Protective canopies for conventional electric face equipment including shuttle cars, operating in low coal (less than 48 inches) were designed, fabricated, installed, and evaluated on in-mine machines engaged in regular coal mining operations. The canopies will support a vertical load of 18,000 pounds and provide protection against both roof falls and contact with the mine rib. Five canopy designs, manufacture, and tests were successfully accomplished. The five canopies met all safety requirements. Three of the canopies were deemed to be completely successful from an operator's point of view. The loader canopy appeared to have provided a more efficient operation of the loader by providing added safety to the operator from rib contact thus allowing him to concentrate more fully on the loading function. Operational problems were encountered with the shuttle car and the roof drill. The shuttle car canopy obstructed visibility to an objectional amount and the roof drill canopy impeded maneuverability of the machine, doubling the roof bolting time.
Design and Development of Protective Canopies for Underground Low Coal Electric Face Equipment, Including Shuttle Cars
1973
243 pages
Report
No indication
English