August 2015
|
World Coal
|
51
T
oday’s longwall mines are
safer, more productive and
more efficient than ever before
thanks to improvements in
automation. Over the years, longwall
machinery has grown more and more
complex, forcing manufacturers to
optimise interaction between systems
and machines, such as roof supports,
conveyors, beam stage loaders and
shearers. To evaluate this progress,
mine operators are focusing more on
analysis and optimisation, which
means they need comprehensive data
and information on these systems.
In this context, the shearer plays a
key role. As the cutting machine, it
dictates the rhythm of production and
face advance. For high production, all
other longwall sub‑systems have to
follow efficiently. Other motivations for
increasing the automation level of a
longwall system include:
n
Efficiency: maintaining a balance
between production achieved and
effort spent.
n
Further sustainable use of
equipment with longer availability.
n
A constant utilisation level of
the equipment and prevention
of overload situations, allowing
for more effective planning
of maintenance activities and
intervals.
n
Increased safety.
Shearer automation means reduced
working time for operators near the
cutting machine and at the face in
general. Today, it is possible to run a
shearer with only one operator instead
of two, meaning no operator has to
leave the fresh air stream. Furthermore,
the operator can leave the machine to
itself in defined periods of the mining
cycle and wide areas of the face.
Personnel therefore spend less time in
dangerous areas and are less exposed
to dust and noise.
Shearer control system
Three key components are needed to
realise this level of automation:
n
A modern and contemporary
control system, such as the
Cat PMC
®
Evo‑S.
n
Intelligent software modules.
n
A wide range of high‑quality
measuring technology.
The PMC Evo‑S is a powerful,
modular, ethernet‑based control system
that allows for a modern programming
style, meaning that it can be used to
implement complex algorithms and
functions. The system is designed with
a large number of safe components,
which makes it easy to maintain at the
Figure 1. Cat longwall system.
