Noise Source Identification on a Continuous Mining Machine

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo E. Camargo ◽  
Adam K. Smith ◽  
Peter G. Kovalchik ◽  
Rudy J. Matetic
Keyword(s):  
Noise Control ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Mining Machine ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Mining Equipment ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Continuous Mining

Noise Induced Hearing Loss is the most common occupational disease in the U.S. and of paramount importance in the mining industry. According to data for 2006 from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Continuous Miner operators accounted for 30.2% of underground mining equipment operators with noise doses exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). This figure becomes more significant considering that 49% of the 2006 national underground coal production was extracted using continuous mining methods. Thus, there is a clear need to reduce the sound radiated by Continuous Mining Machines. The first step towards efficient noise control of a Continuous Mining Machine requires identification of the various noise sources under controlled operating conditions. To this end, a 42-microphone phased array was used in conjunction with 4 reference microphones to sample the acoustic field of a machine in the Hemi-anechoic chamber of the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory. These data were processed using a frequency-domain beamforming algorithm to obtain acoustic maps of 5 sides of the machine. The focus of the test was on the conveyor noise since previous studies showed that operation of the conveyor is the most important contributor to the sound radiated by the machine. From the acoustic maps, the following potential areas for noise control were identified, and included: chain-tail-roller interaction, chain flight tip-side board interaction, and chain-upper deck interaction.

Development and Evaluation of a Urethane Jacketed Tail Roller for Continuous Mining Machines

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam K. Smith ◽  
David S. Yantek ◽  
J. Shawn Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Underground Mining ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Mining Machine ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Conveyor System ◽  
Continuous Mining ◽  
Enhance Wear Resistance ◽  
Steel Sleeve

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss continues to be one of the most pervasive health problems in the mining industry, despite over 25 years of regulation. One of the loudest pieces of equipment used in underground mining is the continuous mining machine. Noise sample data collected by the Mine Safety and Health Administration indicate that 42% of noise overexposures between 2000 and 2005 involved continuous mining machine operators. Previously conducted field and laboratory tests have determined that the continuous mining machine conveyor system is a dominant noise source. Loud impacts occur as the conveyor chain flight bars, used to move the mined aggregate, traverse their path from the top to the underside of the conveyor deck. Various noise control treatments have been applied to abate noise caused by the conveyor system. A durable polyurethane coating has been developed for the conveyor flight bars, resulting in a time-weighted average reduction of 3 dB(A) for an eight-hour work shift. In an attempt to further reduce continuous mining machine operator overexposures, a similar urethane coating has been applied to the tail roller component of the conveyor system. Laboratory results showed a 2 dB(A) reduction in sound power levels, but the component failed during underground durability testing. An outer steel sleeve has been added to the urethane coating of the tail roller to enhance wear resistance during mining. The urethane jacketed tail roller is the latest effort, combined with previous noise treatments, to bring the continuous mining machine into compliance with federal noise regulations.

Recent advances in remote coal mining machine sensing, guidance, and teleoperation

Robotica ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 513-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Ralston ◽  
D. W. Hainsworth ◽  
D. C. Reid ◽  
D. L. Anderson ◽  
R. J. McPhee
Keyword(s):  
Coal Mining ◽  
Special Interest ◽  
Autonomous Systems ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Underground Mine ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Mining Machine ◽  
Mining Equipment ◽  
Coal Mining Industry ◽  
Recent Advances

This paper presents some recent applications of sensing, guidance and telerobotic technology in the coal mining industry. Of special interest is the development of semi or fully autonomous systems to provide remote guidance and communications for coal mining equipment. We consider the use of radar and inertial based sensors in an attempt to solve the horizontal and lateral guidance problems associated with mining equipment automation. We also describe a novel teleoperated robot vehicle with unique communications capabilities, called the Numbat, which is used in underground mine safety and reconnaissance missions.

scholarly journals Promising model range career excavators operating time assessment in real operating conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 242 ◽  
pp. 228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey IVANOV ◽  
Polina IVANOVA ◽  
Sergey KUVSHINKIN
Keyword(s):  
Good Condition ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Technical Condition ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Mining Machine ◽  
Mining Equipment ◽  
Detailed Assessment

