Shield Support Monitoring System - operation during the support setting

Abstract

The paper presents the results of testing the geometry measurement system of powered roof support using inclinometers that meet the requirements of the ATEX directive. Mechanized longwall system is most often used for coal mining. The longwall system includes basic machines, such as a longwall shearer, AFC and powered roof support that protects the roof. The powered roof support consists of the units that are hydraulically or electro-hydraulically controlled and are equipped with pressure sensors in the selected places of the hydraulic system and displacement sensors for selected actuators. One of the challenges associated with controlling and monitoring the parameters of the powered roof support is the mapping of its geometry and arrangement of individual components. KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology designed and manufactured the geometry monitoring system based on inclinometers that meet the requirements of the ATEX Directive. The system was tested on a real object in the laboratory. Impact of the structure of the powered roof support on the accuracy of geometry measurement and mapping was determined based on the test results. The results of the tests will be used during the implementation of the system in real conditions.