The intelligent face automation
system is now fully integrated into all
system levels at RAG coal mines as
part of the sustainable control room
technology provided by
RAG Mining Solutions. This
development, which is based on a
modern software architecture,
provides a uniform reporting regime
and is therefore a key element when it
comes to optimising operational
reliability, transparency and efficiency.
Figure 7 shows how the intelligent
face automation system is integrated at
all network levels. Its full integration
into the RAG Mining Solutions
self-sustaining control room system
therefore opens up possibilities that go
far beyond those afforded by the
individual module. These include:
n
Amanagement and information
system in line with latest practice,
based on 40 yr of mining experience
in improving and refining coal
winning operations under difficult
geological conditions at RAG mines.
n
Lower training needs and easier
instrument handling for real-time
control and process execution.
n
Manufacturer-neutral control using
a uniform visualisation system.
n
Standardised system with fewer
interfaces for project management.
n
Unified data structure makes for
easier integration into an ERP
system.
The combination of intelligent face
automation and self-sustaining mine
control technology is based on the
concept of the ‘control room of the
future’, a system that is already in
operation at Prosper-Haniel coal mine.
Here the control personnel have a
permanent overview of all operations
and processes under way above and
below ground. The possibility of
intervention anywhere and at any time,
in compliance with prescribed machine
safety standards, is one of the system’s
unique features.
As well as managing the coal
winning process itself, the
self-sustaining control room system is
able to perform control actions based on
a 3D model of the mine workings
(Figure 8).
As well as providing a
multi-language user interface in English,
Russian, Polish and Chinese, this 3D
model can also be expanded to include
material tracking and personnel location
functions. Knowing the exact location of
each member of the underground
workforce constitutes a huge
improvement to workplace safety and
means that, if such a need should arise,
rescue actions can be coordinated from
the surface control room.
While this control room technology
has been designed for use at a coal mine
level, it is also suitable for the wider
mining industry and for industrial
applications.
Conclusion
When operating coal faces at deep
levels, a large degree of mining
experience is needed in order to manage
geological factors, such as rock pressure
and methane emissions, as safely as
possible. The example discussed in this
article concerns a longwall face in
Zollverein 1/2 seam at the RAG‑owned
Prosper-Haniel coal mine.
The main challenges facing the
production team, in addition to the
Figure 7. Process diagram.
Figure 8. 3D model of the mine workings.
74
|
World Coal
|
August 2015
