Effect of the inclination of coal seam on face disassembly time in mechanized longwall

Abstract

Production rate and quantity in underground mechanized coal mines are quite high compared to other methods. However, in mechanized systems, there are also certain factors that affect production rate and quantity. One of the most important factors affecting the production rate is the existing geological structure of the coal seam. Seam inclination directly affects times for disassembling-assembling the coal-face equipment in exhausted production panels. Disassembly-assembly times of panels affect annual coal production and costs of mine operations. In this study, effect of the seam inclination on disassembly-assembly times was investigated in panels having coal seams with different inclinations in Çayirhan underground operations. Furthermore, preparations performed in these panels prior to and after the face disassembly-assembly, respectively are discussed in detail. The presented study indicated that the face disassembly-assembly time was longer in the coal face with the higher coal seam inclination.