Development of a Supportless Mining System. Final Report on Stage I, 3 October 1981-31 December 1982 (Machine with gamma Sensors to Measure Coal Thickness in Roof and Floor and Is Operated by a Miner from a Safe Launch Area)

摘要

The principle objective of the first stage of the contract was to provide firmer evidence from which to judge the feasibility of the overall concept of Underground Supportless Mining and to make realistic estimates of the potential economic benefits based on carefully researched input information. The Engineering Trials have demonstrated that Anderson Strathclyde have produced sound, reliable engineering solutions to the problems posed by the: Conveyor Belt Angle Station, Push Rods, Push Rod Handling, Cable Handling, Belt Storage, and Belt Cleaning Elements. The negotiations by Consol with the Regulatory Agencies have demonstrated the willingness of those authorities to adapt regulatory requirements to the proposed system recognizing perhaps that the overall concept is capable of making significant contribution in the future to improve overall mine safety. The work which has been carried out underground in Consol Mines and the technical review of available coal sensing equipment has provided very convincing evidence that reliable, safe, sufficiently accurate, generally usable equipment is available which can be applied to the measurement of roof and/or floor coal. We believe that the content of our report, and the supporting video film of the engineering trials demonstrates beyond doubt the ability of our partnership to execute the remainder of the project to very high engineering standards, within agreed schedules of time and expense and provide the US Government with a very high level of value for money. (ERA citation 08:035091)