Saving energy in mining
The struggle to reduce power costs is relentless in the world of mining. One of the most significant trends has been the use of electric instead of diesel power in such mining vehicles as large capacity dump trucks, hydraulic excavators, and articulated trucks. The hydraulic excavator, due to its selectivity, high breakout force, and maneuverability, has become increasingly popular as the loading unit in conventional shovel and truck operations. However, hydraulic shovels were originally only available as diesel powered units. Electric power for the prime mover is now offered as an option by most manufacturers. This is particularly cost effective with the larger machines. In surface mines, the transport of coal and overburden consumes the most energy. The application of such technology as in-pit crushers and conveyor systems are all aimed at reducing operating costs. A major development in reducing ventilation energy consumption is the Ventcon system based on the idea of distributing ventilation air more effectively around the mine. Ventcon controls the mine's fans and ventilation doors so that airflow is highest where most is required. The use of continuous haulage from the face to the surface is another energy-saving development. In many areas of Appalachia, United States, coal is cut by a continuous miner and hauled directly to the surface by a series of conveyors. The use of aluminum in cage and skip manufacturehas also been proven as an energy-saving technique. All-aluminum man cages are already in use. For the tougher application of hoisting coal, aluminum can be substituted for heavier materials in the construction of skips. In both cases, significant energy savings, and thus reduced hoisting costs, are the result. There is a power saving of more than 100 kilowatts (134 horsepower) for every one ton reduction of skip mass. The energy efficiencies of hydraulic rock drills are higher than pneumatic drills.
- OSTI ID:
- 5519426
- Journal Information:
- World Coal; (United States), Vol. 8:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
42 ENGINEERING
COAL MINING
ENERGY CONSERVATION
HAULAGE EQUIPMENT
MANUFACTURERS
MINING EQUIPMENT
COAL PREPARATION PLANTS
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
DIESEL ENGINES
ELECTRIC POWER
HOISTS
MATERIALS
HYDRAULIC MINING
TIRES
UNDERGROUND MINING
VENTILATION SYSTEMS
BELT CONVEYORS
COAL FINES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DRYING
HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT
PNEUMATICS
SURFACE MINING
CONVEYORS
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
FLUID MECHANICS
HEAT ENGINES
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MECHANICS
MINING
POWER
012000* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Mining
013000 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Transport
Handling
& Storage
320303 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Equipment & Processes
320301 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Energy Sources
420206 - Engineering- Mining & Drilling Equipment & Facilities- (1980-1989)