WO2019224801A1 - Mining apparatus - Google Patents

Mining apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019224801A1
WO2019224801A1 PCT/IB2019/054372 IB2019054372W WO2019224801A1 WO 2019224801 A1 WO2019224801 A1 WO 2019224801A1 IB 2019054372 W IB2019054372 W IB 2019054372W WO 2019224801 A1 WO2019224801 A1 WO 2019224801A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
fluid spray
stream
operatively
vehicle unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2019/054372
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Greham Hugh RUSSELL
Gordon Frank COUSINS
Original Assignee
Michamvi Marketing (Pty) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Michamvi Marketing (Pty) Limited filed Critical Michamvi Marketing (Pty) Limited
Publication of WO2019224801A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019224801A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B1/00—Percussion drilling
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C27/00—Machines which completely free the mineral from the seam
    • E21C27/20—Mineral freed by means not involving slitting
    • E21C27/24—Mineral freed by means not involving slitting by milling means acting on the full working face, i.e. the rotary axis of the tool carrier being substantially parallel to the working face
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C35/00—Details of, or accessories for, machines for slitting or completely freeing the mineral from the seam, not provided for in groups E21C25/00 - E21C33/00, E21C37/00 or E21C39/00
    • E21C35/18—Mining picks; Holders therefor
    • E21C35/187—Mining picks; Holders therefor with arrangement of fluid-spraying nozzles
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C35/00—Details of, or accessories for, machines for slitting or completely freeing the mineral from the seam, not provided for in groups E21C25/00 - E21C33/00, E21C37/00 or E21C39/00
    • E21C35/22—Equipment for preventing the formation of, or for removal of, dust
    • E21C35/23—Distribution of spraying-fluids in rotating cutter-heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a mining apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a mining apparatus for working on a mine face in, especially, underground mining operations.
  • the invention also relates to a fluid spray system for a mining apparatus, a method of retrofitting a fluid spray system to a mining apparatus, and to a method of working on a mine face, and in the immediate area to the mine face.
  • methane CH 4
  • methane is a naturally occurring simple gas that is released from the mine face during the mining activities.
  • methane is released from pockets that exist within the coal mass situated behind the coalface. Additionally, methane seeps out of loose coal that accumulates on the floor and on the loading shovel of the mining apparatus used in cutting the coal.
  • coal dust is also released into the surrounding area, acting as a potential fuel source in the event of a methane ignition, as well as posing a health and safety risk to personnel who are exposed thereto.
  • Mining apparatuses known in the art used to remove material from a mine face include a number of liquid spray blocks which operatively eject water jets onto the cutting tool to cool it tool during cutting operations. These water jets lack the necessary energy to travel the distance needed to perform adequate dust suppression or dispersing of any gases escaping from the mine face. Furthermore, the liquid spray blocks discharge a large amount of water to perform their function, typically being in excess of 100 litres per minute. Not only does this contribute significantly to a mining facility’s overall water consumption, but also often leads to water pooling around the apparatus which posses a safety risk to the personnel required to operate in proximity of the apparatus.
  • a mining apparatus comprising:
  • a self-propelled vehicle unit including a suitable tool for performing work on a mine face by operatively releasing matter from the mine face;
  • the fluid spray system including fluid spray means that is in fluid flow communication with a supply of a pressurised gas stream and a supply of a pressurised liquid stream, wherein the fluid spray means is adapted to operatively generate a fluid stream including an atomised water and gas mixture, and is orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed so as to act on the matter operatively released from the mine face by the tool.
  • the fluid spray system may include a gas compressor device included on the vehicle unit for generating the pressurised gas stream.
  • the supply of the pressurised gas stream may be located remotely from the vehicle unit.
  • the supply of the pressurised liquid stream may be located remotely from the vehicle unit.
  • the fluid spray system to include a fluid distribution network via which the fluid spray means is in fluid flow communication with the supplies of the pressurised gas and liquid streams.
  • the fluid stream may operatively disperse the released matter.
  • the fluid stream may operatively suppress the released matter.
  • the released matter may include any one or more selected from the group comprising dust, gas and material pieces.
  • the fluid spray means may be orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed at the mine face.
  • the fluid spray means may be orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed at the tool.
  • a loading shovel may be included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, wherein the fluid spray means may be orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed at the shovel or the area proximate the shovel.
  • the vehicle unit to include a boom that supports the tool at a free end thereof, wherein the fluid spray means may be mounted on the boom adjacent the tool.
  • fluid spray means may be mounted on the vehicle unit.
  • the fluid spray means may comprise a plurality of fluid spray devices.
  • the gas may comprise air, and the liquid may comprise water.
