while, at the same time, avoiding the
risk of collision.
Opportunities for the
international coal industry
The example from the Zollverein 1/2
panel described a longwall coal face that
is prone to gas outbursts. The
technology that has been developed
here also provides an opportunity for
the process optimisation of
high‑performance coal faces around
the world.
The following arrangements must be
put in place before introducing an
intelligent face automation system:
n
n
Coordination of requirements.
n
n
Concept development and detail
planning.
n
n
Planning and equipping of the
operating space.
n
n
Organisation (tasks and
responsibilities).
n
n
Adaptation of the visualisation tools
for use above and below ground.
n
n
Technical acceptance onsite.
n
n
Training of management, operating
personnel, control room operators
and other staff.
n
n
Technical support during
commissioning.
n
n
Incorporation into an ERP
(enterprise-resource-planning)
system, if required by the
client‑operator.
Throughout the entire process, the
mine operator will therefore be able
to take advantage of the
operating experience, development
efforts and training expertise of
RAG Mining Solutions.
On the basis of these preparatory
arrangements, the coal mine will be
able to manage the coal production
process in line with the latest
technology and derive all of the benefits
that result from it, such as:
n
n
A high level of operating
reliability.
n
n
Efficient use of all machines and
equipment.
n
n
Coordinated manpower
deployment.
n
n
Operational monitoring based on
the visualisation of all information
that is relevant for the control
station.
n
n
Modular mine control system with
interfaces that are matched to the
operator network.
n
n
Process analysis based on the
provision of data in an ERP system
(optional).
Integration into an existing control
room system calls for defined
interfaces and a stable data connection
between the underground workings
and the mine surface. The modular
design of the system makes it a
suitable performance upgrade for
production faces at coal mines that
already operate control room
technology.
Additional modules can also be
installed to expand the application
options. These can easily be integrated
in order to optimise the overall coal
mine operations on a step-by-step
basis. Alternatively, and especially in
the case of greenfield projects, the
entire package of modules developed
for the RAG Mining Solutions
self-sustaining control room
technology, including the intelligent
face automation system, can also be
installed on a total-system basis.
This allows a mine control room to
be set up without having to use
external software modules. The
specific benefits of this option are
discussed below.
Figure 6. Relationship between desorbable gas content and panel layout.
Figure 5. General view of the surface test face.
72
|
World Coal
|
August 2015
