The new 48mm AFC chain expected by Shell Coal's Moranbah North mine in central Queensland has arrived. The mine has been averaging around 70,000t per week since struggling with face conveyor drive power which does not correspond with AFC chain strength.
The installation of a third 800kW drive motor — taking the total installed power on the face to 2400kW — temporarily solved the intermittent problem of not being able to start the face conveyor with 1600kW. However, persistent chain breakages forced it to go back to a 1600kW system and the shearer was slowed to about half speed from its rated 45 t/h.
With the third drive the mine will be aiming to produce around 200,000 tonnes per week. The AFC package includes 190t of 48mm conveyor chain as well as flights and has been manufactured by Parsons in the UK. Installation is being completed at present and testing is underway.
