AU2355599A

AU2355599A - Mining system for excavating and ventilating tunnels

Info

Publication number: AU2355599A
Application number: AU23555/99A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Mapp; Andrew John Self
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-04-03
Filing date: 1999-04-06
Publication date: 1999-10-14

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT *e *6 6* 0* 66 *6 *6 6 Name of Applicants: Actual Inventors: ANDREW JOHN SELF MICHAEL MAPP Andrew John Self Michael Mapp GPO Box 2723, Brisbane Qld 4001 MINING SYSTEM FOR EXCAVATING AND VENTILATING TUNNELS Address for Service: .110.

0.04,( Invention Title: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: MINING SYSTEM FOR EXCAVATING AND VENTILATING TUNNELS BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the excavation of tunnels in coal or other strata. In excavating tunnels the cut material must be conveyed away from the working face. Also, the face of the tunnel must be ventilated in order to provide a working environment for people, where present; and prevent the build up of gas, dust and other contaminants which may present a hazard or hindrance to the operation. This invention provides a mechanism of achieving both objectives by means of a specially designed conveying and ventilating contrivance called a ventcar train.

The purpose of the invention is to allow continuous excavation of tunnels which may include extraction of laminated strata such as a coal seam. The invention allows a mining machine to proceed forwards while excavating and provides clearance of the cut material or mineral and ventilation of the cutting face of the tunnel in doing so.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The system consists of a mining machine with a series of conveyances behind it which carry the mined material or mineral away from the cutting face and allow air to be forced through the ventcar system or S. exhausted from it. The cutting face is located below ground level and is overlain by other material such as rocks or strata between it and the land surface.

The system can be used to excavate tunnels in underground mines. In other forms, the invention may be used to extract material in underground mines by means of partial removal or extraction of the material or mineral, to excavate tunnels from the exposed highwall of an open cut mine or to extract material from the highwall of an open cut mine. The highwall of an open cut mine is the remanent near vertical face of the pit left when open cut mining has been completed and abandoned, normally for economic reasons.

0 The excavation of the tunnel is conducted by a mining machine which deposits cut material or mineral onto the ventcar train.

The conveying and ventilating contrivance takes the form of a series of vehicles attached together by means of a hinged arrangement to allow articulation of adjacent vehicles in the horizontal and vertical planes in order to allow negotiation of curves, gradients or undulations. Adjacent vehicles are capable of being rigidly attached in the horizontal plane by means of a latching arrangement in order to allow pushing of the ventcar train as a single rigid or near rigid body in the horizontal sense. The vehicles can be articulated up to a maximum dictated by the shape of the vehicle itself, the corner of adjacent vehicles interfering with each other at maximum articulation. The degree of maximum articulation can thus be varied by changing the physical shape of the vehicles.

The vehicles are capable of articulation in the vertical plane and can be attached and detached by means of a simple hinge pin or other flexible attachment arrangement. The degree of vertical articulation is fixed by the physical arrangement of the connection mechanism.

The vehicles are attached together normally in trains of 250m or more but this does not preclude the connection of a small number of vehicles to provide a shorter train in some applications. The ventcar train can be pushed into or out of the tunnel or excavation by means of a through drive module which provides thrust to the train by means of gears, rack and pinion or other means. The invention is also self propelled by the mining machine. The mining machine may assist in this process. Additionally, winches may be positioned to assist the retraction process and this may be combined with ropes attached to the mining machine and ventcar train in order to pull the equipment from a tunnel or excavation.

The through drive module can be fixed into position by strata bolts or a mechanical contrivance such as a stell. This would include the use of hydraulic or other electrical or mechanically powered props which are set to the roof of the tunnel providing resistance to horizontal and vertical movement of the through drive module. The through drive module can be situated within the tunnel being excavated or outside the tunnel and may be fitted with caterpillar tracks or other means of providing motive force to allow relocation of the unit. The through drive module can be fitted with a retractable device which allows hydraulic or other electrical or mechanically powered props to be set to the roof or sides in front of or behind the unit. This retractable device is called the angle frame and can be fitted with a pulley system to allow exertion of a transverse force to the ventcar train when negotiating corners.

