In this paper the Kamat-Riley (K-R) event-based Monte Carlo simulation method was used for reliability analysis of longwall shearer machine. Shearer machine consists of six subsystems; water, haulage, electrical, hydraulic, cutting arms and cable systems in a series network configuration. A shearer in the Tabas coal mine was selected as case study and its all failure data were collected and use...

It is necessary to obtain a fundamental understanding of the goaf gas flow patterns in longwall mine in order to develop optimum goaf gas drainage and spontaneous combustion (sponcom) management strategies. The best ventilation layout for a longwall underground mine should assist in goaf gas drainage and further reduce the risk of sponcom in the goaf. Further, in the longwall panel, regulators ...

Hydrocarbon wells drilled vertically through longwall coal pillars are vulnerable to severe deformation and potential failure as a result of underground coal mining. The lithology of the host rocks play a critical role in well stability. In this study, a two dimensional finite element method is employed to investigate the horizontal shear offset, vertical delamination, and compression at the we...

In an effort to increase productivity, many longwall mining operations in the U.S. have continually increased face lengths. Unfortunately, the mining of larger panels may increase methane emissions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a mine safety research study to characterize and quantify the methane emissions resulting from increasing face lengths in ...

Some of the most difficult coal mine roof in the United States can be found in the Illinois Basin. Factors contributing to the high roof fall rate include weak, moisture-sensitive roof rock; high horizontal stress; and limited longwall mining. The depth of cover ranges from 27 to 300 m (90 to 1,000 ft), and roof damage from horizontal stress can be severe. Moisture-sensitive roof rock, which co...

In the 3 years to June 30, 2008, 4,633 injuries occurring underground at NSW (Australia) coal mines were reported to the insurer. Equipment was involved in 2149 of these injuries (46%). The narrative field accompanying these reports was examined to determine opportunities for controlling injury risks. The most common equipment types involved were: Continuous miner (12% of all underground injuri...

Compared to opencut mining, underground coal mining is more common in Australia due to its lesser impact on the environment. Although there are several underground mining methods, such as the longwall, pillar, bord, and miniwall, longwall mining is the most commonly used method due to its high efficiency. However, longwall mining does lead to significant ground subsidence. Mining subsidence is ...