New calculation technique for assessment of smoke layer interface in large buildings in connection with the design of buildings in the Czech Republic

The sustainability of the indoor environment of buildings is also related to the conditions that arise in the case of fires. Fires in buildings are characterized by the formation of combustion products, which can significantly endanger the life and health of people. One of the major sources of danger is smoke. If there is no smoke exhaust into the outside environment during the development of the fire, the building is gradually filled with smoke. The important characteristic of the smoke layer is the level of the smoke layer, which changes over time. Several methods have been derived for determining the descent of the smoke layer in an enclosed area of space, which mainly differ in terms of the application area and limits of use. The methods used in the Czech Republic for the assessment of smoke layer descent in the case of fires do not have a clear rationale and in many cases lead to completely misleading results. For this reason, in connection with the standards for the assessment of the buildings in the Czech Republic, a new calculation technique (CSN) has been derived, which has been compared with the selected simple calculation techniques in large buildings. The deviations between the results have been evaluated by the percentage bias method (PBIAS), while the largest deviation, compared to the ISO standard technique, did not exceed 20%. The CSN calculation technique shows a favourable compliance with the technique presented by the ISO standard, where the deviation did not exceed 1.6%. In response to the proposed standards in the Czech Republic, the CSN calculation technique enables the assessment of safe evacuation in relation to the smoke layer interface and can be a considered perspective.Web of Science1411art. no. 644

Thermal imaging study to determine the operational condition of a conveyor belt drive system structure

The paper discusses the results of a study carried out to determine the thermal condition of a conveyor power unit using a thermal imaging camera. The tests covered conveyors in the main haulage system carrying coal from a longwall. The measurements were taken with a thermal imaging diagnostic method which measures infrared radiation emitted by an object. This technology provides a means of assessing the imminence and severity of a possible failure or damage. The method is a non-contact measuring technique and offers great advantages in an underground mine. The thermograms were analysed by comparing the temperature distribution. An analysis of the operating time of the conveyors was also carried out and the causes of the thermal condition were determined. The main purpose of the research was to detect changes in thermal state during the operation of a belt conveyor that could indicate failure and permit early maintenance and eliminate the chance of a fire. The article also discusses the construction and principle of operation of a thermal imaging camera. The findings obtained from the research analysis on determining the thermal condition of the conveyor drive unit are a valuable source of information for the mine's maintenance service.Web of Science1411art. no. 325

Dynamic Analysis for the Hydraulic Leg Power of a Powered Roof Support

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to determine the dynamic power of a hydraulic leg. The hydraulic leg is the basic element that maintains the position of a powered roof support. It is located in the structure between the canopy and the floor base. The analysis assumes that its power must be greater than the energy of the impact of the rock mass. The energy of the rock mass is generated by tremors caused mainly by mining exploitation. The mining and geological structure of the rocks surrounding the longwall complex also have an influence on this energy generation. For this purpose, stationary tests of the powered roof support were carried out. The analysis refers to the space under the piston of the leg, which is filled with fluid at a given pressure. The bench test involved spreading the leg in the test station under a specified pressure. It was assumed that the acquisition of dynamic power would be at the point of pressure and increase in the space under the piston of the leg under forced loading. Based on the experimental studies carried out, an assessment was made with the assumptions of the methodology adopted. The results of the theoretical analysis showed consistency with the experimental results

The effectiveness of the use of a powered roof support in the light of research and analysis

A powered roof support is an element of a longwall complex. It is connected with a scraper conveyor by a sliding system. The conveyor carries a shearer mining the coal. The second function of the powered roof support is to protect the excavation against uncontrolled impact of the rock mass. This paper focuses on the analysis of the effectiveness of the powered roof support. The main objective is to determine the factors influencing failure-free operation in the exploitation process. Moreover, the author discusses performance requirements for the powered roof support

Tests of Geometry of the Powered Roof Support Section

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

A Step-by-Step Procedure for Tests and Assessment of the Automatic Operation of a Powered Roof Support

A powered longwall mining system comprises three basic machines: a shearer, a scraper (longwall) conveyor, and a powered roof support. The powered roof support as a component of a longwall complex has two functions. It protects the working from roof rocks that fall to the area where the machines and people work and transports the machines and devices in the longwall as the mining operation proceeds further into the seam by means of hydraulic actuators that are adequately connected to the powered support. The actuators are controlled by a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic system. The tests and analyses presented in the developed procedure are oriented towards the possibility of introducing automatic control, without the participation of an operator. This is important for the exploitation of seams that are deposited at great depths. The primary objective was to develop a comprehensive methodology for testing and evaluating the possibility of using the system under operating conditions. The conclusions based on the analysis presented are a valuable source of information for the designers in terms of increasing the efficiency of the operation of the system and improving occupational safety. The authors have proposed a procedure for testing and evaluation to introduce an automatic control system into the operating conditions. The procedure combines four areas. Tests and analyses were carried out in order to determine the extent to which the system could be potentially used in the future. The presented solution includes certification and executive documentation

