Energies, Vol. 12, Pages 3945: Tests of Geometry of the Powered Roof Support Section (Energies)

A powered roof support is a basic protection mean for longwall excavations in which highly efficient mining is carried out. The support operates properly when its individual sections are spragged correctly in a working and their operating parameters meet specific requirements. The geometry of the section, and in particular, the correct position of the floor base and the canopy, have a significant impact on the parameters and effectiveness of its work. Disturbances in this area, in many cases, are the cause of damage and improper operation of the support. Therefore, a new method of testing the position of the section in a longwall was developed based on an analysis of its geometry. The basis of this method are inclinometers (angle sensors) mounted on the main structural elements of the section. Recorded values of the angles of inclination of these elements and the developed analytical models are used to determine the positioning of the section in a longwall. The main purpose of the research was to develop a method that would allow, in the simplest possible way, the analysis of section geometry in real conditions. A simplified analytical model was used to determine the actual geometry of the section. It was used then as a basis of an analysis of possible states of the position of the section in the mining wall, including the surrounding rock mass. The results were applied during tests of the section carried out in a testing station and in real (underground) conditions. The developed measuring system helped to determine selected geometrical parameters of the section during these tests. The purpose of the research was to verify the developed model and demonstrate that the geometry of the section has a significant impact on its uneven loading. The obtained results, especially from underground tests, confirmed that during operation the support sections are twisted, which may cause overloading of their construction and disturbance of the operation process. The developed method of testing the geometry of the section is a new approach to analyzing the work of the powered roof support operating in variable mining and geological conditions. The developed method of testing the position of the section based on the angle of inclination of its individual elements is undoubtedly a new approach to this research area. The results obtained should be successfully used in practice to optimize the support section and when selecting support for specific working conditions.