  • a fluid spray system for a mining apparatus comprising:
  • a fluid distribution network that is installable on a self-propelled vehicle unit of the mining apparatus which includes a suitable tool for performing work on a mine face by operatively releasing matter from the mine face, the fluid distribution network being further connectable to a supply of a pressurised gas stream and to a supply of a pressurised liquid stream wherein it is in fluid flow communication with both supplies;
  • the fluid spray system may include a gas compressor device for generating the pressurised gas stream, the gas compressor device being mountable on the vehicle unit and connectable to the fluid distribution network in order to operatively supply the pressured gas stream to the fluid spray means.
  • the fluid distribution network may be connectable to the supply of the pressurised gas stream that is located remotely from the vehicle unit. More specifically, the fluid distribution network may include a gas inlet that is connectable to the supply of the pressurised gas stream.
  • the fluid distribution network may be connectable to the supply of the pressurised liquid stream that is located remotely from the vehicle unit. More specifically, the fluid distribution network may include a liquid inlet that is connectable to the supply of the pressurised liquid stream.
  • the fluid stream may operatively disperse the released matter.
  • the fluid stream may operatively suppress the released matter.
  • the released matter may include any one or more selected from the group comprising dust, gas and material pieces.
  • At least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable at the mine face.
  • at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable at the tool.
  • a loading shovel may be included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable at the shovel or the area proximate the shovel.
  • fluid spray means to be mountable on a boom of the vehicle unit that supports the tool at a free end thereof, wherein the fluid spray means is located adjacent the tool.
  • fluid spray means may be mountable on the vehicle unit.
  • the fluid spray means may comprise a plurality of fluid spray devices.
  • the gas may comprise air, and the liquid may comprise water.
  • a method of retrofitting a fluid spray system to a mining apparatus including a self-propelled vehicle unit having a suitable tool for performing work on a mine face by operatively releasing matter from the mine face, the method including the steps of:
  • a gas compressor device for generating the pressurised gas stream may further be installed on the vehicle unit, wherein the device is connected to the fluid distribution network.
  • the fluid stream may operatively disperse the released matter.
  • the fluid stream may operatively suppress the released matter.
  • the released matter may include any one or more selected from the group comprising dust, gas and material pieces.
  • At least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means could be directed at the mine face.
  • at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means could be directed at the tool.
  • a loading shovel may be included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means could be directed at the shovel or the area proximate the shovel.
  • fluid spray means on a boom of the vehicle unit that supports the tool at a free end thereof, wherein the fluid spray means is located adjacent the tool.
  • fluid spray means may be mounted on the vehicle unit.
  • a method of working on a mine face including the steps of:
  • a gas compressor device included on the mining apparatus may be utilised in order to generate the fluid stream.
  • the fluid stream may operatively disperse the released matter.
  • the fluid stream may operatively suppress the released matter.
  • At least part of the fluid stream could be directed at the mine face.
  • at least part of the fluid stream could be directed at the tool.
  • at least part of the fluid stream could be directed at a loading shovel included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, or the area proximate the shovel.
  • the fluid stream may be discharged from a boom of the mining apparatus that supports the tool at a free end thereof, from a position adjacent the tool.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a mining apparatus in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic three-dimensional perspective view from above of an example embodiment of the mining apparatus of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG 3 is a schematic side view of the mining apparatus of Figure 2, in use.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic three-dimensional perspective view from above of a gas compressor system forming part of the mining apparatus of Figure 1 .
  • a mining apparatus in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in Figures 1 -3
  • a fluid spray system also in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 20 in Figure 1.
  • the mining apparatus 10 comprises a self-propelled vehicle unit 12 that includes a suitable tool 14 located at an operative front end of the vehicle unit 12 for performing work on a mine face 16 by operatively releasing matter 18 from the mine face 16.
  • a suitable tool 14 located at an operative front end of the vehicle unit 12 for performing work on a mine face 16 by operatively releasing matter 18 from the mine face 16.
  • FIGs 2 and 3 One example embodiment of the apparatus 10 is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, wherein apparatus 10 is in the form of a continuous miner machine and the tool 14 is in the form of a cutting head assembly. It will be appreciated that the invention will, amongst others, find application in underground coal mining operations, where continuous miners are used to cut coal from a coalface.
  • a fluid spray system 20 that includes, at an operative front end of the vehicle unit 12 adjacent to the tool 14, fluid spray means 22 that is, via a suitable on-board fluid distribution network 24, in fluid flow communication with a supply 26 of a pressurised gas stream 28 and a supply 30 of a pressurised liquid stream 32.
  • the fluid spray means 22 thus operatively receives the gas and liquid streams 28, 32 and is able to operatively generate a fluid stream 34 that includes an atomised water and gas mixture.
  • the fluid spray means 22 is further positioned on the vehicle unit 12 and orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream 34 operatively ejecting from it is directed so as to act on the matter 18 operatively released from the mine face 16 by the tool 14.
  • the fluid stream 34 acts thereon in order to disperse or dilute it, to thereby reduce the likelihood that it reaches dangerous levels. It will be appreciated that, the released matter 18 could also comprise material pieces from which gases escape which is then also diluted or dispersed due to the fluid stream. Similarly, where the released matter 18 is in the form of dust, the fluid stream 34 acts thereon in order to supress it, to thereby enhance the conditions in which miners have to operate in.
