The trials were conducted for Consol Energy’s Blacksville #2 and Robinson Run #95 Mines and form part of an ongoing multiple point inspection program performed on every piece of equipment and every complete system to achieve flawless integration with all longwall components.

The Robinson Run #95 Mine O.E. armored face conveyor is designed and manufactured by Longwall Associates for a right-hand face, whereas the Blacksville #2 Mine armored face conveyor was designed for a left-hand face. With the two systems constructed for opposing hands of face, the staff at Longwall Associates were able to set up both armored face conveyor systems facing each other in their compatibility bay and run the equipment simultaneously.

Longwall Associates reached an agreement with Consol Energy earlier this year for the supply of four AFC systems for Consol Energy’s Mines: Blacksville #2 Mine and Robinson Run #95 Mine. Longwall Associates completed the delivery and installation of the first AFC systems for Blacksville #2 Mine and Robinson Run #95 in the first half of 2003.

“The successful and unique dual compatibility situation allowed both companies - Consol Energy and Longwall Associates - to utilize their time and resources preparing for the current delivery and forthcoming start-up of the original equipment at each mine,” Longwall Associates said.