Published in June 2006 Australian Longwall Magazine
Xstrata’s Ulan coal mine recently purchased 197 Joy 2m 1200 tonne yield capacity RS20s controlled PRS. The PRS will be used for Ulan’s first 400m wide longwall block.
Included in the current longwall system packages are cylinder extrusions for 400mm bore legs.While Joy can still supply fabricated legs, extrusions are the optimal solution, doubling the life of its predecessor.
In contrast to the more prolific 1.75m PRS, using 2m PRS means less shields per linear metre.This means for Ulan there will be less PRS to move at longwall relocations and less PRS sub assemblies.
The RS20s is Joy’s latest roof support control system that the company argues provides the most powerful, flexible and advanced automation system available to the industry today.
Joy’s roof support control systems have featured full-face automation for more than 10 years. More than 60 systems have been delivered worldwide with this capability, including 14 RS20s systems.
The RS20s system is supplied with a complete automation library of more than 100 face-cutting sequences to suit all customers.
Joy defines full-face automation as the operation of the powered roof supports over an entire shift with no operator intervention.
This includes automatic advancement of gate end shields. According to Joy control systems product manager Dave Smith, operator training is an absolute necessity to achieve full-face automation with a roof support control system.
“Joy has developed a full suite of computer simulators and competency tests that provide an operator with a full understanding on the operation of the RS20s system before ever going underground,” he said.
With every new system supplied, Joy provides initial classroom and hands-on underground training for face operators. Training materials include a comprehensive set of full coloured manuals, pocket guide cards for the operators, course handouts and computer simulators that run on any Microsoft Windows PC.
Mounted on each roof support are two RS20s hardware units — the Mimic (the man to machine interface),and the Micro (control unit). Traditionally, roof support control systems had these functions combined into one unit.
According to Joy, the separation of the user interface (Mimic) and the Micro mean that these small components can be located in the best protected and most ergonomically suited positions on the shield.
The Mimic has been designed with the operator in mind, containing unique features that can only be found with RS20s. Large buttons are strategically located on a mimic diagram on the front panel to illustrate all the support functions. This unique combination eliminates confusion, allowing first-time operators to quickly master the system.
The oversized, round control buttons are designed for safe operation while wearing gloves. Finally, the large “high-bright”LCD display can flash, alerting operators to potential problems with the system.
All RS20s hardware units are interconnected with a small diameter, robust, environmentally proven four-wire cable that is completely interchangeable among all units in the system.
The small diameter cables and compact hardware make RS20s the ideal retrofit system, Joy said.
It is possible to retrofit an RS20s system to any roof support that has a Joy hydraulic system. In addition, RS20s use the same control functionality as the RS20 system, meaning an operator proficient with RS20 will seamlessly transfer to RS20s with minimal training.
As with all Joy installations, a comprehensive aftermarket support network complements every new equipment supply contract. This seamless network ensures the customer base is well equipped to achieve their goals.
