CA2336200A1 - Tunnel boring machinery - Google Patents
Tunnel boring machinery Download PDFInfo
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- CA2336200A1 CA2336200A1 CA002336200A CA2336200A CA2336200A1 CA 2336200 A1 CA2336200 A1 CA 2336200A1 CA 002336200 A CA002336200 A CA 002336200A CA 2336200 A CA2336200 A CA 2336200A CA 2336200 A1 CA2336200 A1 CA 2336200A1
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- Prior art keywords
- tbm
- body portion
- compartment
- cutter head
- supporting element
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- Abandoned
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- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 105
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 64
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002817 coal dust Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000001473 noxious effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000009412 basement excavation Methods 0.000 description 23
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 6
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 5
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 4
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- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 208000022971 Tuberculous meningitis Diseases 0.000 description 3
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- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 208000001223 meningeal tuberculosis Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012163 sequencing technique Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010003497 Asphyxia Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010019332 Heat exhaustion Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003034 coal gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018044 dehydration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006297 dehydration reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 238000005007 materials handling Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003442 weekly effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
- E21D20/00—Setting anchoring-bolts
- E21D20/003—Machines for drilling anchor holes and setting anchor bolts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
- E21D11/00—Lining tunnels, galleries or other underground cavities, e.g. large underground chambers; Linings therefor; Making such linings in situ, e.g. by assembling
- E21D11/40—Devices or apparatus specially adapted for handling or placing units of linings or supporting units for tunnels or galleries
- E21D11/403—Devices or apparatus specially adapted for handling or placing units of linings or supporting units for tunnels or galleries combined with the head machine
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
- E21D9/00—Tunnels or galleries, with or without linings; Methods or apparatus for making thereof; Layout of tunnels or galleries
- E21D9/06—Making by using a driving shield, i.e. advanced by pushing means bearing against the already placed lining
- E21D9/08—Making by using a driving shield, i.e. advanced by pushing means bearing against the already placed lining with additional boring or cutting means other than the conventional cutting edge of the shield
- E21D9/0875—Making by using a driving shield, i.e. advanced by pushing means bearing against the already placed lining with additional boring or cutting means other than the conventional cutting edge of the shield with a movable support arm carrying cutting tools for attacking the front face, e.g. a bucket
- E21D9/0879—Making by using a driving shield, i.e. advanced by pushing means bearing against the already placed lining with additional boring or cutting means other than the conventional cutting edge of the shield with a movable support arm carrying cutting tools for attacking the front face, e.g. a bucket the shield being provided with devices for lining the tunnel, e.g. shuttering
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
- E21D9/00—Tunnels or galleries, with or without linings; Methods or apparatus for making thereof; Layout of tunnels or galleries
- E21D9/12—Devices for removing or hauling away excavated material or spoil; Working or loading platforms
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
- E21D9/00—Tunnels or galleries, with or without linings; Methods or apparatus for making thereof; Layout of tunnels or galleries
- E21D9/12—Devices for removing or hauling away excavated material or spoil; Working or loading platforms
- E21D9/126—Loading devices or installations
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
Abstract
A tunnel boring machine (1) for mining coal is disclosed. In one embodiment the machine (1) includes a substantially cylindrical body (2) having at least one operating compartment (15) and ventilation means (16) to maintain an acceptable gaseous environment within the compartment (15). A longitudinally extending conveyor compartment (17) isolated from and located beneath the operating compartment (15) has a conveyor (25) extending therein from an inlet (18) through which mined material passes onto the conveyor (25), to an outlet (19) in a rear surface of the body (2). A rotary cutter head (3) mounted on a forward surface of the body (2) has a collection area (5) to collect the mined material and direct the material towards and through the inlet (18) to the longitudinally extending conveyor compartment (17). Novel rock bolting means and rock bolting sequences are also disclosed.
Description
TUNNEL BORING MACHINERY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tunnel boring machine, and more particularly is directed to the excavation of material from a mine such as a coal mine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Several methods and a multitude of machinery for underground coal mining are well known in the art, and coal is traditionally mined by the longwall method.
The longwall mining method method involves digging two parallel tunnels (or roadways) from a main mine shaft on either side of a coal seam to be excavated. A
distant connecting tunnel is then formed to link the parallel tunnels. These series of tunnels then define the area to be mined. A suitable longwall mining machine is introduced into the tunnels and is traversed back and forth along the face of the seam, cutting off a layer of coal during each traverse.
The machine traditionally employed for the development of roadways is generically named a "Continuous Miner". This mining machine has a main body mounted on caterpillar type tracking and includes a cutting head with a plurality of picks mounted at the end of a boom which in tum extends from the main body of the mining machine. By moving the boom up or down the cutting head can excavate ground in a desired shape. The cut coal and other material (muck) is scooped up by a muck collector and carried outside the mine by a combination of conveyors and muck vehicles.
In such systems shields or rock bolts provided by rock bolting operations are a 25 required to prevent the collapse of the roof or ribs of the tunnels as excavation proceeds.
To ensure safety of the operation, the excavation is periodically stopped after advancing a predetermined distance. The supporting operation is then undertaken to support the continued progress of the mining operation. This ultimately leads to a considerable reduction in excavating speeds.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tunnel boring machine, and more particularly is directed to the excavation of material from a mine such as a coal mine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Several methods and a multitude of machinery for underground coal mining are well known in the art, and coal is traditionally mined by the longwall method.
The longwall mining method method involves digging two parallel tunnels (or roadways) from a main mine shaft on either side of a coal seam to be excavated. A
distant connecting tunnel is then formed to link the parallel tunnels. These series of tunnels then define the area to be mined. A suitable longwall mining machine is introduced into the tunnels and is traversed back and forth along the face of the seam, cutting off a layer of coal during each traverse.
