Abstract: A device called “pill” is provided for in-line measurement of properties, such as pressure and temperature, in a fluid flow within a pipeline system. The device is small enough to travel in the medium of the pipeline system in an unrestricted manner. It has at least one sensor to scan properties such as pressure and temperature at a desired rate. Also, the device includes a microprocessor for logging data scanned by the sensor so that it can later be downloaded and analysed by a PC. Moreover, the device has a buoyancy compensator for adjusting the specific gravity of the device to make it compatible with the medium in which it travels. The novel device is particularly suitable for use in solids transport systems, such as mining backfill systems.

Abstract: A stress measuring rock support device is provided, such as a cable bolt or friction stabilizer, which has an internal longitudinal cavity, such as a groove or a flat section on the kingwire or a hollow core in the kingwire or the like. One or more rigid wires or filaments extend in such cavity and their ends are anchored at predetermined anchor points within the cavity. The other ends of the rigid wires or filaments are spring-loaded and are provided with movable actuators having electrical contacts which are in contact with a linear potentiometer and measure the displacement of the actuators resulting from the stretch of the cable. This is then correlated to measure the cable load or strain resulting from the stress applied to the rock support device. The spring-loaded arrangement as well as the linear potentiometer and the actuators with electrical contacts are enclosed within a suitable cover to form an instrumentation head assembly for the rock support device.

Abstract: A method and composition for providing gas-impermeable, adherent, flexible, and fire retardant coatings to rock and the like surfaces whereby the rock is supported by the caisson effect and mechanical strength properties of the coatings. The method comprises spraying a two-component polymer such as polyurethane onto a rock surface and spraying a layer of inorganic particulate material such as unexfoliated vermiculite onto the said coating of polymer with or without concurrent application of further layers of said polymer before completion of curing of the coating whereby the particulate material adheres to the polymer. An aqueous dispersion of inorganic particulate material such as vermiculite which may be in the exfoliated form can be applied onto the coating.