In today’s mining industry, where safety, real-time data, and operational efficiency are more critical than ever, the SENTINEL™ WGM+ by Innovative Wireless Technologies (IWT) stands out as a game-changing solution. Combining wireless communications, personnel tracking, and atmospheric gas monitoring into one rugged device, the SENTINEL™ WGM+ is engineered specifically to meet the extreme demands of underground mining environments.
Whether you’re managing ventilation-on-demand (VoD), deploying safety alert systems, or simply ensuring compliance with MSHA regulations, the WGM+ provides an all-in-one platform to streamline operations and safeguard your workforce.
All-in-One Monitoring, Made Simple
The SENTINEL™ WGM+ is more than just a gas monitor—it’s a comprehensive tool for underground situational awareness. The unit combines:
- Wireless Communication
- Personnel and Asset Tracking
- Gas Detection (CH₄, CO, H₂ + CO)
- Environmental Monitoring (Temperature, Humidity, Pressure)
Installed as part of the SENTINEL™ wireless network, the WGM+ integrates seamlessly with other SENTINEL™ devices and communicates critical information in real time to the surface-level Dispatch Station. Whether deployed for permanent monitoring or rapid response needs, the WGM+ ensures mines stay informed and adaptable.
Built for the Harshest Conditions
Mining environments are unforgiving. That’s why the WGM+ is housed in a rugged, IP65-rated enclosure, capable of withstanding high humidity, dust, vibration, and wide temperature fluctuations. It operates within varying sensor-dependent temperature ranges and stores safely from -40°C to +80°C. The unit weighs just 5.5 lbs and is easily mountable using its integrated metal brackets, with the compact form factor (11.1” x 9.3” x 3.5”) enabling versatile placement throughout the mine.
It’s MSHA-approved (Approval No. 18-A160001-0) for use in hazardous areas, giving mine operators confidence in its performance and safety under stringent federal regulations.
Long Battery Life with Low Maintenance
The WGM+ is powered by four user-replaceable D-cell alkaline batteries, offering a month of continuous operation. This simplifies deployment, eliminates the need for specialized charging infrastructure, and enables easy maintenance in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
A power-saving display mode ensures extended battery life, while a visible low-battery warning (including flashing LED and on-screen alerts) keeps users informed well before service is required.
High-Visibility Display and Intuitive Interface
Central to the WGM+ experience is its large, high-resolution LCD screen, backed with a bright LED display that remains readable in low-light conditions. The interface uses soft-key buttons for navigation, enabling on-site calibration, diagnostics, and sensor status checks.
Three LED indicators provide immediate status feedback:
- Green for power/network status
- Yellow for warnings or faults (like low battery or sensor issues)
- Red for active gas alarms (lower or upper threshold events)
These visual cues ensure critical conditions are immediately recognized—even in noisy or chaotic underground environments.
Plug-and-Play Sensor Modules
Gas detection is only as good as the sensors that power it—and the WGM+ offers hot-swappable sensor modules to ensure uninterrupted performance. The single-bay model supports one or two sensor elements, with the following configurations:
- Part no. FAA4913-010: Methane (CH₄)
- Part no. FAA4913-012: Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Part no. FAA4913-230: Dual Sensor – Hydrogen (H₂) + Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Each module includes environmental sensors for pressure, humidity, and ambient temperature. When sensors reach the end of their lifespan or need replacement, they can be quickly swapped out without removing the entire unit—minimizing downtime and simplifying maintenance.
Real-Time Alerts and Remote Visibility
The WGM+ not only detects hazardous gases but also ensures that alarms are transmitted wirelessly across the mesh network to appropriate personnel or systems. When integrated with IWT’s Dispatch Station and optional Section or Mesh Handset Alarms, the WGM+ becomes a proactive part of your mine’s emergency response plan.
Upon detection of gas events, conditions are displayed locally and relayed to the surface, allowing for faster response times and broader situational awareness. This real-time transparency supports decision-making in both routine and emergency operations.
Easy Calibration and Diagnostics
Each WGM+ can be field-calibrated using IWT’s calibration adapter and span/zero gas. The user interface guides personnel through both zero and span calibration steps, providing feedback through the display and ensuring proper execution.
Frequent calibration isn’t just a best practice, it’s a regulatory requirement. The WGM+ makes it easy to stay compliant with Title 30 CFR guidelines, offering a 31-day calibration interval, simplified procedure, and clearly defined sensor settings per gas type.
Smart Networking with SENTINEL™ Communication System
The WGM+ functions as a node in the IWT SENTINEL™ mesh network, which automatically adjusts to changes in topology and can route around blocked pathways or damaged units. With built-in antenna support (internal or optional external Yagi or Omni antennas), the WGM+ ensures dependable communication throughout complex mine layouts.
Network health, signal strength (RSSI), and parent node assignments are all viewable via the NODE and MESH screens on the device. This data is critical during initial setup, ongoing network health checks, and troubleshooting.
Key Benefits to Mining Operator
Improved Worker Safety: Real-time gas detection and alerts reduce exposure risks and allow for faster evacuation or mitigation.
Increased Operational Uptime: Wireless and battery-powered design reduces infrastructure requirements and simplifies maintenance.
Regulatory Compliance: MSHA-approved and easily calibrated to meet federal monitoring standards.
Scalable Deployment: Easily integrated into the existing SENTINEL™ wireless network.
Rapid ROI: Low operating costs, high reliability, and increased operational transparency contribute to fast returns on investment.
In Summary
The SENTINEL™ WGM+ is more than just a gas monitor—it’s an integrated safety solution designed for the realities of underground mining. It blends rugged engineering with intelligent monitoring and user-friendly features, empowering mining operators to make faster, safer, and smarter decisions.
For mines looking to modernize their safety systems, streamline compliance, and enhance operational insight, the WGM+ offers a proven, future-ready path forward.
Learn more about IWT’s mining solutions at https://www.iwtwireless.com/mining/