The ventcars are designed such that one train can run on top of another. This allows multiple units to operate in a single tunnel. Where multiple units are in use, the units within the tunnel or excavation may be driven by intermediate through drive modules or external drive modules.

The ventcar train is provided with a conveyor belt which runs on horizontal and inclined rollers to support the belt and conveyed material and also vertical or near vertical rollers to hold the conveyor belt on the vehicles when articulated. This conveyor belt is driven by a conventional conveyor drive mechanism. This drive mechanism is located at either end of the ventcar train or both ends and possibly at intermediate vehicles. The o °excavated material is conveyed to the end of the ventcar train and deposited onto a stacking conveyor which elevates the material and deposits it onto a stockpile. This elevator conveyor belt moves with the end of the S ventcar train depositing excavated material on the ground or into another conveying system which may Sconstitute a conveyor belt or trucks.

The ventilation system is powered by a fan or compressor which is located towards the end of the ventcar train S" "on a modified ventcar, termed the fan car. This fan or compressor will either force or extract air from the tubular system which forms part of the chassis of the ventcar vehicles. The tubular system consists of single or twin tubes incorporated into the chassis which are connected together by means of a flexible coupling in order to allow articulation of the car without interruption to the ventilation system.

When excavating tunnels the invention can be supported by a roof support mechanism. This can take the form of a roofbolting framework consisting of roofbolting machines located within a mechanical structure.

This structure may be free standing or may slide along the ventcars using the tracks on the upper platform of the ventcar using wheels or other means of movement.

ooo• BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a single ventcar in plan, side and end elevation Figure 2 shows two ventcars joined together in plan and side elevation.

Figure 3 shows a single drive through drive module in end elevation.

Figure 4 shows a twin drive through drive module in end elevation.

Figure 5 shows the fan car.

Figure 6 shows a generalised side elevation of the invention excavating a tunnel into an open cut highwall.

Figure 7 shows in plan view the invention creating a tunnel in an underground mine.

Figure 8 shows in plan view the invention creating a tunnel in an open cut highwall.

Figure 9 shows in plan view the invention creating a tunnel as part of an extraction program in an underground mine.

Figure 10 shows in plan view the invention creating a tunnel as part of an extraction program from an open cut highwall.

Figure 11 shows in plan view the invention creating a twin entry tunnel in an underground mine for the purpose of subsequent extraction.

Figure 12 shows in side elevation a twin drive through drive module.

Figure 13 shows an end elevation of an optional conveyor roller arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 The ventcar consists of a pair or more of chassis rails which form the ventilation duct although a single duct may be used to formnn a monocoque style of chassis. These ducts are joined together by transverse plate or tie bars in order to form a rigid or near rigid structure. The ventcar is fitted with a colmection mechanism (2, 3) which allow connection of the ventcar to other ventcars commensurate with retention of both horizontal o and vertical articulation. The drawing shows a vertical pin form of attachment. In another form of the invention the pin may be horizontal or a clasp device may be incorporated of the style commonly seen in railway carriage attachment. The ventcar is provided with a rack bar or similar which allows the exertion S•of motive force by application of effort to the rack bar by means of a pinion. In another form the rack bar may be replaced by a worm and gear mechanism or other mechanical device designed to move tile cars one way or another. The drive module remains permanently coupled to the ventcar train when in operation.

The conveyor belt is supported in the vertical plane by conveyor rollers or idlers which may be used to provide horizontal tracking forces by means of inclined rollers as part of the roller set. The belt is subjected •to horizontal tracking forces by means of vertically aligned rollers The ventcar is provided with a means of attachment to adjacent ventcars which provide the joined units with some rigidity through a latch and peg This contrivance will allow attachment and detachment either manually or remotely such that when attached the ventcars are rigid or near rigid horizontally but maintain articulation in the vertical plane. This mechanism allows the ventcar train when latched to be pushed or pulled in a straight line effectively as a single unit. When unlatched the train can be pushed or pulled at various angles of horizontal articulation. The drawing shows the latching device located on a peg arrangement In another form the latching device may take the form of chains, pins, catches or an interlocking device.

