MECHANISED COAL
Matrix ’ s IntelliZone technology reduces nuisance warnings and shutdowns . Awareness Zone around the continuous miner ( CM ) tail automatically shrinks in cutting mode . Awareness Zone on the CM expands when disengaged from shuttle car and contracts when engaged
more than 2,000 kW . KAMAT pumps are optimally suited for hydraulic pressures of 350 to 420 bar in mining : its high-pressure pumps were developed for 3,500 bar in continuous operation .
Armoured Face Conveyors
At Longwall USA in 2015 , Gareth Rimmington , Principal Engineer , Joy Global , noted in Variable Speed Drives on Armoured Face Conveyors the dramatic advances in AFC drive systems . “ From fixed-fill fluid couplings , through variable-fill TTT water couplings , to medium voltage ( 4,160 V and 3,300 V ) variable speed motors , AFC drives continue to be one of the most developed components of a longwall system .
“ The introduction of variable speed drives ( VSDs ) has created huge opportunities to increase longwall productivity and efficiency , but realising the full potential of VSDs requires the simultaneous evolution of longwall control and automation systems .”
Continuous miners / roadheaders
Simulation Based Continuous Miner Production Training at Longwall USA , by Joey Kennedy , Senior Training Instructor / K9 Handler – Alpha Natural Resources , examined advances in simulation based operator training . This has assisted greater productivity through better instruction and assessment of operational techniques .
Recognising that traditional training in an “ apprenticeship format ” is not ideal and the difficulties of instructor-based training in the underground environment , the solution is to use “ a combination of instructor led and simulation based training .”
“ A seasoned continuous miner trainer was first sent to a targeted operation , to observe mining conditions and current operational technique . Particular attention was paid to shearing methods ( i . e . cut cycle ); to the extent that the operator trainer experimented with different cut cycle methodologies to determine the optimal approach for a given operation . The operator trainer then replicated the conditions in an operator training simulator , to objectively assess the productivity of operators versus the proposed change by the operator trainer . The trainer then used the 3D visualisation and playback tools available within the simulation together with instructor-led training to coach operators on the new cut cycle . Finally , real world performance was tracked before and afterwards to measure the rate of improvement from the new cut cycle .
“ The results from this new approach to operator training have been improved production rates at the target operations by 5-10 %.”
In January 2015 , the Mine Safety and Health Administration ( MSHA ) issued a federal rule requiring all continuous miner systems to use proximity detection systems . These systems help train personnel to avoid danger zones while working around large machines , such as continuous miners and mobile haulage equipment . They detect workers in low visibility and obscured operator line-of-sight locations and can be used on a wide variety of equipment .
The Joy SmartZone proximity system helps teach personnel to operate underground mining equipment from safe working zones , as well as to stay away from danger zones . SmartZone recognises and monitors individual personnel movement around a machine , providing an additional layer of analysis for in-depth training initiatives .
The SmartZone system is made of two related components : n Drivers are placed strategically on the equipment , covering a variety of directions and angles ; the drivers then work together in a coordinated fashion to track the position of any person wearing a Personnel Wearable Device ( PWD ) n PWDs are compact devices , roughly the size of a cell phone , worn by mining personnel ; each PWD emits a signature signal that is recorded and tracked by the drivers . SmartZone maintains two distinct operating zones around equipment : n Initial Warning zone where SmartZone audibly and visually signals the person , through their PWD , that he or she is getting too close to the equipment n In the Shutdown zone , SmartZone disables various machine functions when it detects a person with a PWD in that zone .
While the shape of the zones is dependent on the shape of the equipment , both the initial warning zone and shutdown zone will be the same shape . The only difference between them will be their size .
In addition , when SmartZone is installed on multiple machines , the drivers interact seamlessly between the machines , detecting if a person with a PWD is in zone one or two for any or multiple machines .
Similarly , the Matrix IntelliZone ® proximity detection system also embraces a Warning Zone ( shown in yellow ) that uses highly-visible flashing lights to warn workers they are close to potential danger , and may reduce the speed of a vehicle or influence other changes in operation . The Shutdown Zone ( shown in red ) is closest to the equipment and causes immediately shutdown , and other actions , when a worker or IntelliZone equipped machinery enters this area . Additional zones can be configured if needed . IntelliZone Awareness Zones can have any shape and are customisable to specific equipment and applications .
Mobile haulage ( or light vehicle ) awareness zones can be configured to vary based on speed and direction of travel . At higher speeds , longer forward zones allow additional response time for dangerous situations . Mobile haulage awareness zone can ‘ see ’ through ventilation curtains to warn of worker collisions .
Six-head bolter behind CM
In partnership with a US customer , the engineering department of J . H . Fletcher & Co was tasked to design and manufacture a new roof bolting machine with six independent drilling apparatus onboard capable of drilling and bolting the mine roof and side walls ( rib ) simultaneously . The machine is also equipped with material handling .
This is the first Fletcher ® six-head machine to
SEPTEMBER 2016 | International Mining 139