Computer Program Helps Operators Of Drum-Type Coal Mining Machines Control Dust - Objective

Provide mine operators with a quick means of identifying the effect of cutting system changes on relative dustiness at the mine face, by developing an interactive computer program for drum-type coal mining machines. Approach A program which simultaneously evaluates machine parameters, coal seam parameters and mine operator-controlled parameters for their effects on relative dustiness has been developed for use on any minicomputer using BASIC computer language. How it works The interactive computer program allows mine operators to make one or more changes at a time to their cutting system to determine how these changes affect relative dustiness of the face. Using this program, mine operators can find the optimum cutting system configuration to minimize dust using their seam conditions and their equipment specifications. The mining machine variables include: number of vane bits, number of gage bits, number of starts, vane wrap, number of end ring lines, rpm, advance rate, ton/min, percentage of time spent cutting per shift, and airflow.