The ventcars are supported by wheels These may be fitted as pairs of axles to each car or may be replaced by multiple axles or tracks.

The ventcar can be fitted with a track on the upper surface (10) which facilitates running one ventcar on top of another in order to form an extensible, overlapping arrangement by means of which multiple ventcar trains can operate in conjunction in order to provide extended tunnel or excavation length capability.

Figure 2 Figure 2 shows two ventcars connected and latched together. The latching bar (11) is shown latched onto the peg (11 The flexible attachment of the ventilation ducts is shown allowing articulation of the ventcars without interruption to the flow of air within the ventilation duct.

Figure 3 Figure 3 shows a single drive through drive module. The ventcar is shown in end elevation located within the through drive module. The drive mechanism (13) provides force electro mechanically to the drive pinion The drive pinion provides a force which drives the ventcar via the rack bar In another form the drive pinion and rack bar arrangement may be replaced by alternative electrical or mechanical forms of propulsion which could include worm and gear or linear motor. The through drive module may be fitted with a retention device (16) which prevents the ventcar from rising vertically when subjected to torsional forces exerted by the drive mechanism. The retention device ensures constant captivation of the ventcar train with the through drive module preventing runaway in the case of steep gradients.

The through drive module includes a framework (17) which can be fixed to the floor or roof or sides of a tunnel or excavation. This framework may be forced to the roof by means of hydraulic or other electrical or mechanically powered props in order to fix the through drive module into position. When located adjacent to the highwall of an open cut pit, the framework provides shelter to personnel from falling debris and allows access to the tunnel through the framework. The through drive module may be fitted with tracks or other means of propulsion (18).

•The through drive module may be fitted with an attachment consisting of a framework supporting hydraulic or other electrical or mechanically powered props in a vertical or near vertical position. This framework is capable of being extended or retracted and may have provision for attachment of pulleys in order to allow diversion of winch ropes to assist in negotiation of comers with the ventcar train.

Figure 4 Figure 4 shows a twin drive through drive module. In this case a second ventcar is shown above and running on top of the first. The through drive module operates in the same manner as the single drive unit (Figure 3).

In this case either or both of the ventcar trains can be driven at any one time.

Figure Figure 5 shows the fan car. This consists of a modified ventcar (19) with a fan or compressor unit mounted upon it The fan or compressor is capable of being relocated to another ventcar as required. The fan or compressor either blows air into the ventilation duct (23) via the connection duct (22) or sucks it out of the duct. The fan inlet or exhaust is shown A similar arrangement can be used to accommodate an electrical transformer or other switchgear where required.

Figure 6 Figure 6 shows a generalised side elevation of the invention excavating a tunnel into an open cut highwall.

The mining machine (81) is excavating and moving forwards to the left. Cut mineral is deposited on the ventcar train The through drive module (83) is located next to the highwall (84) and is in position to assist in withdrawal of the ventcar train and mining machine. The ventcar train conveyor is driven by the drive car The cut mineral is delivered onto the stockpile (90) by the delivery car (88) and elevator conveyor The fan car (87) delivers air into the ventilation ducts which are part of the ventcars (82) and hence to the face of the tunnel in front of the mining machine (81).

The through drive module fan car delivery car elevator conveyor (89) and stockpile (90) are located on the open pit floor The original surface level (91) ends at the highwall (84) and the separation of the surface level (91) and pit floor (85) is the depth of working below surface of the mining machine (81).

The strata or other material above the tunnel to the surface is termed the overburden (92).

Figure 7 Figure 7 shows in plan view the invention excavating a tunnel in an underground mine. The mining machine (24) is moving forwards depositing cut material onto the ventcar train This is creating the tunnel (26), the face of which in front of the mining machine (24) is being ventilated by the ventilation duct which forms part of the ventcar train The ventcar train is negotiating a corner via the angled pre-driven tunnel (27).