  • the gas supply 26 is in the form of a gas compressor device 26 that is located on the vehicle unit 12 and operatively generates the pressurised gas stream 28, wherein the gas comprises air.
  • the fluid distribution network 24 includes a gas inlet 36 that is connectable to the supply 26 to receive the pressurised gas stream 28.
  • the liquid supply 30 is located remotely from the vehicle unit 12 and operatively supplies the pressurised liquid stream 32, comprising water, to the vehicle unit 12 by means of one or more liquid conduits (not shown).
  • the fluid distribution network 24 also includes a liquid inlet 38 that is connectable to the supply 30 to receive the pressurised liquid stream 32.
  • the spray means 22 comprises a plurality of spaced spray devices 40, each of which is adapted to spray the stream of fluid 34.
  • At least one of the spray devices 40 is mounted on the front end of the vehicle unit 12, more specifically on a boom 42 that supports the tool 14 at a free end thereof, with the spray device 40 being located adjacent the tool 14 and orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream 34 ejecting from the device 40 is directed at the tool 14, mine face 16, and released matter 18. Accordingly, save for assisting in dispersing and/or suppressing the released matter, 18, the fluid stream 34 also operatively cools the tool 14. By being mounted on the boom 42, which dictates the tool’s movement, the spray device 40 is able to focus the fluid stream 34 at the work area where most of the dust is created and high concentrations of (dangerous) gasses occur, irrespective of the tool’s position relative to the vehicle unit 12.
  • At least one of the spray devices 40 is mounted on a main body 44 the vehicle unit 12 and orientated whereby the fluid stream 34 ejecting from it is directed at a shovel 46, typically being located below the tool 14 and used for accumulating at least some of the released matter 18, or the area proximate the shovel 46.
  • the spray device 40 is able to focus the fluid stream 34 at released matter 18 as it falls onto the floor, or as the matter 18 is being loaded onto the apparatus 10, irrespective of the tool’s position relative to the vehicle unit 12. It is widely understood that significant amounts of dust are created and high concentrations of (dangerous) gasses are found in these areas.
  • the fluid distribution network 24 comprises a number of interconnected pressure gauges 48, manifolds 50 and fluid lines 52 which ensures that each of the spray devices 40 receives a portion of the gas and liquid streams 28, 32.
  • a portion of the supplied liquid 32 which is received at a liquid distribution manifold 54 on the vehicle unit 12, is used to cool an electric motor 56 that, in turn, drives the compressor device 26, as well as to cool the compressor device 26 by passing through heat exchanger 58.
  • a suitable coolant 60 could be circulated between the heat exchanger 58 and compressor device 26 in order to transfer heat from the compressor device 26 to the heat exchanger 58.
  • the compressor device 26 being in the form of an encapsulated gas compressor, forms part of a gas compressor system 61 that includes a foot mounting bracket 60 for mounting the system 61 to the apparatus 10.
  • the gas compressor system 61 further includes the motor 56 which is flameproof and drives the compressor device 26, and the heat exchanger 58 by means of which the compressor device 26 is water-cooled.
  • the gas compressor system 61 also includes a primary air filter 62, cyclonic air pre-filter 64, air intake valve assembly 66, and an air box 68 which facilitates repositioning of filters 62, 64 and intake valve assembly 66.
  • the fluid spray system 20 for a mining apparatus 10 which could be retrofitted to the apparatus 10, includes the fluid spray means 22, the fluid distribution network 24 and the gas compressor device 26.
  • the fluid spray system 20 further includes any one or more of the components of the gas compressor system 61 , namely the motor 56, heat exchanger 58, mounting bracket 60, primary air filter 62, cyclonic air pre-filter 64, air intake valve assembly 66, air box 68, and the associated piping interconnecting such components.
  • the apparatus 10 will be used to perform work on a mine face 16 by positioning the apparatus 10 adjacent to the mine face 16 and utilising the tool 14 to carry out the work on the mine face 16.
  • the stream of fluid 34 comprising a mixture of atomised water and air
  • any gasses escaping from the mine face 16 as a result of the work would be dispersed and any dust created also as a result of the work would be suppressed. This would be especially useful in the context of a coal mining operations, where significant amounts of methane gases are released and dust created when the coal face is being cut.
  • the unique system described hereinabove involves the fitment of an encapsulated air compressor 26 directly onto self-propelled vehicle units 14 such as continuous miner machines.
  • the primary service that the on-board air compressor 26 will be delivering will be to provide the flexibility and utility of having on-board compressed air on mining machines.
  • each separate component is certified as flameproof.
  • the fluid spray means 22 could be in fluid flow communication with and external pressurised air supply (not shown) which operatively supplies the pressurised gas stream 28 to the apparatus 10 via an air supply line (not shown).
