Shortwall coal mining in the United States
Book
·
OSTI ID:6277067
The most often cited advantages for shortwall mining over continuous mining are higher recovery, higher clean coal production, safer working conditions, less dust and positive ventilation. In comparison with longwall mining, shortwall is highly flexible. Its face length can be changed instantaneously to suit local conditions in the panel. Less initial capital is required for switching from continuous to shortwall than from continuous to longwall methods. Furthermore, less new equipment is involved and shortwall does not require long training periods for the crew members. Since it is an adaptation of the longwall method, many problems encountered in shortwall mining resemble those in longwall; some other problems pertain to the shortwall itself. These problems are described briefly. The severity and/or number of roof control problems appears to be independent of the depth of cover. Severe roof falls occur frequently due to the existence of a thinly-laminated, highly-slickensided dark shale in the immediate roof. In addition to increased recovery, the advancing tail entry system can greatly reduce the time for developing a panel. However, if the tail entry is to be used for an escapeway, stronger and well-designed roof support systems are needed. In mines where no roof problem occurs, the productivity will depend on the degree of continuity of coal tranportation out of the face to the entry belt conveyor and to a lesser extent on the ability to maintain the face area clear of loose coal. In spite of the problems mentioned, the shortwall mining method has distinct advantages over the continuous mining method under favorable conditions.
- OSTI ID:
- 6277067
- Report Number(s):
- NP-23722
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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