Development of a Hydraulic System for the Automatic Expansion of Powered Roof Support

Abstract

A mechanical support in a longwall complex requires proper supervision and control of operating parameters because it is responsible for the safety of machines and workers. Its main functions are to protect the excavation against the adverse effects of rock mass and to move it along with the operational progress of the shearer and the scraper conveyor. In the era of Industry 4.0 as well as green economy and sustainable development, the development of machines and devices included in the longwall complex is an important area of invention. When it comes to the mechanical support included in the longwall complex, the authors propose changes to the hydraulic control system. The main purpose of the work was to develop a system that can automatically expand the legs of the powered support. Tests were carried out under real conditions while equipping the support section with a prototypical hydraulic system and with a system monitoring the correct operation of the prototype. This article presents the development of a prototypical installation under real conditions for testing on a longwall. The innovative solution proposed by the authors consisted of introducing a prototypical double valve block into the hydraulic system of the housing, which enables the function of automatic section expansion. The authors proposed a solution aimed at shortening the work time of the powered-support-section operator. The research results made it possible to evaluate the usefulness of the proposed solution. This type of solution can be considered technical support in the process of coal mining in an underground mine. Analysis presented in this paper, along with results from research conducted and its conclusions, can be of practical help to enclosure users to improve reliability and achieve optimal performance.

Green Economy and Sustainable Development: The Outlook

“…The fourth challenge facing sustainable development-the innovative modernization of traditional extractive industries to improve labor safety-is the subject of an article by Szurgacz et al [18] The authors explore the safety issues of machines and workers in coal mines, associated with mechanical support in a longwall complex. In conditions of increasing output capacity of longwall, it is important to ensure the introduction of new technologies to protect the working space from the impact of rock mass.…”

Optimization of the Control Performance of a Novel 3/2 Water Proportional Directional Valve With a Special Position Following Servo Mechanism

“…HE hydraulic powered roof support (HPRS) plays a crucial role in coal mining operations by providing a secure environment for workers and equipment [1]. It works in tandem with the shearer and scraper conveyor to perform lifting, lowering, and pushing movements.…”

Extraction and Application of Hydraulic Support Safety Valve Characteristic Parameters Based on Roof Pressure Data

“…Powered roof supports are divided into units, which consist of mechanical structural components, hydraulic systems, and electrohydraulic control systems. The main element of the hydraulic system of powered supports is the hydraulic legs, which extend between the canopy and sill piece [2][3][4]. These hydraulic legs ensure that an adequate force is maintained on the roof of the longwall face in the section.…”