Optimal geometry of the powered roof support’s operation

Abstract

Monitoring the working parameters of powered roof support is an area for improvement in hard coal mining. The phenomena occurring during the operation generate many risks from difficult geological and mining conditions, leading to undesirable events. In addition, improper use of machinery and equipment results in a high accident rate in mining. Thus, monitoring the operation of machines in mining reduces accidents and losses resulting from stops and prevents unforeseen failures caused by operational and external factors. The paper presents the research results on the optimal geometry of the powered roof support operation in the mining wall. The research included the powered roof support’s essential elements’ operation. Sensors constituting the measuring system were installed on these elements. The measurements made by the sensors made it possible to determine the working height at a given stage of the section’s operation. The research was carried out in three sections, which were part of the powered roof support. The measurements were taken during actual changes occurring in the coal mining process.