Visitors to the stand saw a 2 meter wide DBT shield going through its full range of movements, from fully closed to fully open, in synchronisation to music and lights.

The exercise was a spectacular demonstration of the functionality and versatility of the PM4 electro-hydraulic control system. A 180/350 – 2x5652 shield was fitted with standard PM4 Electronic and Hydraulic components, and then programmed to animate to music.

The ‘Dancing Shield’ also demonstrated DBT’s ability to provide software solutions customised to suit non-standard applications.

The AIMEX exercise set a task for DBT’s software engineers outside of the normal everyday work scope. Apart from arranging the functionality of the shield, a myriad of programmed software timers and triggers were provided to sequence the shield movement to music, lights and nebula effects.

“For new longwall systems, our practice of aligning the software specification to the customer’s specific requirements is seen as a big advantage,” said software engineer, Johannes Wesselmann. “DBT also provides ongoing software support with changes engineered and documented in accordance with Australian requirements to meet the NIOSH best practice standards.”

The PM4 control system is well accepted in the world market and is fitted in many countries. A number of software variations with differences in application are in operation at almost every mine where fitted.

“Automation brings increased safety and production to longwall faces and DBT’s experience dates back 20 years, starting with simple adjacent functionality to fully automated man-less plow faces and high capacity shearer faces,” Wesselmann said.

DBT’s automation solutions do not stop at the longwall face and a range of software products are available to compliment the PM4 system.

The V-Series front-end visualisation package provides underground and surface data acquisition with 2D and 3D visualisation. Data logging and playback facilities allow for maintenance and production statistics analysis to enable smarter working at the longwall face. Data display can be provided via Web Browser technology, potentially putting information from the longwall onto every desk without expensive software license fees or annoying ‘dongles’. Internet connections can also be used for off site monitoring.

“DBT’s ongoing commitment to automation includes provision of interfaces to connect high speed LAN systems. Recent development projects mean DBT can now offer wireless or blue tooth data connections through the face to provide redundant paths for critical data from the shearer,” Wesselmann said.