Bucyrus

EQUIPMENT manufacturer Bucyrus is taking Longwall USA 2009 by storm, exhibiting its PMC family of mining controllers, PF6 line pan, Power Chain, and Belt Systems product line.

As integrated automation is key to the operation of a great longwall, the company has its PMC family of programmable mining controls on display.

The line includes a new generation of controllers, design-specific to a large range of needs. It includes PMC-R for roof support systems; PMC-D for drive control; PMC-V for drive system visualisation; the PMC-P node computer network interface; and VCU, for surface visualisation of longwall operations or with the use of an explosion-proof computer underground.

Also available for review is Bucyrus’s advanced suite of visualisation applications for system overviews and performance monitoring. The visualisation and control unit can permit trending and analysis when run on a Bucyrus-built ExPC or a surface-based PC.

There are several V software modules, the first being VShield for visualisation of roof support control steps, messages and faults as well as parameters for roof supports on local or longwall-wide settings.

VPlow visualises plow systems using solenoid switches and parameter settings of the UEL (overload-protected) drive controllers, and the VShearer sets shearer parameters, visualises and provides status. Visualising the conveyor gearbox controllers is VDrive, featuring parameter setting change capabilities and graphic sensor values.

Finally, the VLongwall program switches between visualisation programs, and VTrend provides fault analysis and visualisations over a selected time period. All V software data can be exported to Microsoft Office applications and replayed for analysis.

Many of the world’s most productive mines use Bucyrus face conveyor systems, each featuring conveying capacities up to 6600 tons/6000 tonnes per hour over face lengths of up to 1640ft/500m and at all seam heights.

The PF6 plow line pan product, however, comes from a new perspective by splitting the unit’s various functional areas so that wear parts and structural parts can be separated.

The use of the proven PF profile in the top race means maximum contact surface between the flightbar and the profile, minimising surface pressure of the flightbars in snakes and undulating seams. Special shaping of the bottom race – which almost doubles contact surface – reduces the wear of the flightbar shoulder, while at the same time reducing friction.

Also on show: the new Power Chain, providing a high-reliability, high-availability transportation option with low wear and long service life for the chain, flightbar and drive sprocket versus conventional systems.

The flightbar design allows for a low-profile pan, significantly reducing surface pressure and chain joint wear. In fact, contact point surface pressure can be halved.

Bucyrus is featuring new additions to its bulk material conveyor systems line, including solutions in the 18-96in width range and supported by idlers from 4in to 7in. The OEM offers in-line and offset with CEMA C, D and E class ratings, and also provides custom-manufactured engineered class pulleys.

Bucyrus now offers a new shaft-end configuration for the Bucyrus Steel Roll, which can be retrofitted to any competitor’s frame with a unique retrofit adaptor. Because the idler roll’s lifespan is often dictated by shell life, it developed the EXALON high molecular-weight polyethylene, providing triple the abrasion resistance of a steel roll.

Mounted on the discharge pulley face, Bucyrus scraper blades are used as the primary or secondary cleaner on conveyors. Available in different hardnesses for different conditions and conveyor belt speeds, the model range is designed to meet specific customer requirements.

Bucyrus said it would have a wealth of knowledge available to answer questions, including information about the company’s core longwall products: roof supports, shearers, automated plow systems, drive systems, and the broad range of high-capacity diesel and battery-powered roof support carriers.

Wholesale Mine Supply

FOR the fifth year, Pennsylvania-based Wholesale Mine Supply will take part in the Longwall USA show, bringing along with it partners Mine Tracer, Kenwood and Varis.

Wholesale president Bill Hensler told that in addition to special demonstrations of the Varis base radio and Mine Tracer system, Varis would be making a new product announcement – the Smartcom 450 IS, a UHF system.

Additionally, the developers of the Varis and Mine Tracer products will be on hand at the booth to answer questions from attendees.

“Our staff will be available for individual conferences and we will be explaining our system to interested people,” Hensler said, adding that the event would serve as a networking opportunity with an expanded audience.

“We are hoping that the local PA mines will visit our booth as well and [we] earn their trust to earn these mines’ business.”

Phoenix First Response

BRINGING gas analysis technology to the table at this year’s Longwall show will be Phoenix First Response, which told it had big plans for Pittsburgh.

The Phoenix technical staff will be on hand to discuss the company’s full-service gas analysis laboratory and gas chromatograph sales-service center.

“Gas sampling is a powerful tool to meet government requirements regarding monitoring behind seals less than 120psi,” the company said, adding that mines which performed routine sampling would maximize safety and production by enhancing both proactive ventilation plans and operational management.

“Phoenix operates coal-specific gas laboratories that offer the mining experience and knowledge to actively assist operations in meeting regulatory requirements and to most effectively utilize results for operational applications.”

The company also highlighted its comprehensive “one phone call” service list, including emergency event management, consultation and investigation, customized safety and mine rescue training programs, membrane nitrogen and inerting services, and many other options.

Phoenix has provided firefighting solutions and consulted at most major US mine fires over the past 25 years with sister company Micon. “It was through these experiences that the potential benefits of a central resource for the prevention and management of underground events became apparent,” it said.