The Chinese original equipment manufacturer says the new system is less complicated and provides very effective fully automated extraction in thin seams.

The automated plough is designed for seam heights of 0.6-2 metres and is available in Australia through CME’s distributor, Ellton Longwall, and through Parsons Chain in the USA.

“The coal plough is engineered with high strength and high abrasion resistance, providing a long service life and extremely high reliability,” Ellton said.

The plough system is equipped with a cast sigma section and a robotically welding pan line, while the high-speed chain plough drive system uses the latest soft-start technology and speed-control systems.

Ellton said this allows frequent starts under load and frequent direction changes.

The automated plough also has a self-clearing device to reduce chain path resistance.

This also allows the plough to run at full power even in the “most difficult conditions”.

“The system is fully adjustable for plough to seam and/or floor horizon positioning,” Ellton said.

“The system includes high yield load powered supports with rigid canopy equipped with plough initiated support movement.”

Automation and control system

The automated plough has systems covering full operational control and monitoring, electro-hydraulic control, cooling water control and monitoring, automatic water spray control, face communication and locking.

There is also working equipment start and pause in sequence functionality.

Ellton says the automated system controls and monitors the accurate boom location and the working condition of the plough head, such as running speed and direction, and cutting depth.

“Electro-hydraulic controls are the major components of this fully automatic plough control system,” the CME distributor said.

“It gives position of the plough head and controls the constant automatic advance of the powered supports.

“This system is very reliable and structurally simple. A large LCD screen is used to display working condition of [the] controller in colour.

“The system includes a failsafe dual-support controller, and if one controller malfunctions, the central server will take over.

“The central sever can also display the fault point by the support number for maintenance efficiency, with improved coal production.”

Ellton said the fully automated plough system was both cost-effective and efficient.

CME and Ellton experts separately evaluate every installation to ensure best fit and performance.

Ellton provided the following specifications:

Plough

Production capacity: 800tph

Face length: 300m (984ft)

Max power: 400kW (536hp)

Adjusting range: 300mm (11.81in)

Plough head working height: 0.9-2m (35.4-78.7in)

Coal hardness: A≤350N/mm

Max cutting speed: 2.94m/sec (9.6ft/sec or 576ft/min)

Max cutting depth: 120mm (4.7in)

Conveyor

Capacity: 1200tph (137 short tons ph)

Design length: 300m (984ft)

Face chain: 34mm x 126mm

Chain speed: 1.32mps (4.33fps)

Chain auto tensioner: Hydraulic

Power supports

Type: 2 legs

Yield load: 7000kN (714t)

Support height: 0.9-1.8m (35.4-70.9in)

Support intensity: 0.76-1.05MPa

Centre distance: 1.5m (59.1in)

Support weight: 16t (17.6 short tons)