The machine traditionally employed for the development of roadways is generically named a "Continuous Miner". This mining machine has a main body mounted on caterpillar type tracking and includes a cutting head with a plurality of picks mounted at the end of a boom which in tum extends from the main body of the mining machine. By moving the boom up or down the cutting head can excavate ground in a desired shape. The cut coal and other material (muck) is scooped up by a muck collector and carried outside the mine by a combination of conveyors and muck vehicles.
In such systems shields or rock bolts provided by rock bolting operations are a 25 required to prevent the collapse of the roof or ribs of the tunnels as excavation proceeds.
To ensure safety of the operation, the excavation is periodically stopped after advancing a predetermined distance. The supporting operation is then undertaken to support the continued progress of the mining operation. This ultimately leads to a considerable reduction in excavating speeds.
The ongoing improvements in Continuous Miners have only partially solved the problem because the actual cutting time of most Continuous Miners is only approximately 25-35% efficient due to the following delays: ' ~ Establishment of ground support;
~ Delays due to removal of coal from the heading, typically by shuttle car;
~ Delays incurred during the supply of materials to the face such as bolts;
and ~ Delays due to conveyor belt and infrastructure extensions.
A major additional limiting factor is ensuring minimal adverse impact on the safety and health of the operators. In current coal mining operations a significant amount of coal gas and methane is produced during excavation. The effects of these adverse conditions is minimised by introducing significant ventilation to the site and to the tunnel. However, the rate of excavation generally deteriorates in proportion to the length of the tunnel. This occurs as additional dust is formed when transporting the coal along the tunnel, the ventilation needs to operate a longer distance from the extraction fans, and the distance that shifts of operators and their support equipment need to travel to excavation site increase.
Additionally, the cross-section excavated by current mining equipment is often limited by harder strata in the floor or roof. This constraint on the cross-sectional area iimited t1e size of ventilation ducting installed in the roadway. Hence this factor also limited the distance the miners could mine the roadway without retreating to mine a parallel and intersection roadway to provide more ventilation.
In response to this low rate of productivity but at the same time maintaining or improving the working conditions of operators, the mining industry in general is beginning to investigate adopting advances in modern technology associated with the civil tunnelling industry to achieve productivity improvements in the excavation of coal.
The main type of equipment used in civil tunnelling is known as a Tunnel Boring , Machine (TBM). The technological developments in TBMs and associated back up equipment are offering significant alternatives for mining operators to consider, in the selection of equipment for coal mine development drifts, roadways and longwall tunnels.
~ Delays due to removal of coal from the heading, typically by shuttle car;
~ Delays incurred during the supply of materials to the face such as bolts;
and ~ Delays due to conveyor belt and infrastructure extensions.
A major additional limiting factor is ensuring minimal adverse impact on the safety and health of the operators. In current coal mining operations a significant amount of coal gas and methane is produced during excavation. The effects of these adverse conditions is minimised by introducing significant ventilation to the site and to the tunnel. However, the rate of excavation generally deteriorates in proportion to the length of the tunnel. This occurs as additional dust is formed when transporting the coal along the tunnel, the ventilation needs to operate a longer distance from the extraction fans, and the distance that shifts of operators and their support equipment need to travel to excavation site increase.
Additionally, the cross-section excavated by current mining equipment is often limited by harder strata in the floor or roof. This constraint on the cross-sectional area iimited t1e size of ventilation ducting installed in the roadway. Hence this factor also limited the distance the miners could mine the roadway without retreating to mine a parallel and intersection roadway to provide more ventilation.
In response to this low rate of productivity but at the same time maintaining or improving the working conditions of operators, the mining industry in general is beginning to investigate adopting advances in modern technology associated with the civil tunnelling industry to achieve productivity improvements in the excavation of coal.
The main type of equipment used in civil tunnelling is known as a Tunnel Boring , Machine (TBM). The technological developments in TBMs and associated back up equipment are offering significant alternatives for mining operators to consider, in the selection of equipment for coal mine development drifts, roadways and longwall tunnels.
Typically a TBM used in civil tunnelling includes a rotary cutter head which is positioned at the front part of a main frame and connected to the rest of the TBM by a plurality of thrust cylinders. Several grippers are attached to the main body of the TBM
by actuating cylinders. The grippers may be advanced radially from the body of a TBM
to engage the tunnel wall. While the grippers are engaged against the tunnel wall to anchor the TBM in position, the cutter head is rotated and the thrust cylinders activated to extended the cutter head forward. After mining at a predetermined pitch, the grippers are released and the thrust cylinders contract so that the remainder of the TBM is moved forward relative to the cutter head such that continuous mining can be performed. The cutter head is rotated by a plurality of motors within the machine.
The excavated material is transported away from the mine face by an associated conveyor system typically located within the body of the TBM.
Importantly from the coal mine perspective, these current machines also provide operators with an operating cabin which, whilst still open, nevertheless is not as exposed 1 S to the excavation environment as traditional coal excavation machinery.
This means that if applied to coal mining, these machines may provide additional protection to the operators.
The particular type of TBM considered as suitable for coal mining operations fundamentally is designed as a shielded machine having an extendable rotary cutter head and a forward shield containing both the TBM's electrical and hydraulic systems. This type of TBM can ameliorate some of the problems associated with providing support during traditional mining operations as it is able to simultaneously excavate the ground and provide the necessary support means such as rock bolts.
Shielded TBMs can potentially provide the following advantages in comparison to a traditional continuous miner:
~ Faster and more economical excavation rates- weekly advance rates in excess of 200 meters being common in TBM projects in similar strata to coal mines.
~ The ability to excavate and simultaneously while supporting (rock bolting) to the roof and ribs of the tunnel.
~ Mining systems to suit all possible ground conditions.
by actuating cylinders. The grippers may be advanced radially from the body of a TBM
to engage the tunnel wall. While the grippers are engaged against the tunnel wall to anchor the TBM in position, the cutter head is rotated and the thrust cylinders activated to extended the cutter head forward. After mining at a predetermined pitch, the grippers are released and the thrust cylinders contract so that the remainder of the TBM is moved forward relative to the cutter head such that continuous mining can be performed. The cutter head is rotated by a plurality of motors within the machine.
