Exhaust ventilation of deep cuts using a continuous-mining machine. Report of Investigations/1985

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 UTC 1985

OSTI ID:5784785

Volkwein, J C; Ruggieri, S K; McGlothlin, C; Kissell, F N

The Bureau of Mines, Foster-Miller, Inc., and Beaver Creek Coal Co. have evaluated the ability of a new system to ventilate a 40-ft-deep cut. A remote-control continuous-mining machine, in a 7-ft-thick seam, with exhausting brattice was fitted with an improved sprayfan system plus additional forward and reverse pointing sprays. Static and dynamic tests using tracer gas were conducted in a full-scale model and underground to measure the effectiveness of exhaust face ventilation for various deep-cutting mine and spray configurations. When compared to a 10-ft primary ventilation brattice, the extended-cut spray system consistently provided better face ventilation at all configurations up to and including a 40-ft brattice setback. The system also provided good dust protection and visibility for the machine operator. Another safety advantage is the elimination of the need to set temporary roof supports to maintain the ventilation brattice.

• Research Organization: Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA (USA). Pittsburgh Research Center
• OSTI ID: 5784785
• Report Number(s): PB-86-156213/XAB; BM-RI-8992
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
012000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
016000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Health & Safety
COAL MINES
COAL MINING
CONTINUOUS MINERS
CUTTER LOADERS
CUTTING MACHINES
ENGINEERING
EQUIPMENT
EXHAUST GASES
FLUIDS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
HAULAGE EQUIPMENT
LOADERS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MINES
MINING
MINING EQUIPMENT
SAFETY ENGINEERING
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
UNDERGROUND MINING
VENTILATION
WASTES