Pulling chains are one of the most critical components of a plough longwall system. Their failure is hard to predict and results in costly and lengthy downtimes. Measurements of the actual forces acting on a plough chain are needed as they can provide important information about the nature of their operation and contribute to preventing their wear and failure by supplementing data gathered by a plough control station. In this work, a strain gauge system for the measurement of the forces in a plough chain is designed, manufactured and tested under real conditions for the first time. Constructed using a cylindrical strain gauge and widely available electronic components, the finished sensor was calibrated on a testing machine and used to measure forces in a 42 × 137 plough chain at LW Bogdanka. Measurements conducted under real conditions show that forces in the chain during steady ploughing does not exceed 400 kN. However, the forces peaked to up to 728.6 kN at certain points in the operation. The implications of such events are discussed. The device allowed for successful measurements of forces in difficult conditions of a mining plough longwall and provides new information on their course and characteristics, which is very valuable for plough operators and chain-life predictions. This work suggests the further integration of force sensors into longwall plough system.
Recent months have highlighted the progressing energy crisis across Europe in connection with the severe sanctions imposed on the import of hydrocarbons and coal from Russia. This is particularly visible in Poland, where over 40% of electricity is generated from coal, while in individual households it is the primary source of heat. This situation puts the already enigmatic plans of shutting down coal mining in Poland into question. Therefore, work aimed at increasing the extraction capacity of existing shafts while maintaining the highest level of operational safety is still valid. This article concerns the issues of the fatigue life of compacted ropes used as hoist ropes in mine shafts. The discussion regarding the use of these ropes among shaft hoist users has been going on for several years. This paper presents the unique results of compacted rope fatigue tests carried out at the Central Mining Institute in Katowice. In the authors’ view, these results and their interpretation should serve to clarify several important aspects that arouse the interest of users.
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