The excavated material is transported away from the mine face by an associated conveyor system typically located within the body of the TBM.
Importantly from the coal mine perspective, these current machines also provide operators with an operating cabin which, whilst still open, nevertheless is not as exposed 1 S to the excavation environment as traditional coal excavation machinery.
This means that if applied to coal mining, these machines may provide additional protection to the operators.
The particular type of TBM considered as suitable for coal mining operations fundamentally is designed as a shielded machine having an extendable rotary cutter head and a forward shield containing both the TBM's electrical and hydraulic systems. This type of TBM can ameliorate some of the problems associated with providing support during traditional mining operations as it is able to simultaneously excavate the ground and provide the necessary support means such as rock bolts.
Shielded TBMs can potentially provide the following advantages in comparison to a traditional continuous miner:
~ Faster and more economical excavation rates- weekly advance rates in excess of 200 meters being common in TBM projects in similar strata to coal mines.
~ The ability to excavate and simultaneously while supporting (rock bolting) to the roof and ribs of the tunnel.
~ Mining systems to suit all possible ground conditions.
~ Reduced labour requirements ~ Faster turn-about times for TBM assembly and disassembly.
~ Tight curvature radii- both vertically and horizontally ~ Better ventilation characteristics in the completed road way.
~ Improved long term ground stability in a circular profile.
~ Improved safety for workers through continuous ground support during the development - initially within the TBM, and immediately after, through traditional support/rock bolting systems.
~ Reduced costs in both the initial excavating process and also in the long term I 0 maintenance of the tunnel.
Since TBM advance rate operations in civil road tunnelling are up to three times faster then the their Continuous Miner equivalents, it is presumed that the average rate of the associated risks will also increase by a similar amount. At particular risk is the operator of the roof support operations who is closest to the activated cutter head.
As indicated above, of particular concern to mining operations is the emission of various gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. Acceptable levels for these gases are as follows:-~ Methane 1.2~%
~ Carbon dioxide 0.25%
Current TBM technology reflects the need to maintain gas levels within an acceptable amount to guard against the detrimental effects of asphyxiation. A
host of ventilation systems are used to maintain air safety incorporating fans, ducting and extraction pipes.
The current TBM technology also offers overhead protection for all operators 2~ worsing in th v mining and roof support areas. Overhead protection extends until the roof is fully supported. Current conventional mining systems lack this capability.
Of further concern to mining operations is the emission of heat. The sources of heat peculiar to the TBM will arise from the high power rating required to drive the WO 99/6750b PCT/AU99/00493 machinery. Heat is also derived from the excavated material which is ultimately transported from the excavation site via an associated conveyor system.
The effects of heat in mining have been studied extensively. Much has been written on the acceptable temperature that can be withstood by humans without adverse 5 effect to either their psychological or physical well being. It is however generally accepted that that work performance starts to deteriorate above 28°C
wet bulb and that higher temperatures may have an even more adverse effect on miners.
Current TBM technology reflects the need to maintain temperature levels within a suitable range to guard against the potential effects of dehydration and heat exhaustion. A host of ventilation systems are used to maintain the temperature. These incorporate heat sensors, fans, ducting and extraction pipes.
Dust is also a potential concern in the safety requirements of mining operations.
As the cutter head bores into the earth immense amounts of dusts are a necessary by-product of the mining operation. Additional dust is created as the excavated material is transported via a conveyor away from the cutter head and out of the mine site.
Excess amounts of dust if inhaled by miners can lead to an assortment of debilitating respiratory diseases.
Current development rates in underground mining identify the need for new improvements in the design of TBMs to cope with the demand of future deep seam coal mines.
One of the features of a TBM currently undergoing development is the associated tunnel support configuration. As previously discussed the shield TBM
provides the initial support and protection when the earth is initially excavated, however as the machinery continues its progress into the earth the previously excavated areas require support to guard against any possible cave in. The nature of the support depends on the stratum of the earth being excavated but usually both the ribs (sides) and roof of the tunnel require reinforcement.
The conventional supporting configuration includes rock bolts combined with a secondary supporting element such as mesh and metal straps. Depending on the nature of the excavated earth sometimes a third supporting element in the form of a vertical rib may also be required.
To enhance the efficiency of the mining process the installation of mesh and metal straps would ideally occur directly behind the rotary cutter head. This would increase the TBM's advance rate and reduce the need for rock bolts. However because of the construction of TBM's and the lack of available space due to the placement of the gripper shields and thrust cylinders this process is untenable.
The type of geology present at a mine will determine roof and rib support strategies. The sequence time, required to place the bolts into position is critical if bolting is the preferred means. In all but the simplest bolting sequences, this may determine the speed of the TBM.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides in one embodiment a TBM for mining coal material which includes:
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having (i) at least one operating compartment and ventilation means to maintain an acceptable gaseous environment within the compartment; and (ii) a longitudinally extending conveyor compartment isolated from and located beneath the operating compartment and having a conveyor extending therein from an inlet through which mined material passes onto the conveyor, to an outlet in a rear surface of the body portion, and (b) a rotary cutter head mounted at a forward end of the body portion and having collection means to collect the mined material and direct the material towards and through the inlet to the longitudinally extending conveyor compartment.
With this arrangement, the major sources of mine dust and gas are directed towards the conveyor compartment together with the mined material. In this way, those ' debilitating materials are kept substantially isolated from the operating compartment.
An operating compartment according to the invention may take any suitable form. The compartment may be a closed compartment. It may be at least partially open WU 9 9/G750(' PCT/AU99/00493 to the tunnel atmosphere. The compartment is preferably of sufficient dimension to comfortably accommodate an operator either sitting or standing. The arrangement is preferably such that the compartment is at least partly open to the tunnel atmosphere to facilitate performance of a mining operation such as rock bolting from the compartment.