The ventcar train is being assisted in driving the tunnel by the through drive module (28) although thle ventcar train is being pulled into the tunnel (26) by the mining machine The through drive module (28) will be used to withdraw the ventcar train when completed. This process of pulling may be assisted or replaced by a drive module.

Winches may be positioned to assist withdrawal of the equipment once the tunnel has been completed. The winch ropes may attach directly to the ventcar train or a rope may be permanently attached to the mining machine and ventcar train in a continuous fashion for this purpose. This may include a rope along either side of the ventcar train and mining machine or a single or twin ropes connected to the mining machine only.

The ventcar conveyor belt is being driven by the conveyor drive car In another form the ventcar conveyor belt may have intermediate conveyor drive car(s). The ventilation airflow is being provided by the "fan car (30) and this is being directed to the mining machine and cutting face area through thile ventcar train o The cut material is being deposited onto a conventional belt conveyor (32) by the delivery car (31).

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows in plan view the invention creating a tunnel in an open cut highwall. The mining machine (33) is moving forwards depositing cut material onto the ventcar train This is creating the tunnel the face of which in front of the mining machine (33) is being ventilated by the ventilation duct which forms part of the ventcar train (34).

The ventcar train is being assisted in driving the tunnel by the through drive module (36) although the ventcar train is being pulled into the tunnel (35) by the mining machine The through drive module (36) may be used to withdraw the ventcar train and mining machine when completed. The through drive module is located adjacent or close to the open cut highwall (37).

Winches may be positioned to assist withdrawal of the equipment once the tunnel has been completed. The S winch ropes may attach directly to the ventcar train or a rope may be permanently attached to the mining machine and ventcar train in a continuous fashion for this purpose. This may include a rope along either side of the ventcar train and mining machine or a single or twin ropes connected to the mining machine only.

The ventcar conveyor is being driven by the conveyor drive car In another form the ventcar may have intermediate conveyor drive car(s). The ventilation airflow is being provided by the fan car (39) and this is being transported to the mining machine and face by the ventcar train The cut material is being deposited onto an elevator belt conveyor (41) by the delivery car (40) and hence onto a stockpile (42).

Figure 9 Figure 9 shows in plan view the invention creating a tunnel as part of an extraction program in an underground mine. In this drawing two ventcar trains are in use.

The mining machine (43) is moving forwards depositing cut material onto the ventcar trains (44, 45). The ventcar train (44) which is closest to the mining machine (43) runs above the other ventcar train (45) and is driven by an intermediate through drive module This through drive module has twin drives and can move either or both of the ventcar trains in either direction. It is fixed into position either by the application of a force to the roof, floor or sides by means of hydraulic or other electrically or mechanically actuated devices or is bolted to the roof, floor or sides.

The face of the tunnel in front of the mining machine (43) is being ventilated by the ventilation duct which forms part of the ventcar trains (44, 45). The ventcar train is being assisted in driving the tunnel by thile through drive modules (46, 47) although the ventcar train is being pulled into the tunnel by the mining machine The through drive modules (46, 47) will be used to withdraw the ventcar trains when completed.

The ventcar conveyor (44) closest to the mining machine (43) is being driven by the conveyor drive car (49).

At the outer end of this ventcar train (nearest the entry to the tunnel), the overlap between the two ventcar trains ends at the drive and delivery car (49) of the inner ventcar train. The ventcar train (45) farthest away from the mining machine (43) is being driven by another conveyor drive car In another form the ventcar may have intermediate conveyor drive car(s).

The ventilation airflow is being provided by the fan car (51) and this is being transported to the mining machine and face by the ventcar trains (44, 45). The cut material is being deposited onto a conventional belt conveyor (53) by the delivery car (52).

