Longwall automation was recently designated one of two potential Landmark Projects by the association’s research program ACARP (Australian Coal Association Research Program).
Last year the ACA decided to set aside 1c of the 5c per tonne levy paid to ACARP by coal producers specifically for Landmark Projects. The move has come in response to criticism that spreading research dollars widely across too many programs has not allowed the delivery of profound change to the wider industry.
Developing an initial proposal for the automation program of work took 12 months and involved industry-wide consultation with companies and equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This initial work was driven by the Longwall Automation Steering Committee (LASC), with the involvement of industry coordinator Ray Dubois. The program will be carried out jointly by the CSIRO at the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technology and the Co-operative Research Centre for Mining Technology and Equipment (CMTE), both based in Brisbane. (See related stories, links on right, outlining the relevant areas the two providers are working in).
Initial work over the last year has focused on establishing current level of longwall automation and its reliability; what research is being undertaken worldwide; most beneficial outcomes to mines; possible impediments to changing systems; and the integration of new technology with current equipment.
One of the most important tasks has been gaining the support and involvement of OEMs such as DBT and Joy Mining Machinery. These and other equipment manufacturers are committed to the project’s success.
Leader of the CSIRO team, Mick Kelly, said the move towards Landmark Projects presented a wonderful opportunity for the industry to do big and focused work in such an important area. The benefits for the industry will be a potentially higher, more consistent production rate and the removal of face workers from more hazardous and dusty areas, he said. Paul Lever, who leads the CMTE group said his team was enthusiastic to begin work on the project and that it would have a great impact on the industry.
Achieving a completely man-free face will not be realisable within the timeframe of the initial project. The project’s objective over the next three years therefore is to achieve ‘on face observation’ of the automated longwall. Kelly said there were too many exception issues, such as cavities forming on the face or coal lumps causing AFC blockages, that could not yet be effectively measured with current sensor technology. Human observation and intervention may still be required in isolated occurrences until this sensor development was proven.
Researchers emphasise that the three year project aims to deliver early wins along the way for the wider industry. Areas being targeted for example are making longwall operation more consistent and reliable. This will target existing systems with existing automated features to assess whether operators are using the systems to their nameplate potential. And if automation is being resisted, why? Improving sensor reliability is one of the most important initial targets.
LASC continues its involvement with the project and will review progress on a quarterly basis.