A forward end of the cylindrical body portion typically comprises a forward surface of the body portion.
A conveyor extending in a longitudinally extending compartment according to the invention is typically a chain conveyor.
Preferably, the TBM further includes retractable gripping means which may be extended from the substantially cylindrical body to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall.
Typically, the gripping means are associated with thrust cylinders which in a wall engaging operation urge the gripping means outwardly or in a wall-disengaging operation retract the gripping means.
Preferably, the cutter head is movable longitudinally away from or towards the substantially cylindrical body. This may be achieved by a set of hydraulic cylinders located between the body and the cutter head.
Preferably, the TBM further includes at least one rock bolting means to secure at least a portion of the roof formed in the tunnel by the rotary cutter head. In particular, one rock bolting means is located in association with the operating compartment so the operator may coordinate that operation. Typically, the operating compartment has an upper opening to the roof formed in the tunnel.
Preferably, a further rock bolting means may be incorporated, in which case another operating compartment is included in close association with the second rock bolting means.
Typically, the rotary cutter head has a number of peripheral cutters which each rotate about their own discrete axis. In this arrangement, the mined material is directed to pass through a substantially central opening in the rotary cutter head into a collection area. The collection area rotates and feeds the mined material to a chute (eg a vibratory chute) or other dispatch means such as a bent chain conveyor onto which the mined material falls. The dispatch means directs the mined material to the inlet of the conveyor compartment.
Preferably, the TBM further includes air cleaning means connected to the conveyor compartment to remove particulate matter such as coal dust and noxious gases S from air surrounding or entrained with the mined material. The air cleaning means may take any suitable form. In one embodiment the air cleaning means comprises one or more air take-off points along the conveyor compartment to draw air from the compartment for cleaning to extract dust and other noxious gases. A take-off point typically comprises an aperture in a wall of the conveyor compartment. The aperture may communicate via a conduit with a separate duct to draw air from the conveyor compartment. Air drawn off in this manner may be passed via the separate duct to a cleaning zone such as a gas extractor or scrubber for removal of unwanted gas or particulate matter such as coal dust from that air to produce a breathable air. A plurality of ducts may be provided for this purpose.
As breathable air is a precious commodity in a mine tunnel environment, air cleaned in this manner may be recycled to an environment where breathable air is required, such as to an operating compartment according to the invention or into the tunne 1.
Other air cleaning means arrangements for removing particulate matter from air surrounding or entrained with the mined material are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
Preferably, the TBM further includes means to lift the mined material issuing from the body portion to an overhead conveyor. Typically this may be accomplished using a rotary drum conveyor. In an alternative arrangement lifting of the mined 2~ material to an overhead conveyor may be accomplished by means of an upwardly extending ramp. The ramp is preferably positioned adjacent the outlet of the conveyor compartment to transport mined material from that site to the overhead conveyor. The , ramp is typically in the form of a conveyor.
The substantially cylindrical body of a TBM according to the invention is preferably modular comprising a plurality of modular compartments each compartment coupled to an adjacent compartment to form a train. A compartment according to the invention may be movable relative to an adjacent compartment. In one arrangement of this erimbodiment, the forward compartment containing the rotary cutter head is movable relative to the compartment adjacent to the rear of the forward compartment.
In this way the forward compartment may be propelled forward during a cutting operation relative to its adjacent compartment when the gripping means is activated to engage the tunnel wall, following which the gripping means is retracted and the adjacent compartment is drawn forward by retraction of hydraulic cylinders associated with the cylindrical body portion.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a TBM for mining coal which includes:
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having mounted therein:
(i) first rock bolting means located adjacent one end of the cylindrical body portion;
(ii) second rock bolting means axially spaced from the first rock bolting means; and (iii) retractable gripping means extendible radially from the substantially cylindrical body to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall; and (b) a rotary cutter head mounted on the end of the body portion, the rotary cutter head and the body portion being axially movable relative to each other between a first and second position.
As the TBM of this embodiment utilises two rock bolting means, it enables the tunnel immediately behind the rotary cutter head to be secured on an interim basis. The second rock bolting means further secures that area of the tunnel more permanently as the TBM passes under it.
Preferably, the first rock bolting means includes a drill to form a rock bolt hole and a feeder to locate a rock bolt in that hole. Typically, the rock bolts are located either vertically or at an angle to the axis of the TBM to secure the roof area in a forward direction. The orientation of the rock bolts is dependent on the type of geology present at a mine. The first rock bolting means secures the mine roof in the area immediately rearward of the rotary cutter head. By doing this, the chances of a roof collapse are reduced. This increases the safety of the operators in that region and reduces the chances of the TBM being buried. Typically, the initial rock bolting operation provides interim securing of the roof area until the TBM moves a distance sufficient to allow that area to be further secured by the second rock bolting means. The 5 initial rock bolting operation also enhances the long term stability of the mine roof.
Preferably, the second rock bolting means includes a drill to form a rock bolt hole and a feeder to locate a rock bolt in that hole. Typically, the rock bolts are located radially of the axis of the TBM and may extend from the roof area to the sides area of the tunnel. This fully secures to maximise the safety of the tunnel.
~ Tight curvature radii- both vertically and horizontally ~ Better ventilation characteristics in the completed road way.
~ Improved long term ground stability in a circular profile.
~ Improved safety for workers through continuous ground support during the development - initially within the TBM, and immediately after, through traditional support/rock bolting systems.
~ Reduced costs in both the initial excavating process and also in the long term I 0 maintenance of the tunnel.
Since TBM advance rate operations in civil road tunnelling are up to three times faster then the their Continuous Miner equivalents, it is presumed that the average rate of the associated risks will also increase by a similar amount. At particular risk is the operator of the roof support operations who is closest to the activated cutter head.
