Rationale for the efficient design of a face scraper-type cutting conveyor

Introduction. The article considers mechanized underground coal mining efficiency improvement by providing rationale for the efficient design of face scraper conveyors (FSC). It is shown that the creation of FSC adaptive to mining, geological and technological conditions that change as the extraction columns are developed, contributes to the stable operation of mechanized mining complexes for coal mining under continuous operation. Methods of research. As a matter of convenient FSC development and structure analysis, it is advisable to use structural formulae that display functional elements and their relationships in the conveyor design. The construction principle is described and examples of structural formulas are given for the existing FSCs. The factors affecting the FSC structure are specified. Advanced designs of adaptive FSCs should be developed taking into account the possibility of fulfilling more main and auxiliary functions. The concept of a face scraper-type cutting conveyor (FSCC) has been introduced. Results. The structural formula of the FSCC adaptive to complex mining and geological operating conditions is substantiated. The schematic diagram and operation procedure for the FSCC proposed by the authors are described. The described technical solutions provide increased efficiency of coal mining and transportation processes and increased operating stability of the fully-mechanized longwall when operating in complex mining and geological conditions. Conclusions. FSCC systematization and analysis in terms of the functional elements structure and design makes it possible to look for implicit ways to improve these transporting machines, increase their adaptability and efficiency in changing mining, geological and technological operating conditions. The adaptive FSCC described in the article ensures effective profiling of ground in the mine working, intensification of the life-in of coal in the bottom-hole zone of the mined coal seam and separation of cargo flows during the selective extraction of coal and rock or advancing through the geological faults.