Coal Age

MAY 2017

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May 2017 www.coalage.com 25 longwall usa 2017 continued of Advanced Shearer Automation. This au- tomation sequence is developed using an offline software utility, called the Graphic Offline Planner (GOLP). Using this tool, the cutting sequence is defined by creating individual sequence steps that instruct the system, which automation modes will be utilized for each ranging arm, the location along the face where each step will begin and end, the desired haulage speed and direction of travel for each step, and the desired extraction heights along the face. The shearer then executes this sequence in a persistent loop. The shearer operator is tasked with teaching the system the ini- tial horizon of the roof. The trailing drum then follows this taught horizon at a pre- determined vertical offset. The system will then repeat this cut on subsequent passes until the operator deems it necessary to re- teach any portion of the roof horizon. The shearer operator can be positioned at the shearer, walking alongside the machine, or at the Remote Operating Center, where vi- sion of the cut is accomplished through the use of the shearer-mounted cameras. This system has been in operation for several months, and mention will be made of the results achieved including the reduc- tion in manpower on the face, (increased safety,) the improved cutting horizon, and increased production and productivity. In their presentation, Financial Ad- vantage of Utilizing Contractors to Perform Longwall Moves, Dave Stone, director, Ter- raCom Ltd., and Ray Chadwick, director, RC Mining Services, will discuss some the advantages Australian longwall operators are experiencing with contract miners. In his presentation, Protect Your Lift Leg Pockets, Protect Yourself and Your Pockets, Adam Lyman, application engi- neer for Henkel, will discuss a new method for protecting longwall mining equipment and personnel while reducing cost and la- bor. Lift leg pockets are typically filled with a foam insert that is pre-cut to match the specific piece of equipment being used in the mine. These inserts do not completely fill the pocket, allowing all dust and debris to work down in to the pocket, pushing out the insert over time. Cleaning and replac- ing these inserts take time and if not done can result in a catastrophic failure of the equipment if the hydraulic lift leg is dam- aged. When these inserts are not present at all, there is an even greater risk because there is a potential for tools and cutting tips to fall in the pocket causing more significant damage. The time and safety risk associated with this common mainte- nance problem should not be ignored. Henkel's LOCTITE MR5898 is a two- part foaming polyurethane that takes the place of foam inserts and provides better protection against coal dust and debris. This foaming polyurethane bonds to the pocket and hydraulic cylinder keeping out debris and other particulates that can damage or limit the movement of the roof support shield system. Two-part foam-in- place systems fill the entire cavity but are flexible enough to accommodate hydrau- lic leg movement. They are also safe for use underground and in confined spaces, can be mixed and applied quickly, and are tack free in minutes. quakerchem.com/longwall info@quakerchem.com | 1.800.523.7010 DUSTGRIP® KEEPS YOU WORKING HARD BY KEEPING DUST IN ITS PLACE. © 2017 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All Rights Reserved. When you work in harsh conditions, the last thing you need is dust getting in your way. Quaker's dust suppressant product line, DUSTGRIP,® helps support a safer work environment, improve worker health, and optimize operational efficiency by significantly reducing airborne dust. And with over 30 years of industry experience, you won't find a better partner, especially when new regulations come down the line. So team up with Quaker, and when work conditions get rough, we'll make sure the dust settles. Trust a partner who knows the mining Industry from the Inside. Visit us at booth 513 to see how our DUSTGRIP® Dust Suppressants and MINETECH™ Ground Control Agents support a safe work environment and offer compliance solutions. And learn about the superior corrosion protection and wide water tolerance of QUINTOLUBRIC® 818-02 .

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