Modular Conveyor Segments for High Wall Mining Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
High wall mining is hindered by fluid influx, such as water, which decreases mining efficiency and damages equipment due to inefficiency in transporting both fluid and mined material, and poses risks from unwanted gases.
Innovation Solution
A cutter head segment with a fluid transporter and distribution chamber allows for efficient fluid management, transporting excess fluid away and neutralizing gases, while a separate pump segment enhances flexibility and capacity for fluid transport, using two-directional pumps and dual passages to maintain mining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conveyor segments are used without fluid transport capability, then the structure remains simple, but fluid influx damages equipment and decreases mining efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into modular segments, with each segment capable of being equipped with fluid transport components. This allows the fluid management functionality to be segmented and distributed along the conveyor train, protecting equipment while maintaining modular simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor segments are designed to perform multiple functions: material transport and fluid transport. By integrating fluid transport capability into the standard conveyor segment design, the same structural units handle both mined material and influx fluid, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If fluid transport components are added to conveyor segments, then equipment protection improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transport components are merged with the conveyor segment structure rather than being separate additions. The fluid transport channels are integrated into the segment housing, and fluid transporters are combined with the conveyor belt system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining equipment protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic principles are used to manage the influx fluid efficiently. The system uses fluid pressure and flow dynamics to transport water and slurry through integrated channels, providing reliable equipment protection through proven hydraulic technology while avoiding complex mechanical alternatives.
3Productivity
If fluid is transported away from cutter head, then mining efficiency improves, but transport capacity for mined material decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transport function is added in a different dimensional space alongside the material transport function. Instead of competing for the same conveyor belt space, the system uses separate fluid transport channels running parallel to the material conveyance path, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without reducing transport capacity for mined material.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system is segmented into distinct material transport and fluid transport pathways. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function - mined material moves on conveyors while fluid moves through separate channels - preventing capacity competition and maintaining high mining efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate pump segment is added, then fluid transport flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump functionality is implemented as a separate, modular pump segment that can be inserted into the conveyor train at optimal locations. This segmentation provides flexibility in fluid transport while maintaining the modular, easy-to-assemble nature of the overall system, avoiding the complexity of integrated pump designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump segment design allows for dynamic adjustment of fluid transport capacity and positioning within the conveyor train. Pumps can be activated or deactivated based on fluid influx conditions, and the modular segment can be repositioned along the conveyor train to optimize fluid management at different locations, providing adaptability without permanent complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively manages fluid influx, optimizing material transport, preventing equipment damage, and ensuring safe operation by efficiently removing excess fluids and neutralizing gases, thus enhancing mining efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid can be transported away from the cutter head segment via the distribution chamber and the fluid transporter
Implementation Method 2
using two-directional pumps and dual passages to maintain mining efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A cutter head segment for use at the front of a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining includes at least one fluid transporter connected to a fluid distribution chamber. A pump segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining as a segment following the cutter head segment is provided with a second fluid transporter and at least one front connector and at least one rear connector for connecting the second fluid transporter to adjacent fluid transporters. An assembly includes a cutter head segment and a pump segment, and a train of conveyor segments.