As indicated above, of particular concern to mining operations is the emission of various gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. Acceptable levels for these gases are as follows:-~ Methane 1.2~%
~ Carbon dioxide 0.25%
Current TBM technology reflects the need to maintain gas levels within an acceptable amount to guard against the detrimental effects of asphyxiation. A
host of ventilation systems are used to maintain air safety incorporating fans, ducting and extraction pipes.
The current TBM technology also offers overhead protection for all operators 2~ worsing in th v mining and roof support areas. Overhead protection extends until the roof is fully supported. Current conventional mining systems lack this capability.
Of further concern to mining operations is the emission of heat. The sources of heat peculiar to the TBM will arise from the high power rating required to drive the WO 99/6750b PCT/AU99/00493 machinery. Heat is also derived from the excavated material which is ultimately transported from the excavation site via an associated conveyor system.
The effects of heat in mining have been studied extensively. Much has been written on the acceptable temperature that can be withstood by humans without adverse 5 effect to either their psychological or physical well being. It is however generally accepted that that work performance starts to deteriorate above 28°C
wet bulb and that higher temperatures may have an even more adverse effect on miners.
Current TBM technology reflects the need to maintain temperature levels within a suitable range to guard against the potential effects of dehydration and heat exhaustion. A host of ventilation systems are used to maintain the temperature. These incorporate heat sensors, fans, ducting and extraction pipes.
Dust is also a potential concern in the safety requirements of mining operations.
As the cutter head bores into the earth immense amounts of dusts are a necessary by-product of the mining operation. Additional dust is created as the excavated material is transported via a conveyor away from the cutter head and out of the mine site.
Excess amounts of dust if inhaled by miners can lead to an assortment of debilitating respiratory diseases.
Current development rates in underground mining identify the need for new improvements in the design of TBMs to cope with the demand of future deep seam coal mines.
One of the features of a TBM currently undergoing development is the associated tunnel support configuration. As previously discussed the shield TBM
provides the initial support and protection when the earth is initially excavated, however as the machinery continues its progress into the earth the previously excavated areas require support to guard against any possible cave in. The nature of the support depends on the stratum of the earth being excavated but usually both the ribs (sides) and roof of the tunnel require reinforcement.
The conventional supporting configuration includes rock bolts combined with a secondary supporting element such as mesh and metal straps. Depending on the nature of the excavated earth sometimes a third supporting element in the form of a vertical rib may also be required.
To enhance the efficiency of the mining process the installation of mesh and metal straps would ideally occur directly behind the rotary cutter head. This would increase the TBM's advance rate and reduce the need for rock bolts. However because of the construction of TBM's and the lack of available space due to the placement of the gripper shields and thrust cylinders this process is untenable.
The type of geology present at a mine will determine roof and rib support strategies. The sequence time, required to place the bolts into position is critical if bolting is the preferred means. In all but the simplest bolting sequences, this may determine the speed of the TBM.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides in one embodiment a TBM for mining coal material which includes:
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having (i) at least one operating compartment and ventilation means to maintain an acceptable gaseous environment within the compartment; and (ii) a longitudinally extending conveyor compartment isolated from and located beneath the operating compartment and having a conveyor extending therein from an inlet through which mined material passes onto the conveyor, to an outlet in a rear surface of the body portion, and (b) a rotary cutter head mounted at a forward end of the body portion and having collection means to collect the mined material and direct the material towards and through the inlet to the longitudinally extending conveyor compartment.
With this arrangement, the major sources of mine dust and gas are directed towards the conveyor compartment together with the mined material. In this way, those ' debilitating materials are kept substantially isolated from the operating compartment.
An operating compartment according to the invention may take any suitable form. The compartment may be a closed compartment. It may be at least partially open WU 9 9/G750(' PCT/AU99/00493 to the tunnel atmosphere. The compartment is preferably of sufficient dimension to comfortably accommodate an operator either sitting or standing. The arrangement is preferably such that the compartment is at least partly open to the tunnel atmosphere to facilitate performance of a mining operation such as rock bolting from the compartment.
A forward end of the cylindrical body portion typically comprises a forward surface of the body portion.
A conveyor extending in a longitudinally extending compartment according to the invention is typically a chain conveyor.
Preferably, the TBM further includes retractable gripping means which may be extended from the substantially cylindrical body to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall.
Typically, the gripping means are associated with thrust cylinders which in a wall engaging operation urge the gripping means outwardly or in a wall-disengaging operation retract the gripping means.
Preferably, the cutter head is movable longitudinally away from or towards the substantially cylindrical body. This may be achieved by a set of hydraulic cylinders located between the body and the cutter head.
Preferably, the TBM further includes at least one rock bolting means to secure at least a portion of the roof formed in the tunnel by the rotary cutter head. In particular, one rock bolting means is located in association with the operating compartment so the operator may coordinate that operation. Typically, the operating compartment has an upper opening to the roof formed in the tunnel.
Preferably, a further rock bolting means may be incorporated, in which case another operating compartment is included in close association with the second rock bolting means.
Typically, the rotary cutter head has a number of peripheral cutters which each rotate about their own discrete axis. In this arrangement, the mined material is directed to pass through a substantially central opening in the rotary cutter head into a collection area. The collection area rotates and feeds the mined material to a chute (eg a vibratory chute) or other dispatch means such as a bent chain conveyor onto which the mined material falls. The dispatch means directs the mined material to the inlet of the conveyor compartment.
Preferably, the TBM further includes air cleaning means connected to the conveyor compartment to remove particulate matter such as coal dust and noxious gases S from air surrounding or entrained with the mined material. The air cleaning means may take any suitable form. In one embodiment the air cleaning means comprises one or more air take-off points along the conveyor compartment to draw air from the compartment for cleaning to extract dust and other noxious gases. A take-off point typically comprises an aperture in a wall of the conveyor compartment. The aperture may communicate via a conduit with a separate duct to draw air from the conveyor compartment. Air drawn off in this manner may be passed via the separate duct to a cleaning zone such as a gas extractor or scrubber for removal of unwanted gas or particulate matter such as coal dust from that air to produce a breathable air. A plurality of ducts may be provided for this purpose.
