Feasibility of automated rail-haulage systems in underground coal mines. Final report

Technical Report · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7308227

Dolecki, E A; Ryan, P T

This report outlines the base for the development and evaluation of automated rail-haulage systems in terms of the service requirements for haulage systems in underground coal mines, and of the performance of existing haulage systems. A generalized automated rail-haulage system concept is defined. A safety impact analysis of automating the mainline portion of the underground system indicates a 50% reduction in injuries and fatalities. A cost effectiveness (over the total life cycle) study for the system indicates a cost benefit can be obtained from implementing an automated rail system. The design specifications for the total automated rail-haulage system-including sub-systems and components-are developed, and the equipment types and general design approaches evaluated, with selections outlined. A detailed conceptual design for a prototype automated system is described. Conclusions and recommendations are presented, as well as a program plan devised for implementing a prototype automated rail-haulage system demonstration in an operating underground coal mine by 1980. (GRA)

• Research Organization: General Electric Co., Erie, PA (USA). Transportation Systems Business Div.
• OSTI ID: 7308227
• Report Number(s): PB-253106
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
012000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
AUTOMATION
COAL MINES
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
MINES
MINING
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
UNDERGROUND MINING