  • the compressor device 26 could be hydraulically driven.

Abstract

This invention relates to a mining apparatus comprising 10 a self-propelled vehicle unit 12 that includes a suitable tool 14 located at an operative front end of the vehicle unit 12 for performing work on a mine face 16 by operatively releasing matter 18 from the mine face 16. Fluid spray means 22 is further included on the vehicle unit 12 which is adapted to operatively generate a fluid stream 34 that includes an atomised water and gas mixture which is directed so as to act on the matter 18 operatively released from the mine face 16 by the tool 14.

Description

MINING APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a mining apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a mining apparatus for working on a mine face in, especially, underground mining operations. The invention also relates to a fluid spray system for a mining apparatus, a method of retrofitting a fluid spray system to a mining apparatus, and to a method of working on a mine face, and in the immediate area to the mine face.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
During mining operations when material is dislodged from a mine face, significant amounts of fine matter, including gas or dust, is released from the mine face. Such fine matter which, if not controlled or managed once released from the mine face, can severely impact on safety, productivity and efficiency in the mining operations, especially underground operations. In the context of coal mining operations, methane (CH4) is a naturally occurring simple gas that is released from the mine face during the mining activities. When coal is cut from the coalface, methane is released from pockets that exist within the coal mass situated behind the coalface. Additionally, methane seeps out of loose coal that accumulates on the floor and on the loading shovel of the mining apparatus used in cutting the coal. These scenarios cause high concentrations of methane to collect underneath the cutting tool as well as other locations and pose a serious safety risk, such as the occurrence of a methane ignition when the methane accumulation is exposed to a heat source. Dangerous levels of methane from a fire hazardous point of view typically include when methane makes up between about 5% - 15% of air by volume.
Furthermore, during the process of cutting coal from the coalface, significant amounts of coal dust is also released into the surrounding area, acting as a potential fuel source in the event of a methane ignition, as well as posing a health and safety risk to personnel who are exposed thereto.
Mining apparatuses known in the art used to remove material from a mine face include a number of liquid spray blocks which operatively eject water jets onto the cutting tool to cool it tool during cutting operations. These water jets lack the necessary energy to travel the distance needed to perform adequate dust suppression or dispersing of any gases escaping from the mine face. Furthermore, the liquid spray blocks discharge a large amount of water to perform their function, typically being in excess of 100 litres per minute. Not only does this contribute significantly to a mining facility’s overall water consumption, but also often leads to water pooling around the apparatus which posses a safety risk to the personnel required to operate in proximity of the apparatus.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a mining apparatus, a fluid spray system for a mining apparatus, a method of retrofitting a fluid spray system to a mining apparatus, and to a method of working on a mine face that will, at least partially, alleviate the abovementioned problems, and/or that will be a useful alternative to known apparatuses, systems and methods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mining apparatus comprising:
- a self-propelled vehicle unit including a suitable tool for performing work on a mine face by operatively releasing matter from the mine face; and
- a fluid spray system included on the vehicle unit, the fluid spray system including fluid spray means that is in fluid flow communication with a supply of a pressurised gas stream and a supply of a pressurised liquid stream, wherein the fluid spray means is adapted to operatively generate a fluid stream including an atomised water and gas mixture, and is orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed so as to act on the matter operatively released from the mine face by the tool.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid spray system may include a gas compressor device included on the vehicle unit for generating the pressurised gas stream. According to a further example embodiment of the invention, the supply of the pressurised gas stream may be located remotely from the vehicle unit. Also, the supply of the pressurised liquid stream may be located remotely from the vehicle unit.
There is provided for the fluid spray system to include a fluid distribution network via which the fluid spray means is in fluid flow communication with the supplies of the pressurised gas and liquid streams.
There is also provided for the fluid stream to operatively disperse the released matter. Alternatively, or in addition, the fluid stream may operatively suppress the released matter.
The released matter may include any one or more selected from the group comprising dust, gas and material pieces. According to an example embodiment of the invention, the fluid spray means may be orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed at the mine face. Alternatively, or in addition, the fluid spray means may be orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed at the tool. Further alternatively, or in addition, a loading shovel may be included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, wherein the fluid spray means may be orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed at the shovel or the area proximate the shovel. There is yet further provided for the vehicle unit to include a boom that supports the tool at a free end thereof, wherein the fluid spray means may be mounted on the boom adjacent the tool. Alternatively, or in addition, fluid spray means may be mounted on the vehicle unit.
The fluid spray means may comprise a plurality of fluid spray devices.
