From the underground coal and hard rock mining sectors, tunnelling sector, open cut and above ground mining sectors to power stations and any industrial application that produces environmental dust and other emissions, DMI is already introducing several new concepts.

 

One of these is a goaf curtain designed to reduce the amount of intake air being lost into the goaf. The goaf curtain is attached to the main gate chock and is made from high resistant FRAS polyurethane material on a sprung frame.

 

The curtain can move independently and can encounter variations in rib, floor and roof whilst maintaining a maximum seal to minimise air loss. The installation of this curtain forces more air onto the face to help remove dust and gas and also reduces the amount of goaf pressurization resulting in less dust produced during chock movement.

 

DMI has also produced a stone deflector for use on the longwall face to reduce the amount of sharp stone entering the bretby cable tray and damaging the power cable to the shearer. This will be going on trial in a NSW longwall mine.

 

“The stone deflector fits to the AFC via high-powered magnets and is pushed out of the way by the bretby and returns to the original 45 degree angle via springs. A deflector fits on each panline section and acts independently from each other,” Plush said.

 

“DMI is also developing a new Bretby that will be top loading, either center pull or fully enclosed and will require only screwdrivers to replace damage tops, sides or bottoms. A prototype has been produced and research is currently being finalized prior to production of trial samples,” Plush said.

 

A more detailed article will appear in March 2003 edition of Australia’s Longwalls.