9 During the extraction operation, the mining machine will be diverted into one of the extraction tunnels (48).

S One or more of the ventcar trains will be unlatched in order to allow negotiation of the angled approach into the extraction tunnels (48).

o. Figure Figure 10 shows in plan view the invention creating a tunnel as part of an extraction program from an open cut highwall.

The mining machine (54) is moving forwards depositing cut material onto the ventcar train This is creating the tunnel the face of which in front of the mining machine (54) is being ventilated by the ventilation duct which forms part of the ventcar train 9ooo The ventcar train is being assisted in driving the tunnel by the through drive module (56) although the ventcar train is being pulled into the tunnel (57) by the mining machine The through drive module (56) will be used to withdraw the ventcar train and mining machine when completed. The through drive module is located adjacent or close to the open cut highwall Winches may be positioned to assist withdrawal of the equipment once the tunnel has been completed. The winch ropes may attach directly to the ventcar train or a rope may be permanently attached to the mining machine and ventcar train in a continuous fashion for this purpose. This may include a rope along either side of the ventcar train and mining machine or a single or twin ropes connected to the mining machine only.

The ventcar conveyor is being driven by the conveyor drive car In another form the ventcar may have intermediate conveyor drive car(s). The ventilation airflow is being provided by the fan car (61) and this is being transported to the mining machine and face by the ventcar train The cut material is being deposited onto an elevator belt conveyor (63) by the delivery car (62) and hence onto a stockpile (64).

During the extraction operation, the mining machine (54) is diverted into the extraction tunnels to the side of the main tunnel One or more of the ventcar trains will be unlatched in order to allow negotiation of the angled approach into the extraction tunnels The main tunnel (57) has another tunnel driven alongside it (58) to facilitate access to extract the material on the other side of the main tunnel The two main tunnels are connected together by a cross tunnel (59) which is used for access and to assist in the provision of a ventilation circuit.

Figure 11 Figure 11 shows in plan view the invention excavating a twin entry tunnel in an underground mine for the purpose of subsequent extraction.

An adjacent tunnel has already been driven (58) by the invention and this is connected to the current tunnel excavation (67) by cross tunnels The mining machine (65) is moving forwards depositing cut material onto the ventcar train (66, 69). The ventcar train (69) which is closest to the mining machine (65) runs above the other ventar train (66) and is driven by an intermediate through drive module This through drive module has twin drives and can move either or both of the ventcar trains in either direction. It is fixed into position either by the application of a force to the roof, floor or sides by means of hydraulic or other electrically or mechanically actuated devices or is bolted to the roof, floor or sides.

The system of operation where one ventcar train runs on the other will be used in order to extend the length of tunnel which can be excavated without resort to excessive forces required at the first through drive module.

The face of the tunnel in front of the mining machine (63) is being ventilated by the ventilation duct which forms part of the ventcar trains (66, 69). The ventcar train is being assisted in driving the tunnel by thile through drive modules (68, 70) although the ventcar train is being pulled into the tunnel by the mining machine The through drive modules (68, 70) will be used to withdraw the ventcar trains when completed.

Winches may be positioned to assist withdrawal of the equipment once the tunnel has been completed. The winch ropes may attach directly to the ventcar train or a rope may be permanently attached to the mining machine and ventcar train in a continuous fashion for this purpose. This may include a rope along either side of the ventcar train and mining machine.

The ventcar train conveyor belt (69) closest to the mining machine (65) is being driven by the conveyor drive car At the outer end of the ventcar train (nearest the entry to the tunnel), the overlap between the two S ventcar trains ends at the drive and delivery car (72) The ventcar train conveyor belt (66) farthest away from the mining machine (65) is being driven by another conveyor drive car In another form the ventcar may have intermediate conveyor drive car(s).

oo•• S. The ventilation airflow is being provided by the fan car (73) and this is being transported to the mining machine and face by the ventcar trains (66, 69). The cut material is being deposited onto a conventional belt conveyor (75) by the delivery car (74).

Figure 12 Figure 12 shows in side elevation a twin drive through drive module. On the right hand side of the drawing, the outer ventcar train (77) (closest to the entry to the tunnel) is entered into the through drive module (76).

