Coal Age

MAY 2013

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underground safety equipment continued ground fault relay. The bottom line in both cases is that both longwall designs were tested successfully." "They were using different drives in the systems," Lemmon said. "That's why we had to do the test twice. In both of these tests the Startco device turned out to be a fantastic solution. The Startco ground fault relays tested better over a wider range of frequencies than any of the other commonly used relays. We tested other devices and found that the Startco relays provided the best protection." "We have done a lot of testing and are very comfortable with the Startco ground fault relays installed on our systems," Norton said. "They trip across almost the full range of frequencies, and definitely within the specified range in which these devices will operate." Future Longwalls Will Rely More on VFDs VFDs are becoming more common on modern longwalls—to reduce wear and tear, to allow for speed control, and to reduce Which is why we couldn't agree more with the council's findings on the importance of training. While training has always been a priority at CSE, we have in the last few years kicked it up a notch. Last June, we launched an unprecedented training program called Train the Trainer. Since then, we have provided in-depth mine safety training to more than 300 safety trainers and personnel. We also have provided training to MSHA employees and training experts, such as the training team at the WVU Mining Extension. All of our participants have completed our hands-on, comprehensive training for SCSRs. The CSE Train the Trainer program initiative was developed using feedback and insight from industry leaders and safety and training personnel to address the need for effective training for miners. Program participants who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of an SCSR are given a certificate of completion at the end of each session. When we launched our SRLD SCSR unit, we made sure it was accompanied by a detailed, comprehensive safety and training program that included award-winning instructional videos and easy-to-follow instructions. Our training instructions are the first of their kind and were written in a clear and concise manner with the miner and safety personnel in mind. We worked with NIOSH and industry experts to help make sure our training materials met the highest standards. That has allowed these elements, in addition to our comprehensive Train the Trainer program and the hands-on support of more than a dozen field sales representatives and service professionals, to assist the industry to remain compliant. We know effective training is the greatest assurance of safety. We believe so strongly in proper training, we offer it at no charge to our customers. Not only do we believe it is imperative all miners have the proper mine safety equipment, they also must have proper knowledge of how to use that equipment. We urge everyone in the mining industry to take advantage of all training available to ensure miner safety always comes first. The bottom line is that CSE wants each coal miner to carry effective selfescape apparatus, be afforded effective training, and by all means demonstrate proficiency in the donning and use of their SCSR so they can survive should the unthinkable happen. energy costs. For these reasons, Foresight Energy chose to install them on the stageloader conveyors. "We have worked on quite a few VFD systems for emulsion pumps and they have been used on the high pressure pumps for a few years," Martin said. "The VFDs on the stageloader help reduce wear, extend chain life and reduce noise reduction. The speed of the stageloader is controlled based on several parameters. Load is obviously a major factor." The mining industry will continue to pursue more automation to improve safety. "As the technology evolves for higher horsepower VFDs at medium voltage, we will eventually place VFDs on armored face conveyors (AFCs)," Martin said. "The biggest thing right now is full-face automation over the full range of equipment." MSHA is comfortable with these new systems, explained Norton. "There is a little caution as one might expect with any new technology, but the agency certainly likes the idea of removing miners from hazardous areas," Norton said. The major OEMs—Cat and Joy—will continue to strive to integrate and deliver complete longwall systems with their equipment exclusively. However, use of hybrid systems, like those at Foresight Energy (using Joy shearers and Cat AFCs and roof supports), will almost certainly continue. And whether operating a common system or interfacing and automating two systems like at Deer Run, longwall electrics manufacturers like IE will continue to support them in pushing the limit in automation. The goal, of course, is simple: reduce the number of longwall operators and miners on the dusty, dangerous conditions on the face. Shearer is the president and CEO of CSE Corp. May 2013 www.coalage.com 47

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