The development prospects of the mining industry are closely related to the state and development of modern mining machinery and equipment that meet the technical and quality requirements of mining enterprises. Enterprises are focused on a quantitative assessment – the volume of mineral extraction, depending on the functioning efficiency of a promising series of mining machines, which include modern mining excavators. Downtime and unplanned shutdowns of mining excavators directly depend on the operating conditions of the mining machine, which has negative influence on the machine as a whole and its technical condition, which entails a decrease in the efficiency of using expensive mining equipment and economic losses of the mining enterprise. The rationale for external factors that affect the operating time and technical condition of mining excavators is given. For a more detailed assessment of the influence of external influences on the efficiency of operation of mining machines, the influencing factors are divided into two groups: ergatic, directly related to human participation, and factors of a natural-technogenic nature, where human participation is minimized. It was revealed that factors of a natural-technogenic nature have the greatest influence. An algorithm is proposed for a comprehensive assessment of the technical condition and forecasting of operating time both in nominal and in real operating conditions, taking into account factors of a natural and technogenic nature. It is proposed, based on the developed program for planning and evaluating the life of a mining excavator, to adjust the schedules for maintenance and repair (MOT and R) in order to minimize the number of unplanned downtime of a mining excavator and maintain it in good condition.

Dynamic Modeling System to Determine Stopping Distances of Mobile Underground Coal Equipment

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher C. Jobes ◽  
Jacob Carr
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Modeling ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Detection Range ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Stopping Distance ◽  
Proximity Detection ◽  
Continuous Mining

In underground coal mines, miners face the hazard of being struck or pinned by a piece of mobile mining machinery. Proximity detection systems have been developed and are used by the industry to protect miners around these machines by detecting the presence of the miners and automatically issuing warnings or disabling machine motion when a miner is in potentially dangerous proximity. These systems were originally developed for continuous mining machines, slow-moving machines that move on bulldozer-style tracks, and are now mandated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to be used on continuous mining machines. These systems are now being adapted to other underground vehicles, such as shuttle cars, scoops, and battery haulers — vehicles that move on rubber tires at much higher speeds. There are concerns that the detection range of these systems may not provide for an adequate stopping distance on these faster moving machines. To address these concerns, researchers have developed a dynamic modeling system to determine the stopping distance of mobile underground coal equipment. This model can be used in conjunction with worker escapability data and/or information on interaction with other vehicles to provide insight into whether or not proximity detection systems will be adequate for the underground mining workplace. This paper details the background, development, and operation of the resulting application software, focusing on the utility of the graphical user interface to visualize the generated data. The refined data developed by this process can then be utilized by mine operators and proximity detection system manufacturers to more accurately determine the detection range needed to provide effective protection for miners working in an underground mining environment.

Analysis on the Steady-state Performance and Losses of a Bent-axis Type Hydraulic Motor Used in Heavy Earth Moving Machinery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajit Kumar Pandey ◽  
Amit Kumar ◽  
Nitish Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Electric Motor ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Constant Speed ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Variable Load ◽  
Mining Equipment ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Design Guideline

Hydraulic components play a significant role in the mining and construction equipment. It is responsible for smooth change in the output speed, torque, and power of the machine. The hydrostatic drive powered by a constant speed electric motor is widely used in the propel system of the mining equipment. Regulation of the displacements of the pump and the hydro-motor of the drive facilitates the control of the straight running and steering of the machines. In the present scenario, better efficiency and ease of control are the critical aspects to be considered in the design and selection of the hydraulic pump and motor used in underground mining operations. The bent axis hydro-motor is one such equipment that is an electro-hydraulic component that can work in an adverse working environment. The present study deals with the performance analysis of fixed displacement bent axis hydro-motor at different operating parameters such as different temperatures, sizes, viscosity at different loads, and drive speed. For analysis, the hydraulic drive consists of a variable displacement pump rotated by a constant speed electric motor and a fixed displacement hydro-motor. The regulation of the pump displacement controls the speed of the drive. Manually controlled hydrostatic drive propels the said machine against variable load demands. The present work investigates the performances of the hydro-motor used in the mining and construction machine through detailed modeling and experimentations. The steady-state performances are analyzed in terms of slip, torque losses and efficiency of the hydro-motor. The study finds the design guideline to operate the hydrostatic drive using such motors in a reasonable efficiency zone. The model is validated for various operating conditions of the equipment by comparing the predicted results with the test results. The outcome of the present work will be expedient for the preliminary design and assortment of similar hydraulic component used in the mobile, mining equipment.