As breathable air is a precious commodity in a mine tunnel environment, air cleaned in this manner may be recycled to an environment where breathable air is required, such as to an operating compartment according to the invention or into the tunne 1.
Other air cleaning means arrangements for removing particulate matter from air surrounding or entrained with the mined material are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
Preferably, the TBM further includes means to lift the mined material issuing from the body portion to an overhead conveyor. Typically this may be accomplished using a rotary drum conveyor. In an alternative arrangement lifting of the mined 2~ material to an overhead conveyor may be accomplished by means of an upwardly extending ramp. The ramp is preferably positioned adjacent the outlet of the conveyor compartment to transport mined material from that site to the overhead conveyor. The , ramp is typically in the form of a conveyor.
The substantially cylindrical body of a TBM according to the invention is preferably modular comprising a plurality of modular compartments each compartment coupled to an adjacent compartment to form a train. A compartment according to the invention may be movable relative to an adjacent compartment. In one arrangement of this erimbodiment, the forward compartment containing the rotary cutter head is movable relative to the compartment adjacent to the rear of the forward compartment.
In this way the forward compartment may be propelled forward during a cutting operation relative to its adjacent compartment when the gripping means is activated to engage the tunnel wall, following which the gripping means is retracted and the adjacent compartment is drawn forward by retraction of hydraulic cylinders associated with the cylindrical body portion.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a TBM for mining coal which includes:
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having mounted therein:
(i) first rock bolting means located adjacent one end of the cylindrical body portion;
(ii) second rock bolting means axially spaced from the first rock bolting means; and (iii) retractable gripping means extendible radially from the substantially cylindrical body to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall; and (b) a rotary cutter head mounted on the end of the body portion, the rotary cutter head and the body portion being axially movable relative to each other between a first and second position.
As the TBM of this embodiment utilises two rock bolting means, it enables the tunnel immediately behind the rotary cutter head to be secured on an interim basis. The second rock bolting means further secures that area of the tunnel more permanently as the TBM passes under it.
Preferably, the first rock bolting means includes a drill to form a rock bolt hole and a feeder to locate a rock bolt in that hole. Typically, the rock bolts are located either vertically or at an angle to the axis of the TBM to secure the roof area in a forward direction. The orientation of the rock bolts is dependent on the type of geology present at a mine. The first rock bolting means secures the mine roof in the area immediately rearward of the rotary cutter head. By doing this, the chances of a roof collapse are reduced. This increases the safety of the operators in that region and reduces the chances of the TBM being buried. Typically, the initial rock bolting operation provides interim securing of the roof area until the TBM moves a distance sufficient to allow that area to be further secured by the second rock bolting means. The 5 initial rock bolting operation also enhances the long term stability of the mine roof.
Preferably, the second rock bolting means includes a drill to form a rock bolt hole and a feeder to locate a rock bolt in that hole. Typically, the rock bolts are located radially of the axis of the TBM and may extend from the roof area to the sides area of the tunnel. This fully secures to maximise the safety of the tunnel.
10 A rock bolt used in accordance with the present invention is preferably countersunk so that when the bolt is secured to the tunnel roof the head of the bolt is substantially flush with the tunnel wall and does not project to any significant extent into the tunnel thereby minimising the likelihood of the bolt presenting an obstacle to the progress of the TBM, associated machinery or support.
Preferably the rock bolting means are either automated or semi-automated to further increase the speed of the TBM's advance rate.
Preferably, the gripping means are associated with thrust cylinders which urge the gripping means outward or retract the gripping means. In one presently preferred embodiment the gripping means is located between the first rock bolting means and the second rock bolting means, although it will be appreciated that other gripping means locations are possible within the scope of the present invention.
Preferably, the cutter head is movable longitudinally away from or towards the substantially cylindrical body. This may be achieved by a set of hydraulic cylinders located between the body portion and the cutter head.
A TBM according to the invention may include means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment cf the supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation. The present invention accordingly provides in another separate embodiment a TBM for mining coal, the TBM capable of being advanced and including (a) a substantially cylindrical body portion;
Il (b) a rotary cutter head mounted at a forward end of the body portion;
(c) at least one rock bolting means arranged adjacent the rotary cutter head;
and (d) means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment of the supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation.
A supporting element is typically a mesh sheet, although other supporting elements such as bands or straps are also envisaged within the scope of the invention.
The mesh may take any suitable form. It may be a standard steel mesh. In one particularly preferred embodiment the mesh comprises a high strength polymer grid.
The supporting element according to the invention is typically provided on a spool such as a roll or reel mounted for rotation on or in the cylindrical body portion.
The supporting element is preferably provided on one or more rolls capable of being unwound as the TBM is advanced so that the supporting element is dispensed from the rolls) and can be secured to the tunnel roof and/or wall by rock bolts during a rock bolting operation. In one particularly preferred embodiment the means for supplying a supporting element comprises at least one spool such as a roll or reel for carrying the supporting element mounted for rotation on or in the cylindrical body portion, the supporting element capable of being unwound from said spool as the TBM is advanced.
A spool according to the invention may be disposed substantially horizontally.
It may be disposed substantially vertically. It may be disposed at an angle to the vertical.
A spool according to the invention may include tensioning means to suitably maintain the supporting element at the desired tension for dispensing from the spool.
The tensioning means may apply tension to the supporting element in the longitudinal or and/or lateral directions of the supporting element.
A spool according to the invention is typically disposed in a position forward of one of the at least one rock bolting means. At least one spool is suitably located in an upper region of the TBM forward of one of the at least one rock bolting means.
The spools) may be located on an outer surface of the TBM by attachment to the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion. In an alternative arrangement the supporting element may be fed from a roll, reel or other suitable spool located within an operating compartment according to the invention.
