests were done by Hitex on behalf of Becker Mining Systems. The software under test was written in C and runs on a multiprocessor system. Testing was accomplished by using Tessy, a tool to automate the module / unit testing of embedded software. Tessy was also used to determine the branch / decision coverage. The specification of the test cases was done according to the Classification Tree Method. A short time after the tests with Tessy were finalized, the active explosion barrier system for gassy underground mines got its certification according to IEC 61508 from the Dekra Exam GmbH.

Becker Mining Systems AG
Becker Mining Systems was founded in 1964, and has its headquarters in Friedrichsthal, Germany. With more than 1100 employees worldwide, total annual sales of Becker Mining Systems are well above about 160 million Euros. Becker Mining Systems produce a range of automation, transport, communication and energy distribution systems for use within the mining industry. Becker Mining Systems is certified according to EN ISO 9001:2000 and ATEX.

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	Press release in English language (pdf file)
	Press release in German language (pdf file)

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