Badge-Type Noise Dosimeters Used in the Mining Industry

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. Homer
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Error ◽  
Measurement Accuracy ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Type Versus ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Type Design ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Influence Measurement

Currently, a number of manufacturers have developed and made commercially available badge-type (cordless) noise dosimeters. Previous studies conducted by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) revealed that microphone size and placement/orientation significantly influence measurement error. The badge-type design houses the microphone within a significantly larger casing than does the traditional corded-type dosimeter. This presents concern that badge-type designs may significantly inhibit measurement accuracy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the casing of various badge-type dosimeters in order to discern conditions and assess the extent to which the badge-type design contributes toward measurement error in comparison with the traditionally used corded dosimeter. For this, a series of laboratory measurements were conducted employing various commercially available badge-type casings and corded counterparts. Corresponding results are summarized and extended to conclusions regarding the effect of microphone casing design, badge-type versus corded, on measurement accuracy for personal noise dosimetry.

Evaluation of Mining Activities Using a Scenario Interview Approach

1998 ◽  
Vol 42 (15) ◽  
pp. 1108-1112
Author(s):  
Fred Turin ◽  
Lisa Steiner ◽  
Kim Cornelius
Keyword(s):  
Underground Mining ◽  
Mining Machine ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Underground Coal Mining ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Safe Work ◽  
Mining Conditions ◽  
Continuous Mining ◽  
Machine Operator ◽  
Scenario Approach

NIOSH researchers have been examining underground coal mining activities in order to evaluate work crew hazards. In 1994 a continuous mining machine operator was killed by falling roof during extended cut mining. Many aspects of the incident were used by NIOSH researchers to develop a scenario interview. The goal was to provide a realistic framework for acquiring frank and detailed insights. The interview consists of two sections. The first describes the underground mining conditions. The second recounts the fatal incident. Each section is supplemented by a diagram and a set of questions addressing relevant safety issues. The interview was administered at three mines that actively take extended cuts. Researchers found the scenario approach to be an effective interview tool as well as an effective hazard awareness and safe work practices training platform.

scholarly journals Refinement of the engineering practice of evaiuation of the wear rate of excavator impiement components

Dependability ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. V. Gadoiina ◽  
P. A. Pobegayio ◽  
D. Yu. Kritsky ◽  
L. Papić
Keyword(s):  
Abrasive Wear ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Mining Machine ◽  
Engineering Practice ◽  
Mining Equipment ◽  
Operating Modes ◽  
Excavator Bucket ◽  
Dependability Evaluation ◽  
Scale Experiment

The existence of humankind on Earth largely depends on the energy at its disposal. It is mostly generated by processing minerals extracted from the Earth’s crust by open-cut mining. The quality and low cost of extraction are largely defined by the dependability of employed machines and mechanisms, plants and process engineering solutions. Various types of excavators are the backbone of a mining machine fleet. Their parts that principally interact with the environment (rock) are components of implements, i.e. primarily the buckets and components of bucket(s). It must be noted that in the process of interaction with the environment (rock) the excavator implements and their components are exposed to so-called abrasive wear. Since abrasive wear of implement components (most frequently excavator bucket teeth) causes their recurrent replacement, this inevitably affects the performance of the excavator as a whole and those process flows it is part of. Occasional interruptions of operation and repairs reduce the availability factor, the most important complex indicator of equipment dependability. Given the above, the aim of this paper is to refine the previously known formula proposed more than thirty years ago in VNIISDM (Reysh A.K.) for evaluation of the rate of abrasive wear of excavator bucket teeth. For the first time, with a sufficient accuracy we examined the multitude of operating modes of mining equipment, i.e. operation of excavators in various conditions, e.g. on different soils. Additionally, we extended Reysh’s approach from single-bucket machines to continuous operation multi-bucket ones. For that purpose, the authors used a method of data integration from known sources, method of full-scale experiment under the operating conditions of a specific excavator and method of mathematical simulation (a form of the Monte Carlo method). All of that allowed revising the values of the parameters in the Reysh formula. The refined formula that we obtained can now be used for the dependability evaluation of machines operating under varying conditions, as well as for the purpose of appointing the time of preventive inspections.