In another embodiment of this arrangement the means for supplying a supporting element comprises plural pairs of opposed spools disposed about the cylindrical body S portion. At least one opposed pair of the plural pairs may be disposed substantially vertically. Another opposed pair of the plural pairs may be disposed at an angle to the vertical.
In one particularly preferred embodiment the means for supplying a supporting element comprises a pair of substantially vertical opposed spools, a pair of opposed spools disposed at an angle to the vertical arranged above the first pair of opposed spools, and a substantially horizontally disposed spool, the arrangement being such that the tunnel roof and wall may be covered by supporting element in the form of a mesh dispensed from each spool. It will be appreciated that other spool arrangements, combinations and orientations are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
1 S The supporting element arrangement has the advantage that the supporting element can be initially anchored to the tunnel wall and unrolls as a consequence of the TBM advancing, the supporting element being sequentially secured via rock bolts secured to the wall by the bolting means. This arrangement obviates the need for mine staff to manually lift and secure the supporting element to the tunnel roof or wall.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a method for operating a TBM having a substantially cylindrical body portion, retractable gripping means, first and second rock bolting means and a rotary cutter head as described herein which includes the steps of:
(a) extending the retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold the substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
{b) operating the rotary cutter head to move the rotary cutter head relative to the substantially cylindrical body portion from the first position to the second position and operating the second rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall;
(c) retracting the gripping means, causing the substantially cylindrical body portion to move relative to the rotary cutter head from the first position to the second position and operating the first rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall; and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a method for operating a TBM having a substantially cylindrical body portion, retractable gripping means, first and second rock bolting means and a rotary cutter head as described herein which includes the steps of:
(a) extending the retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold the substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
(b) operating the rotary cutter head to move the rotary cutter head relative to the substantially cylindrical body portion from the first position to the second position and operating the first and second rock bolting means substantially simultaneously to cause anchoring of a plurality of rock bolts into the tunnel wall;
(c) retracting the gripping means and advancing the body portion, and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a method for operating a TBM having a substantially cylindrical body portion, retractable gripping means, first and second rock bolting means and a rotary cutter head as described herein which includes the steps of:
(a) extending the retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold the substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
(b) operating the rotary cutter head to move the rotary cutter head relative to the substantially cylindrical body portion from the first position to the second position and operating the first rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall;
WO 99/G7501' PCT/AU99/00493 (c) retracting the gripping means, causing the substantially cylindrical body portion to move relative to the rotary cutter head from the first position to the second position and operating the second rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall; and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
Methods according to the invention may include the step of securing a supporting element according to the invention to the tunnel wall during a TBM
operating sequence.
A TBM according to the invention has been found to be capable of mining up to 2 metres per sequence. This involves excavation of about 1 metre forward and bolting the tunnel roof, followed by another excavation of about 1 metre forward and bolting the roof.
Such sequencing means that the advantages of the modified TBM mentioned above may be realised as part of an integrat;.d approach to increasing the efficiency of such mining operations.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a TBM for mining coal material which includes:
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having (i) at least one operating compartment and ventilation means to maintain an acceptable gaseous environment within the compartment; and (ii) a longitudinally extending conveyor compartment isolated from and located beneath the operating compartment and having a conveyor extending therein from an inlet through which mined material passes onto the conveyor to an outlet in a rear surface of the body portion, (iii) first rock bolting means located adjacent one end of the cylindrical body portion;
(iv) second rock bolting means axially spaced from the first rock bolting means; and WO 99/67506 PC i /AU99/00493 (v) retractable gripping means located between the first rock bolting means and the second rock bolting means and extendible radially from the substantially cylindrical body portion to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall;
(b) a rotary cutter head mounted on a forward surface of the body portion and 5 having collection means to collect mined material and direct the material towards and through the inlet to the longitudinally extending conveyor compartment, the rotary cutter head and the body portion being axially movable relative to each other between a first and a second position; and (c) means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment of the 10 supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation comprising at least one spool such as a roll or reel for carrying the supporting element mounted on or in the cylindrical body portion the supporting element capable of being unwound from the spool as the TBM is advanced.
The invention will now be further exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross section of a TBM according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross section of a TBM according to another separate embodiment of the invention in the first stage of the excavation process;
Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross section of the TBM of Figure 2 in the second stage of the excavation process;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross section of the TBM of Figure 2 in the third stage of the excavation process;
Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross section of the TBM of Figure 2 in the fourth and final stage of the excavation process;
Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross section of the TBM of Figure 2 in the fifth stage of the excavation process which is equivalent to stage I ; and Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross section of a TBM according to another separate embodiment of the invention.
In the drawings, like integers have, where appropriate, been given like reference numerals.
As shown in Figure 1, a TBM (1) is provided which includes a tubular body (2) and a rotary cutter head (3). These are connected together for relative axial movement by thrust cylinders (not shown) which are partially disposed inside TBM.
The rotary cutter head (3) is provided a plurality of peripheral cutters (4) located on its outer substantially planner surface to engage the coal mine face. A
number of openings {5) are present in the peripheral cutters to allow mined material to pass into a cavity (6) located substantially in the interior of cutter head (3). This cavity (6) is defined by a rotary scoop (7) which lifts the mined material until the material falls under gravity into dispatch means in the form of a chute (8). The chute (8) is a vibratory chute which causes the mined material deposited into it to gravitate to its lower outlet (9).
The dispatch means can in an alternative arrangement be a bent chain conveyor.
The tubular body (2) may be conveniently considered as having four discrete areas. The first is forward compartment ( 10) which houses the drive mechanism (11 ) for the rotary cutter head (3) and the thrust cylinders (not shown) connecting the body (2) and the rotary cutter head (3). This compartment is isolated from the fourth compartment discussed below. A first stage rock bolting operation (not shown) may be located in this first compartment in which case there will be direct access to the roof of the tunnel. An operator may also be located here to operate the rock bolting equipment.
