New developments in hydraulic energy transportation systems for longwall mining

摘要

An efficient exploitation indispensably requires the use of hydraulic energy, especially in underground mining. The transport of hydraulic fluids at pressures of up to 400 bar from the pressure producing components (pumps) to the consuming components (working face) is an important challenge in this respect. After a general overview regarding the options available for fluid transport the developmental process of a completely new connection is shown. This system is a pipe line which consists of an inner (supply line) and an outer pipe (return line) which are arranged concentrically. Dimensioning of the pipes and the corresponding coupling elements is realized by means of FEM-analysis, ensuring a detailed stress analysis. Finally, it is demonstrated that pressure losses produced are of minor importance for the complete system. As only one pipe is laid instead of two separate pipes extensive savings can be realized in transporting and installing the pipes.