scholarly journals Remote-controlled robotic complex for underground mining

2020 ◽  
Vol 177 ◽  
pp. 03006
Author(s):  
Vitalii Tauger ◽  
Niyaz Valiev ◽  
Evgenii Volkov ◽  
Denis Simisinov ◽  
Vitalii Adas
Keyword(s):  
Underground Mining ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Mining Equipment ◽  
Mechatronic System ◽  
Automated Control ◽  
Development Costs ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Single Complex ◽  
Favorable Conditions

As the global rich mineral deposits are becoming depleted, the deposit development is performed with a deeper bedding and in much more difficult mining and geological conditions. This circumstance determines both the increase in the labor intensity and development costs, and the increased likelihood of emergencies. In recent years, the accidents have become more frequent at the Russian mining enterprises, aggravated not only by the significant damages, but also by the casualties. The ongoing efforts to correct the tight situation do not have a perceptible effect. A complete exclusion of the presence of people underground should be considered as a drastic remedy for preventing human casualties. It can be achieved only through the use of machinery and technology for manless mining using the automated control systems. The Department of Engineering Mechanics of the Ural State Mining University has formed the concept of a “remote-controlled robotic complex for underground mining”, according to which a surface-controlled system of mining equipment will absolve the miners from working underground. At present, the favorable conditions have been laid for combining the in-mine equipment and permanent installations into a single complex under the control of operators located on the soil surface. In accordance with the concept, the technological robotic complex is transformed into a mechatronic system of the underground mining equipment. The mechatronic system is divided into the separate subsystems by the types of equipment. Particular attention is paid to the automated complex remote-control system based on the telemetry principles using the latest means of data acquisition, conversion and transmission. The system interface provides the most efficient and error-free performance of the operator throughout the entire shift. The concept implementation of the remote-controlled robotic complex in the mining industry will allow not only to avoid the tragic consequences of emergencies in the mines, but also to elevate the national mining equipment and technology to the highest world standards.

scholarly journals Injuries associated with long working hours among employees in the US mining industry: risk factors and adverse outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 389-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee S Friedman ◽  
Kirsten S Almberg ◽  
Robert A Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Long Working Hours ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Multiple Injured ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Working Hour

ObjectivesThe mining industry is increasingly adopting extended workdays of 10–12 hour shifts. Studies demonstrate that long work hours are associated with psychomotor impairments caused by fatigue and an increased risk of injury. However, studies involving miners remain limited. This analysis aimed to identify risk factors associated with long working hour injuries and to determine if long working hour incidents were associated with being killed or incidents involving multiple injured workers.MethodsData from US Mine Safety and Health Administration Part 50 reports, 1983–2015, were used to identify long working hour injuries, which were defined as incidents occurring nine or more hours after the start of a shift.ResultsA total of 52 206 injuries (9.6%) occurred during long working hours. The proportion of long working hour injuries increased from 5.5% of all injuries in 1983 to its peak in 2015 at 13.9% (p<0.001). Risk factors associated with long working hour injuries included irregular shift starts, being newly employed, employment by a contractor, metal/non-metal operations and mines with <100 employees. In two separate adjusted models, long working hour injuries were associated with a higher odds of death (adjusted OR [aOR]=1.32; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.48) and single incidents resulting in two or more workers injured (aOR=1.73; 95% CI 1.58 to 1.89).ConclusionsLong working hour injuries were associated with a lack of routine, being new at the mine and specific mining activities. An international shift towards using contract labour and extended workdays indicates that injuries during long working hours will likely continue to grow as a problem in the mining industry.

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