Analysis of the Influence of Dynamic Load on the Work Parameters of a Powered Roof Support’s Hydraulic Leg

One of the basic tasks of powered roof support is to protect the longwall excavation against deformation of the rock mass during the underground exploitation of hard coal. The behavior of the rock mass during mining is difficult to predict. Therefore, the loads acting on the support are diverse in terms of nature, direction and force. The dynamic load resulting from rock bursts, relaxation and tremors may lead to particularly dangerous consequences involving the functionality of the workings and the safety of the crew. The powered roof support will function properly only if the elements dynamically loaded are under control at the moment of impact. The article presents the results of tests of the basic powered roof support’s element − a hydraulic leg impacted by dynamic load. The source of the load was a free falling impact mass dropped from a certain height. The tests covered the actual hydraulic leg with all hydraulic equipment used in the powered roof support. During the tests, the original measurement-recording system developed by the authors was used, in which, among others, a high-speed dynamic camera was used to record movements of the leg’s elements. The original research methodology developed together with the measurement system enabled the registration of many parameters of the leg’s work under dynamic load. In particular, this applies to time series of pressure in the leg and the value of its withdrawal depending on the energy of the impact. The individual phases of the leg’s work were also registered, including the opening and closing of the safety valve protecting the leg against overloading. The obtained results broaden knowledge in the field of hydraulic legs used in the mining support under dynamic load. At the same time, they are a valuable source of information for mine maintenance services and should be applied to the design process, selection and operation of a powered roof support in dynamic conditions. The subject of the article fits in with the philosophy of sustainable development, especially in the field of full use of options of the support and ensuring safe and environmentally friendly mining processes

Analysis of the Pressure Increase in the Hydraulic Cylinder of the Longwall Powered Roof Support during Use

This paper presents the results of lab-simulated tests on longwall powered supports under dynamic loading conditions. The tests were carried out on a test site, where the tested prop was subjected to a dynamic load using a controlled mass falling under gravity onto the support. The loading on the support was therefore determined based on the weight used and the distance of freefall before impact. The operating characteristics of the valve were determined, specifying temporary changes in the pressure and the prop’s dynamic yield rate and total deformation. The research aimed to determine the operational parameters of the valve to be used in new and improved components for powered roof supports. One of the most essential elements of the powered roof support hydraulic system is the safety valve. The results confirm the validity of the concept and the possibility of applying the tested valve to the developed control system of the prop of the powered roof support. The forged safety valve has been designed to significantly improve the safety and efficiency of the powered roof support, especially in conditions of safety hazards

Numerical Study for Determining the Strength Limits of a Powered Longwall Support

The process of designing a longwall powered support is extremely complex and requires many operations related to the creation of a complete machine. The powered support section is one of the basic elements of the longwall system. It acts as protection for the working space and takes part in the process of excavating and transporting the spoil. The implementation of the support that meets the guidelines of the manufacturer and user requires an endurance analysis at the design stage conducted according to the regulations in force. The main objective of this research, pursued by the authors, was to perform the analysis of the ultimate strength of selected elements of the designed powered support section. The research was carried out with the use of special software that uses the finite element method. This article presents the analysis of the strength limits conducted with the help of the finite element method, determining the strength of selected elements of the longwall support section. The solutions proposed by the authors include changes in the structure and properties of the material in the design process. The aim of the proposed solution was to obtain a model with strength value that meets safety standards. The research results are a valuable source of knowledge for designers. Solutions of this type set examples for spatial models of the longwall support section being designed currently. The analysis presented in the article, together with the results of the research and the conclusions resulting from them, may improve the safety and effectiveness of powered supports

Components of an innovative electro-control system for undeground mining - analysis

In the era of Industry 4.0, coal companies began to reach for new innovative technologies that increase work safety and their possible use affects the economic improvement of companies. One of them is to equip a powered roof support section with an electrohydraulic control system with a monitoring system that tracks operating parameters. The development of a monitoring system for a powered roof support is a key investment in new longwall complexes. It allows rapid diagnostics of status of the support. Currently used system designed to control the powered roof support are based on blocks of manually controlled distributors. The pilot control is currently the leading control that properly functions in all conditions, allowing to adapt to the requirements resulting from the construction of the section. A number of tests and analyses must be conducted prior to introducing the new control based on an innovative approach into operation. The basic research has focused on identifying the user interface that will potentially be the solution for the entire system. The user has defined how the driver should look like and how it will be operated and maintained. The results of the first series of tests on the elements of an innovative electronic control system of the powered roof support enabled to develop a prototype version. The assumptions for the system were verified during the conducted development studies. The article presents preliminary results of development research for devices included in the innovative control system of the powered roof support