TY - THES

T1 - Next Generation Coal Clearance – Modern Continuous Haulage as Compared to Traditional Batch Haulage in a Longwall Development Setting

AU - Bilyeu, Michael Lee

N1 - embargoed until null

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - Continuous mining is the process used to develop a block of coal for extraction by means of a longwall system. However, continuous mining is a misnomer. It is a process fraught with delays. One of the major sources of delays in the process is the clearance of coal. The process of clearing coal by means of batch haulage utilizing shuttle cars is examined in detail outlining the advantages and disadvantages of various batch haulage equipment with respect to both safety and productivity. Further investigation into attempts to modify the coal clearance options from a batch process to a continuous one is made. Evaluation of the different equipment offered to determine if the current generation of continuous haulage machines lives up to the promises of increased production, a safer process, and an overall lower cost per ton.

AB - Continuous mining is the process used to develop a block of coal for extraction by means of a longwall system. However, continuous mining is a misnomer. It is a process fraught with delays. One of the major sources of delays in the process is the clearance of coal. The process of clearing coal by means of batch haulage utilizing shuttle cars is examined in detail outlining the advantages and disadvantages of various batch haulage equipment with respect to both safety and productivity. Further investigation into attempts to modify the coal clearance options from a batch process to a continuous one is made. Evaluation of the different equipment offered to determine if the current generation of continuous haulage machines lives up to the promises of increased production, a safer process, and an overall lower cost per ton.

M3 - Master's Thesis (University Course)

ER -