The gas may comprise air, and the liquid may comprise water. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a fluid spray system for a mining apparatus, the fluid spray system comprising:
- a fluid distribution network that is installable on a self-propelled vehicle unit of the mining apparatus which includes a suitable tool for performing work on a mine face by operatively releasing matter from the mine face, the fluid distribution network being further connectable to a supply of a pressurised gas stream and to a supply of a pressurised liquid stream wherein it is in fluid flow communication with both supplies; and
- fluid spray means that is mountable on the vehicle unit and connectable to the fluid distribution network whereby it is in fluid flow communication with the supplies of the pressurised gas and liquid streams, the fluid spray means being adapted to operatively generate a fluid stream including an atomised water and gas mixture, whereby at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable to act on the matter operatively released from the mine face by the tool. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid spray system may include a gas compressor device for generating the pressurised gas stream, the gas compressor device being mountable on the vehicle unit and connectable to the fluid distribution network in order to operatively supply the pressured gas stream to the fluid spray means.
Alternatively, the fluid distribution network may be connectable to the supply of the pressurised gas stream that is located remotely from the vehicle unit. More specifically, the fluid distribution network may include a gas inlet that is connectable to the supply of the pressurised gas stream.
Also, the fluid distribution network may be connectable to the supply of the pressurised liquid stream that is located remotely from the vehicle unit. More specifically, the fluid distribution network may include a liquid inlet that is connectable to the supply of the pressurised liquid stream.
There is also provided for the fluid stream to operatively disperse the released matter. Alternatively, or in addition, the fluid stream may operatively suppress the released matter.
The released matter may include any one or more selected from the group comprising dust, gas and material pieces.
According to an example embodiment of the invention, at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable at the mine face. Alternatively, or in addition, at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable at the tool. Further alternatively, or in addition, a loading shovel may be included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable at the shovel or the area proximate the shovel.
There is yet further provided for the fluid spray means to be mountable on a boom of the vehicle unit that supports the tool at a free end thereof, wherein the fluid spray means is located adjacent the tool. Alternatively, or in addition, fluid spray means may be mountable on the vehicle unit.
The fluid spray means may comprise a plurality of fluid spray devices. The gas may comprise air, and the liquid may comprise water.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of retrofitting a fluid spray system to a mining apparatus including a self-propelled vehicle unit having a suitable tool for performing work on a mine face by operatively releasing matter from the mine face, the method including the steps of:
- installing a fluid distribution network on the vehicle unit;
- connecting the fluid distribution network to a supply of a pressurised gas stream and to a supply of a pressurised liquid stream wherein it is in fluid flow communication with both supplies;
- mounting fluid spray means on the vehicle unit; and - connecting the fluid spray means to the fluid distribution network whereby it is in fluid flow communication with the supplies of pressurised gas and liquid streams and the fluid spray means is able to generate a fluid stream including an atomised water and gas mixture, such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directed so to act on the matter operatively released from the mine face by the tool.
A gas compressor device for generating the pressurised gas stream may further be installed on the vehicle unit, wherein the device is connected to the fluid distribution network.
There is also provided for the fluid stream to operatively disperse the released matter. Alternatively, or in addition, the fluid stream may operatively suppress the released matter.
The released matter may include any one or more selected from the group comprising dust, gas and material pieces.
According to an example embodiment of the invention, at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means could be directed at the mine face. Alternatively, or in addition, at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means could be directed at the tool. Further alternatively, or in addition, a loading shovel may be included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means could be directed at the shovel or the area proximate the shovel.
There is yet further provided for the mounting of the fluid spray means on a boom of the vehicle unit that supports the tool at a free end thereof, wherein the fluid spray means is located adjacent the tool. Alternatively, or in addition, fluid spray means may be mounted on the vehicle unit.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of working on a mine face including the steps of:
- utilising a suitable tool included on a mining apparatus to release matter from the mine face;
- generating a fluid stream including an atomised water and gas mixture; and
- directing at least part of the fluid stream from the mining apparatus at the released matter.
A gas compressor device included on the mining apparatus may be utilised in order to generate the fluid stream.
There is also provided for the fluid stream to operatively disperse the released matter. Alternatively, or in addition, the fluid stream may operatively suppress the released matter.
According to an example embodiment of the invention, at least part of the fluid stream could be directed at the mine face. Alternatively, or in addition, at least part of the fluid stream could be directed at the tool. Further alternatively, or in addition, wherein at least part of the fluid stream could be directed at a loading shovel included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, or the area proximate the shovel.
The fluid stream may be discharged from a boom of the mining apparatus that supports the tool at a free end thereof, from a position adjacent the tool.
These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DIAGRAMS
One embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of a non-limiting example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a mining apparatus in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic three-dimensional perspective view from above of an example embodiment of the mining apparatus of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the mining apparatus of Figure 2, in use; and
Figure 4 is a schematic three-dimensional perspective view from above of a gas compressor system forming part of the mining apparatus of Figure 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
With reference to the Figures, wherein like feature are indicated by like numerals, unless otherwise indicated, a mining apparatus, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in Figures 1 -3, and a fluid spray system, also in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 20 in Figure 1.
