Have you ever considered how a continuous miner works? Coal mining operations use these large machines to remove coal reserves from underground coal seams.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website TRM.
The miner consists of a rotating steel drum fitted with tungsten carbide picks that scrape coal from seams.
An optimized continuous miner system moves smoothly from location to location without requiring workers to dismantle parts.
Other elements of a high-quality continuous miner include:
The continuous miner should also have a roof and bolter attached. However, these elements should not prevent construction personnel from placing support pattern rows.
For the most part, continuous miners offer companies high advance rates. However, longwall retreat rates and longwall continuity issues remain a concern for mines that utilize continuous miners.
Developing longwall continuity can strain other service functions, such as personnel, material handling, dust ventilation, water and power supplies, and gas drainage.
Despite these issues, continuous miner systems make coal mining faster while minimizing blasting. In addition, these machines make it possible to meet the increasing demand for underground coal production.
Read on for more information about how companies can use continuous miners to streamline their mining processes while ensuring a safer working environment.
A continuous miner system includes several critical features that impact the system’s functionality. Generally, these machines operate based on a room-and-pillar system.
Before implementing a continuous mining system, mining companies must divide each mine into 20 to 30 coal beds. Then, workers must install support systems to prevent the mine from collapsing.
After carving work areas into the coal beds, mining teams can begin setting up continuous miners to extract coal. Miners can then carry extracted coal to the surface with the help of a conveyor system.
In many cases, on-site workers operate continuous miners. However, modern continuous miner systems may also feature remote-controlled or robotic features.
Fully automated versions of the mining system make it easier to cut coal in hard-to-mine seams, lowering the risks of operating a continuous miner.
Additional features of the ideal continuous miner include:
For more information, please visit Split Sets Underground Mining.
The cutting head features a metallic rotating drum. Sharp cutter picks attach to the head and extract coal from the coal seam, working within the machine's minimum and maximum cutting height.
Some models have a dual gathering head system to increase development rates. Both single and double cutter head systems lift to reach their maximum cutting height. After doing so, internal mechanisms enable the cutters to lower back to their minimum cutting height.
Throughout the split and rendering process, the roadways leave a six-to-ten-meter fender, or coal strip, between the extracted area and the roadway. After the continuous miner reaches the block limit, the system retreats and returns to the fender.
The miner repeats this process while removing coal from the original panel each time it pulls back. The machine's traction system provides the power to extract coal, even in compact spaces.
While the split and fendering process is relatively efficient, it presents a substantial risk for on-site personnel. With that in mind, employees should avoid the unsecured roof during the room-and-pillar process.
Operators must proceed carefully while transporting coal during room-and-pillar mining.
Generally, companies use shuttle cars to carry the mined coal from the extraction point to the transfer point. Machines then tip the coal onto a conveying system connected to the surface.
Tram speed and conveyor width determine how quickly companies can collect and distribute coal to customers.
Narrow conveyor width slows down the process, a factor that companies should consider during the mine construction phase.
Several workers take part in continuous miner operations. Depending upon the situation, you can expect to see a team consisting of:
Team members handle different tools, including the cutter, and keep an eye on the roof for safety reasons during all mining processes. Drivers then deliver each batch of coal to the conveyor.
A continuous miner offers trustworthy support at many coal production sites. Companies often select this system for use in areas where they cannot safely perform longwall mining.
The actual performance of a continuous miner machine depends upon several factors, though, including:
Each mine uses a unique haulage system and has specific dimensions. However, continuous miner equipment generally functions well, even in close quarters.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Bolt Pull Test.