Availability and Reliability Modeling of an Integrated Underground Coal Mining System

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic approach to evaluation of the availability of an automated underground coal mining system, the longwall system. Five analytical models are developed by applying the techniques of reliability modeling and stochastic systems analysis. Each model is formulated to evaluate the availability of a longwall system with unique longwall operating logic. The application of these models is illustrated with a case study and the uses of the results are discussed.