The mining apparatus 10 comprises a self-propelled vehicle unit 12 that includes a suitable tool 14 located at an operative front end of the vehicle unit 12 for performing work on a mine face 16 by operatively releasing matter 18 from the mine face 16. One example embodiment of the apparatus 10 is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, wherein apparatus 10 is in the form of a continuous miner machine and the tool 14 is in the form of a cutting head assembly. It will be appreciated that the invention will, amongst others, find application in underground coal mining operations, where continuous miners are used to cut coal from a coalface.
Further included on the vehicle unit 12, is a fluid spray system 20 that includes, at an operative front end of the vehicle unit 12 adjacent to the tool 14, fluid spray means 22 that is, via a suitable on-board fluid distribution network 24, in fluid flow communication with a supply 26 of a pressurised gas stream 28 and a supply 30 of a pressurised liquid stream 32. The fluid spray means 22 thus operatively receives the gas and liquid streams 28, 32 and is able to operatively generate a fluid stream 34 that includes an atomised water and gas mixture. The fluid spray means 22 is further positioned on the vehicle unit 12 and orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream 34 operatively ejecting from it is directed so as to act on the matter 18 operatively released from the mine face 16 by the tool 14. Where the released matter 18 is in the form of a gas, the fluid stream 34 acts thereon in order to disperse or dilute it, to thereby reduce the likelihood that it reaches dangerous levels. It will be appreciated that, the released matter 18 could also comprise material pieces from which gases escape which is then also diluted or dispersed due to the fluid stream. Similarly, where the released matter 18 is in the form of dust, the fluid stream 34 acts thereon in order to supress it, to thereby enhance the conditions in which miners have to operate in. The gas supply 26 is in the form of a gas compressor device 26 that is located on the vehicle unit 12 and operatively generates the pressurised gas stream 28, wherein the gas comprises air. The fluid distribution network 24 includes a gas inlet 36 that is connectable to the supply 26 to receive the pressurised gas stream 28. On the other hand, the liquid supply 30 is located remotely from the vehicle unit 12 and operatively supplies the pressurised liquid stream 32, comprising water, to the vehicle unit 12 by means of one or more liquid conduits (not shown). The fluid distribution network 24 also includes a liquid inlet 38 that is connectable to the supply 30 to receive the pressurised liquid stream 32. The spray means 22 comprises a plurality of spaced spray devices 40, each of which is adapted to spray the stream of fluid 34. At least one of the spray devices 40 is mounted on the front end of the vehicle unit 12, more specifically on a boom 42 that supports the tool 14 at a free end thereof, with the spray device 40 being located adjacent the tool 14 and orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream 34 ejecting from the device 40 is directed at the tool 14, mine face 16, and released matter 18. Accordingly, save for assisting in dispersing and/or suppressing the released matter, 18, the fluid stream 34 also operatively cools the tool 14. By being mounted on the boom 42, which dictates the tool’s movement, the spray device 40 is able to focus the fluid stream 34 at the work area where most of the dust is created and high concentrations of (dangerous) gasses occur, irrespective of the tool’s position relative to the vehicle unit 12.
Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the spray devices 40 is mounted on a main body 44 the vehicle unit 12 and orientated whereby the fluid stream 34 ejecting from it is directed at a shovel 46, typically being located below the tool 14 and used for accumulating at least some of the released matter 18, or the area proximate the shovel 46. By being mounted on the main body 44, the spray device 40 is able to focus the fluid stream 34 at released matter 18 as it falls onto the floor, or as the matter 18 is being loaded onto the apparatus 10, irrespective of the tool’s position relative to the vehicle unit 12. It is widely understood that significant amounts of dust are created and high concentrations of (dangerous) gasses are found in these areas.
The fluid distribution network 24 comprises a number of interconnected pressure gauges 48, manifolds 50 and fluid lines 52 which ensures that each of the spray devices 40 receives a portion of the gas and liquid streams 28, 32.
As shown, a portion of the supplied liquid 32, which is received at a liquid distribution manifold 54 on the vehicle unit 12, is used to cool an electric motor 56 that, in turn, drives the compressor device 26, as well as to cool the compressor device 26 by passing through heat exchanger 58. A suitable coolant 60 could be circulated between the heat exchanger 58 and compressor device 26 in order to transfer heat from the compressor device 26 to the heat exchanger 58.
Referring to figure 4, the compressor device 26, being in the form of an encapsulated gas compressor, forms part of a gas compressor system 61 that includes a foot mounting bracket 60 for mounting the system 61 to the apparatus 10. The gas compressor system 61 further includes the motor 56 which is flameproof and drives the compressor device 26, and the heat exchanger 58 by means of which the compressor device 26 is water-cooled. The gas compressor system 61 also includes a primary air filter 62, cyclonic air pre-filter 64, air intake valve assembly 66, and an air box 68 which facilitates repositioning of filters 62, 64 and intake valve assembly 66.