The inner ventcar train (78) (closest to the mining machine) ramps up onto the outer ventcar train via a ramp The through drive module (76) is able to move either or both of the ventcar trains (77, 78) in either direction.

The through drive module can be fitted with a retractable device which allows hydraulic or other electrical or mechanically powered props to be set to the roof or sides in front of or behind the unit. This retractable device is called the angle frame and can be fitted with a pulley system to allow exertion of a transverse force to the ventcar train when negotiating corners. The angle frame canopy is shown (93) and the props The through drive module can be moved by means of tracks, wheels or other means of locomotion Figure 13 Figure 13 shows an end elevation of an optional conveyor roller arrangement. This arrangement is an alternative method of minimising conveyor belt off track when articulated. The arrangement shows the ventcar (95) fitted with the additional inclined rollers top frame (97) and limiting surge rollers (98).

Claims

1. A mining system for excavating and ventilating tunnels consisting of a mining machine with a single or a number of ventcar trains behind it, taking the form of a series of vehicles attached together by means of a hinged arrangement to allow negotiation of curves, gradients or undulations, which cany the mined material or mineral away from the cutting face and allow air to be forced through the ventcar system or exhausted from it, the ventcar trains being pushed into or out of the tunnel by means of a through drive module and articulation of the ventcar trains being determined by the status of the latching mechanism.

2. The mining system of claim 1 wherein the ventcars consist of a system consisting of single or twin tubes incorporated into a chassis whereby the ducts are joined together by transverse plates or tie bars in order to form a rigid or near rigid structure and which are connected together by means of a flexible coupling in order to allow articulation of the car without interruption to the removal of cut material and the ventilation system.

3. The mining system of claims 1 and 2 wherein the ventcar trains are designed such that one train can run on top of another in order to formnn an extensible, overlapping arrangement of ventcars and allow removal of cut material and supply of ventilating air to a distance greater than the length of a single ventcar train. The mining system of any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the ventcar is provided with a means of attachment So" of adjacent ventcars which provide the joined units with some rigidity through a latch and peg arrangement or via hydraulic or pneumatic rams, allowing attac hm ent and detachment either manually or remotely such that when so attached the ventcars are rigid or near rigid horizontally but maintain articulation in the vertical plane notwithstanding the fact that when the latching arrangement is not activated the ventcar train is capable of horizontal articulation by means of the flexible couplings. The mining system of any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the ventcar train can be pushed into or out of the tunnel or excavation by means of a through drive module which provides thrust to the train by means of gears or rack and pinion or other means of transmission of forces and which can be fixed into position by strata bolts or a mechanical contrivance such as a stell and would include the use of hydraulic or other electrical or mechanically powered props which are set to the roof of the tunnel providing resistance to horizontal and vertical movement of the through drive module. "o 6. The mining system of claims 1 and 5 wherein the through drive module is fitted with a retention device which prevents the ventcar from rising vertically when subjected to torsional or lateral forces exerted by the drive mechanism and ensures constant captivation of the ventcar train.

7. The mining system of any of claims 1 and 3 wherein adjacent ventcar ventilation ducts are attached by means of a flexible coupling which allows articulation of the ventcars without interruption to the flow of air within the ventilation ducts.

8. The mining system of any of claims 1, 3 and 7 wherein the ventilation system is powered by a fan or compressor which is located towards the end of the ventcar train mounted upon a modified venlcar which either forces or extracts air from the tubular system which forms part of the chassis of the ventcar vehicle, this combination of a fan mounted on the ventcar train and flexible coupling of ventcar ducts allowing continuous supply of ventilating air to the face of the tunnel.

9. The mining system of any of claims 1 to 5 including the ventcar train which is provided with a conveyor belt which runs on horizontal and inclined rollers to support the belt and conveyed material and is capable of negotiating curves by means of the flexibility designed into the ventcar train. The mining system for excavating and ventilating tunnels substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 6th day of April 1999 ANDREW SELF MICHAEL MAPP