Improving ventilation in underground mining - 1907
- *Abstract
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Overview
A major ventilation problem during deep cut mining with a continuous miner (CM)is delivering the required amount of air into the immediate face zone. Theimmediate face zone is a space around the cutting head of the CM where coal isbeing mined out. The air into the immediate face zone is needed todilute methane and to remove dust at the working face. Then this air atthe face needs to bedirected into the return with minimum recirculation. Improper ventilation ofthe immediate face zone has both serious safety and health ramifications as methane increases the chances for mine explosions and dust increases the casesof black-lung in miners.
Invention
UK researchers are developing a device benefits both the miners and the machinery used in deep cut mining with a continuous miner (CM). The researchers have applied a wing-regulator at thedischarge of the blowing curtain, which prevents the airflow separation andbrings the air into the cutting zone. The regulator is passive and regulatesthe airflow by acceptable shock losses. The shape of the wing-regulator alsoprovides shelter space for the remote operator of the continuous minerprotecting him from the dust and the dynamic effect of the intake jet.
Applications
- mining
Advantages
- provides more air for methane dilution at the immediate face zone
- allowsdeeper cut by the continuous miner machine, which enhances productivity
IP Status: U.S. Patent Application No. 14/267,430
- Country/Region
- USA