The fluid spray system 20 for a mining apparatus 10, which could be retrofitted to the apparatus 10, includes the fluid spray means 22, the fluid distribution network 24 and the gas compressor device 26. According to a preferred example embodiment of the invention, the fluid spray system 20 further includes any one or more of the components of the gas compressor system 61 , namely the motor 56, heat exchanger 58, mounting bracket 60, primary air filter 62, cyclonic air pre-filter 64, air intake valve assembly 66, air box 68, and the associated piping interconnecting such components.
The apparatus 10, as described hereinabove, will be used to perform work on a mine face 16 by positioning the apparatus 10 adjacent to the mine face 16 and utilising the tool 14 to carry out the work on the mine face 16. By directing the stream of fluid 34, comprising a mixture of atomised water and air, from the apparatus 10 at the mine face 16, any gasses escaping from the mine face 16 as a result of the work would be dispersed and any dust created also as a result of the work would be suppressed. This would be especially useful in the context of a coal mining operations, where significant amounts of methane gases are released and dust created when the coal face is being cut.
The unique system described hereinabove involves the fitment of an encapsulated air compressor 26 directly onto self-propelled vehicle units 14 such as continuous miner machines. The primary service that the on-board air compressor 26 will be delivering will be to provide the flexibility and utility of having on-board compressed air on mining machines.
All prior systems that require access to compressed air in underground coal mines, have needed to have access to either fixed compressed air lines that run adjacent to the water supply lines, that ultimately lead to the end application, or compressing units that are positioned remotely from the work place. The addition of an on-board air compressor 26 nullifies the requirement of both fixed compressed air lines and remote compressors. This alleviates the financial burden as well as the logistical and practical complications of these. Offering effective dust suppression has major physical (health) as well as psychological benefits to the workers in the immediate area of the miner machines. This addition will also allow dramatically improved visibility in and around the mine face which will increase productivity, will reduce the amount of airborne dust particles that could subsequently enter and cause blockages in the system as well as limit the risk associated with having dust ignition due to the large amounts of dust present in the air.
The entire system itself has been designed to minimise the risk of acting as a source of ignition, thus each separate component is certified as flameproof.
By reducing the problems associated with known technologies, as discussed above, will result in an improvement in mining productivity. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein and that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the fluid spray means 22 could be in fluid flow communication with and external pressurised air supply (not shown) which operatively supplies the pressurised gas stream 28 to the apparatus 10 via an air supply line (not shown). Also, the compressor device 26 could be hydraulically driven.
The description is presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention.

Claims

1. A mining apparatus comprising:
a self-propelled vehicle unit including a suitable tool for performing work on a mine face by operatively releasing matter from the mine face; and a fluid spray system included on the vehicle unit, the fluid spray system including fluid spray means that is in fluid flow communication with a supply of a pressurised gas stream and a supply of a pressurised liquid stream, wherein the fluid spray means is adapted to operatively generate a fluid stream including an atomised water and gas mixture, and is orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed so as to act on the matter operatively released from the mine face by the tool.
2. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid spray system includes a gas compressor device included on the vehicle unit for generating the pressurised gas stream.
3. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the supply of the pressurised gas stream is located remotely from the vehicle unit.
4. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the supply of the pressurised liquid stream is located remotely from the vehicle unit.
5. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid spray system includes a fluid distribution network via which the fluid spray means is in fluid flow communication with the supplies of the pressurised gas and liquid streams.
6. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid stream operatively disperses the released matter.
7. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid stream operatively suppresses the released matter.
8. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the released matter includes any one or more selected from the group comprising dust, gas and material pieces.
9. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid spray means is orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed at the mine face.
10. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid spray means is orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed at the tool.
1 1. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a loading shovel is included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, wherein the fluid spray means is orientated such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from it is directed at the shovel or the area proximate the shovel.
12. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the vehicle unit includes a boom that supports the tool at a free end thereof, wherein the fluid spray means is mounted on the boom adjacent the tool.
13. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid spray means is mounted on the vehicle unit.
14. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid spray means comprises a plurality of fluid spray devices.
15. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the gas comprises air, and the liquid comprises water.
16. A fluid spray system for a mining apparatus, the fluid spray system comprising:
a fluid distribution network that is installable on a self-propelled vehicle unit of the mining apparatus which includes a suitable tool for performing work on a mine face by operatively releasing matter from the mine face, the fluid distribution network being further connectable to a supply of a pressurised gas stream and to a supply of a pressurised liquid stream wherein it is in fluid flow communication with both supplies; and
fluid spray means that is mountable on the vehicle unit and connectable to the fluid distribution network whereby it is in fluid flow communication with the supplies of the pressurised gas and liquid streams, the fluid spray means being adapted to operatively generate a fluid stream including an atomised water and gas mixture, whereby at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable to act on the matter operatively released from the mine face by the tool.
17. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, including a gas compressor device for generating the pressurised gas stream, the gas compressor device being mountable on the vehicle unit and connectable to the fluid distribution network in order to operatively supply the pressured gas stream to the fluid spray means.
18. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fluid distribution network is connectable to the supply of the pressurised gas stream that is located remotely from the vehicle unit.
19. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fluid distribution network is connectable to the supply of the pressurised liquid stream that is located remotely from the vehicle unit.
20. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fluid stream operatively disperses the released matter.
21. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fluid stream operatively suppresses the released matter.
22. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the released matter includes any one or more selected from the group comprising dust, gas and material pieces.
23. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable at the mine face.
24. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable at the tool.
25. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein a loading shovel is included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, and wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directable at the shovel or the area proximate the shovel.
26. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fluid spray means is mountable on a boom of the vehicle unit that supports the tool at a free end thereof, wherein the fluid spray means is located adjacent the tool.
27. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fluid spray means is mountable on the vehicle unit.
28. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fluid spray means comprises a plurality of fluid spray devices.
29. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the gas comprises air, and the liquid comprises water.
30. A method of retrofitting a fluid spray system to a mining apparatus including a self-propelled vehicle unit having a suitable tool for performing work on a mine face by operatively releasing matter from the mine face, the method including the steps of:
installing a fluid distribution network on the vehicle unit;
connecting the fluid distribution network to a supply of a pressurised gas stream and to a supply of a pressurised liquid stream wherein it is in fluid flow communication with both supplies;
mounting fluid spray means on the vehicle unit; and
connecting the fluid spray means to the fluid distribution network whereby it is in fluid flow communication with the supplies of pressurised gas and liquid streams and the fluid spray means is able to generate a fluid stream including an atomised water and gas mixture, such that at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directed so to act on the matter operatively released from the mine face by the tool.
31. The method as claimed in claim 30, including installing a gas compressor device for generating the pressurised gas stream on the vehicle unit, wherein the gas compressor device is connected to the fluid distribution network.
32. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the fluid stream operatively disperses the released matter.
33. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the fluid stream operatively suppresses the released matter.
34. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the released matter includes any one or more selected from the group comprising dust, gas and material pieces.
35. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray is directed at the mine face.
36. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directed at the tool.
37. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein a loading shovel is included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, and wherein at least part of the fluid stream operatively ejecting from the fluid spray means is directed at the shovel or the area proximate the shovel.
38. The method as claimed in claim 30, including mounting the fluid spray means on a boom of the vehicle unit that supports the tool at a free end thereof, wherein the fluid spray means is located adjacent the tool.
39. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein fluid spray means is mounted on the vehicle unit.
40. A method of working on a mine face including the steps of:
- utilising a suitable tool included on a mining apparatus to release matter from the mine face;
generating a fluid stream including an atomised water and gas mixture; and directing at least part of the fluid stream from the mining apparatus at the released matter.
41. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein a gas compressor device included on the mining apparatus is utilised in order to generate the fluid stream.
42. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the fluid stream operatively disperses the released matter.
43. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the fluid stream operatively suppresses the released matter.
44. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein at least part of the fluid stream is directed at the mine face.
45. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein at least part of the fluid stream is directed at the tool.
46. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein at least part of the fluid stream is directed at a loading shovel included on the vehicle unit below the tool for accumulating at least some of the released matter, or the area proximate the shovel.
47. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the fluid stream is discharged from a boom of the mining apparatus that supports the tool at a free end thereof, from a position adjacent the tool.
48. The mining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
49. The fluid spray system as claimed in claim 16, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
50. The method as claimed in claim 30 or 40, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
PCT/IB2019/054372 2018-05-25 2019-05-27 Mining apparatus WO2019224801A1 (en)

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US20120018544A1 (en) * 2010-07-21 2012-01-26 Board Of Trustees Of Southern Illinois University Water sprays for dust control on mining machines
US20120019045A1 (en) * 2010-07-22 2012-01-26 Southern Philip W Water spray system for continuous miner and method of use
US20150001912A1 (en) * 2013-07-01 2015-01-01 Caterpillar Global Mining America, LLC Wethead seal design for continuous mining machine

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4084855A (en) * 1975-12-24 1978-04-18 United States Steel Corporation Water-driven air pumping and dust-suppressing apparatus
US4192551A (en) * 1978-10-10 1980-03-11 Bethlehem Steel Corporation Remote control system for mining machines
US4632462A (en) * 1984-07-26 1986-12-30 Atlantic Richfield Company Continuous miner-mounted mine ventilation system
US5145236A (en) * 1991-05-06 1992-09-08 Shell Oil Company Method and apparatus for controlling dust produced by a continuous miner
US20060061205A1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2006-03-23 Voest-Alpine Bergtechnik Device for produing a gas-liquid mixture in the vicinity of cutting tools
US20120018544A1 (en) * 2010-07-21 2012-01-26 Board Of Trustees Of Southern Illinois University Water sprays for dust control on mining machines
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US20150001912A1 (en) * 2013-07-01 2015-01-01 Caterpillar Global Mining America, LLC Wethead seal design for continuous mining machine

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