The hydraulic networks that deliver emulsion from the tanks in the headgate to the last shield on the face also determine the overall efficiency of operations
by alcwyn elliott
With today’s modern longwall mining systems, fluid distribution from the high-pressure pumps to the last shield on the face has to be efficient in all respects, maintaining pressure and flow to move and set shields, achieving the cycle times required and advancing the conveyor.
Safety as always is the first priority of every miner on the longwall or any other supporting role in underground coal mining operations. Even though long-wall mining is the safest way to mine coal, incidents still happen. Awareness of one’s surroundings and understanding the mining process is a must for every longwall operator.
