Mines and coal

Types of machinery used in coal mines

The types of machines and coal mines

• Mining Machine

  A general term for the machines used to mine coal, which includes supports, conveyors, gas drains, and hydro mining. Mining machines are the bulk of the equipment used for different coal mining methods. The mining machine is also known as the mining machinery production line and coal mining machinery production line, which is the method of extracting coal from the underground layer.

• Crusher and Pump Machine

  Coal crusher is a special machine that is used to crush the coal. Once the coal is crushed to a certain size, it will be able to burn better and produce more energy. Also, the coal crusher reduces the overall bulk of the imported coal to make the distribution and storage much easier. Once the coal is mined, it is transported with the help of coal pumps. A coal pump transfers coal slurry from the coal mine to the coal washing plant. Coal pumps are submersible slurry pumps that are designed to handle high-abrasion coal slurry.

• Support and Conveyer Machine

  Mining supports are used to hold back the roof after coal has been mined to reduce the chances of subsidence in the area where coal mining has taken place. Coal supports also help to ensure the safe passage of people and equipment through the mine. Conveyor belts are used to transport coal and other materials from one point to another. They usually connect the points where coal is mined to those where it is processed and stored.

• Hydro or Pneumatic Machine

  Hydro mining, also known as hydraulic coal mining, is a method that uses high-pressure water jets to disintegrate coal from its natural deposits. The jets are then used to carry the coal slurry through pipelines to the surface for processing. Hydro mining is widely used in coal mines that are submerged under water. In coal mines with low water levels, air or gas drainage is used to extract the methane gas from the coal seam. Once the pressure has been reduced, the coal can be mined more easily.

Specification and maintenance of mines and coal

The specification of coal mines varies as per the types mentioned above. Details like dimension, capacity, volume, weight, etc., vary as per the nature of different coal mines.

About the specifications of equipment used in coal mines, the following things are to be noted:

• Excavator production varies by the demand for coal volume per hour. The weight capacity of the excavator also depends on the density of the coal it has to mine. For instance, a standard coal excavator like the CAT may have a weight capacity of 80 tons and a production capacity of 1,100 tons per hour. Such specifications will suit mines having loose and less-dense coal areas to excavate.
• The crawler or tire capacity of the excavation vehicle will vary as per the terrain of the coal mine. In most coal mines, a crawler capacity that ensures proper grounding is preferred. This gives it the ability to traverse difficult landforms which are not smooth.
• In many coal mines the need for excavating machinery is replaced by coal stripping equipment. Such equipment will have a capacity to handle more significant volumes of coal which is closer to the surface. Stripping is only feasible when socio-economic conditions allow it, and surface areas are large enough.
• The specification of the coal crusher will depend on what kind of coal is being excavated and processed. If the coal is to be further processed into coal briquettes, then sure capacity and dimensions will change accordingly.

It is crucial to maintain the equipment utilized for mining coal. The equipment is generally of an enormous capacity and size. It is imperative that regular maintenance schedules be drawn upon in consultation with manufacturers to ensure safety and security.

In general, following a maintenance schedule, regular inspections of crucial parts like brakes, tracks, and bucket components are done. Any damage and required repair are done at the earliest to avoid equipment stoppage during the mining of coal.

Some parts may require oiling and lubrication to ensure smooth function. Parts that experience large friction and movement are prioritized.

Special coal mining software is used to assess the utilization of the equipment and parts subjected to more significant wear and tear.

Ultimately, utilizing professional manufacturers and experts' advice would go a long way in ensuring the equipment is excavating coal efficiently and safely.

Usage scenarios of mines and coal

The primary uses of coal mining include the production of electricity, which is used to power domestic appliances, public transport and various industries; the manufacturing of steel, which is essential for infrastructure development; and the production of cement.

According to a World Coal Association report, globally, coal provides over 30% of the world's electricity, and the coal-fired power plants that generate it use steam. In turn, steel production relies heavily on coal. About 70% of the world's steel is made using metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, burned in steel mills to create the energy needed for steel smelting and production. It is also used in making coke, a product that fuels about three-quarters of the world's iron and steel. The International Energy Agency states that coal is one of the most important sources of energy for generating electricity and industrial development.

In the construction industry, coal is still widely used, as almost 30% of global cement production is derived from it. Coal is used as an energy source for the high-temperature heat required in cement kilns during cement manufacturing.

Apart from the above industries, coal is also used in the production of various carbon-based products, such as activated carbon and carbon fiber. Charcoal is commonly used in many African and Middle Eastern countries for cooking and heating purposes.

How to choose mines and coal

When choosing machinery for the coal mine, buyers should consider several factors to select equipment that meets operational requirements. Buyers should carefully examine the ventilation equipment they intend to purchase to ensure the proper airflow and ventilation in the mine. Also, they should ensure that the ventilation equipment is appropriate for the volume of the mine.

Consider the miners' capacity and the buyer's working schedule when buying the mining machinery. Ensure that the mining machinery buyer purchases coincides with the mine's temperature regulation needs. Buyers should evaluate the temperature regulation requirements of the coal mine to ensure that the buyer's choice of cooling or heating systems is suitable for the mine's temperature control needs. Consider the terrain and geological conditions of the coal mine, which will influence the choice of mining method and the buyer's selection of mining machinery. Buyers should also consider the coal mine's fire safety equipment and promptly purchase the fire safety equipment.

Evaluate the coal mine's communication systems to ensure that the buyer's choice of communication equipment can meet the mine's communication needs. Consider the buyer's management mode and operational needs and choose the buyer's mine management software and equipment to ensure that it meets the management needs.

Consider the coal mine's environmental protection requirements to ensure that the buyer's choice of mining machinery complies with environmental protection standards. Also, buyers should consider the coal mine's labor safety and protection equipment and promptly purchase more safety guard equipment.

Mines and coal FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between open pit and underground coal mining?

A1: Open-pit or open-cast coal mining is used when coal seams lie close to the surface. Large machinery extracts the coal in open-pit mining. Open-cast mining can damage the environment on a large scale. It is considered a cheaper mining method, and in some cases, it is more economically cost-effective than underground mining. Underground mining methods include room and pillar mining, longwall mining, and retreat mining. Open-cast and underground mining methods are used, depending on the location of the coal seam.

Q2: Why is coal mining so important?

A2: The energy produced by coal mines is the backbone of electricity production worldwide. More than 30% of the world's energy comes from coal, and approximately 44% of the electricity generated globally is coal-fired.

Q3: How do coal mines affect the environment and people living near coal mines?

A3: Dust pollution from coal mine operations can cause respiratory problems. Water runoff from coal mines is toxic and can pollute water sources. Coal mining also affects local biodiversity and can lead to climate change from greenhouse gas emissions.

Q4: What are the health risks of coal mining?

A4: Methane gas in coal mines can lead to explosions. Toxic coal dust can cause respiratory diseases in miners. Carbon monoxide is another health risk as it can cause poisoning. Large machinery used in coal mining can lead to fatal accidents.

Q5: What is the future of coal mining?

A5: Coal mining will decline as investments in renewable energy sources increase, and the world moves towards a sustainable future to prevent climate change.