Technical Services for Mine Communications Research. Task II. Longwall Mining Communications.

摘要

The communications requirements and need for communications,both for voice and control,in U.S. longwall coal mines are analyzed and recommendations made to guide the future development and design of longwall communications equipment and systems. Information on a wide variety of longwall environments is presented as obtained from visits to,and contacts with a number of longwall mine operators and equipment suppliers both in the United States and in Europe. The value and role of communications equipment in increasing productivity and safety in longwall mines are described. Recommendations are formulated for improved face pager phones,where it is possible to use existing European equipment and for the development of UHF and/or LF radio equipment for voice communications,as well as of VHF radio for remote control of shearer mining machines. Approaches to the remote operation of roof support,conveyor advance,and the maintenance of face alinements are also discussed. Areas where fruitful development work is already underway are distinguished from areas which could benefit from new initiatives.