Immediately behind this first compartment ( 10) is a gripper shield compartment (12). This compartment houses thrust cylinders (13) which have pistons connected exteriorly to this compartment to the gripper shields (14). When the thrust cylinders , (13) are actuated, the gripper shields (14) are caused to move radially until each engages the wall of the tunnel being formed. Conversely these gripper shields (14) may be retracted when desired.
The third compartment {15) is sealed from the fourth compartment {17) discussed below and is essentially an operator's compartment in which the operator may carry out various functions such a rock bolting. Appropriate ventilation devices (16) communicate with this compartment ( 1 S) to ensure an appropriate atmosphere is maintained.
The fourth compartment (17) is sealed from the other compartments and especially the operator's compartment (15). Compartment (17) has a inlet (18) and an outlet (19). A chain conveyor (25) extends from the inlet (18) to the outlet (19).
Outlet (19) is designed to feed mined material into the lower region of a rotary conveyor (20). As the conveyor rotates it caused the mined material to be lifted to position (21 ) at which it falls. In this position a further conveyor (22) is located to catch the falling mined material. This material is then further transported away from the excavation site.
At the point (24) where the mined material is collected by the rotary conveyor (20), a gas extractor/scrubber duct (23) is located. The gases are passed to treatment apparatus not shown to clean and condition the air.
At the commencement of excavation the gripper shields (14) are actuated to extend radially from the body of the TBM to engage the mine wall and provide a support for the advancement of the TBM ( 1 ). To continue the mining operation the thrusting cylinders are actuated to extend. Under this condition the cutter head (3) is subjected to the advancing force of the thrusting cylinders (not shown).
Simultaneously the rotatory mechanism ( 11 ) is activated. The rotation of the cutter head (3) excavates the mine face.
The mined material falls through the openings (S) into the cavity (6). The rotational action of the cutter head (3) allows the scoops (7) to gather the excavated material and transport it towards the top of the cutter head (3) where by it falls through the dispatch means which in the embodiment shown is a vibratory chute (8) but can in an alternative arrangement be a bent chain conveyor.
The mined material is directed onto compartmentalised chain conveyor (25).The chain conveyor (25) transports the mined material toward the rear of the TBM ( 1 ).
As the mined material reaches the outlet ( 19) of the compartment ( 17), the fluidised dust and gas is extracted via duct (23) for cleaning and conditioning.
At this same point (19), the mined material is fed into the rotatory drum conveyor (24). It is lifted and spills from rotary drum conveyor (24) at position (21 ) onto the secondary internal conveyor (22).
As the TBM is operated by a mine technician (26) housed in the isolated work S chamber ( 1 S), he is not exposed to deleterious amounts of mine dust and gases. The chamber will be well ventilated by the ventilation devices (16).
Accordingly there will be a significant improvement in the working conditions and safety of the TBM for operators which is conducive to improved efficiencies of operation. By reason of isolating that part of the TBM which processes mined material, it is possible to design the TBM to include the following:
~ open and safe areas for operators ~ roof bolting operations ~ probe drilling in the front end of the TBM
~ free flowing and safe materials handling within the TBM
1 S ~ uninterrupted ventilated air flow within the TBM
~ access for maintaining equipment and conveyors.
Turning to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to Figure S a TBM (100) is provided which includes a substantially cylindrical body (200) and a rotary cutter head (30). These are connected together for relative axial movement by thrust cylinders (40) which are partially disposed inside TBM (100) .
The tubular body may be conveniently considered as having three discrete areas.
The first is the forward section (SO) which houses the drive mechanism (not shown) connecting the body (200) of the TBM and the cutter head (30). This section also provides the mounting (70) for the first automotive rock bolting apparatus (60), 2S located behind the cutter head (30).
Immediately behind this section is a gripper shield section (80). This section houses thrust cylinders (90) which are have pistons (210) connected exteriorly to this section to the gripper shields (110). When the thrust cylinders (90) are actuated, the gripper shields (110) are caused to move radially until each engages the wall of the tunnel being formed. Conversely these gripper shields (110) may be retracted when desired.
The third section (120) houses the second rock bolting apparatus (130) mounted on a bolting platform (140).
At the commencement of excavation the gripper shields (110) are actuated to extend radially from the body of the TBM (20) to engage the mine wall and provide a support for the advancement of the TBM ( 100). This is shown in Figure 2 as stage one.
The mining operation commences by activating the rotary cutter head ~(30) and the thrusting cylinders (4). Under this condition the rotary cutter head (30) is subjected to the advancing force of the thrusting cylinders (40). The rotation of the cutter head (30) excavates the mine face. This is shown in Figure 3 as stage two.
Simultaneously, the second rock bolting apparatus (130) located behind the griper shield compartment (80) inserts bolts (150) into the excavated tunnel roof. This is also shown in stage two of Figure 3. These bolts (150) are of a enduring nature and add a permanent stability to the interim bolts (160) initially provided by the first rock bolting apparatus (60) as described below.
At the end of stage two, the forward travel of the rotary cutter head (30) ceases and the gripper shields (110) are retracted radially from the roof. At this time, the first rock bolting apparatus (60) commences to drill and insert an interim bolts) (160) in the newly mined tunnel roof. As shown the interim bolts) ( 160) is angled forward to secure the roof as far forward as possible but dependent on the geology of the mine may be inserted vertically to the axis of the TBM. This is shown in Figure 4 as stage three.
Also at this time, the thrusting cylinders (40) are contracted to draw the remainder of the TBM (100) towards the now dormant cutter head (30). This process is complete by the time the gripper shields (110) are again actuated to extend radially from the body (200) of the TBM (100) to engage the mine wall and provide support for the advancement of the TBM. At the completion of these operations, the TBM will be as shown in Figure 5 as stage four.
This process is then repeated as the TBM ,has assumed the position shown in Figure 6 which is the same as shown in Figure 3 In an alternative sequencing arrangement according to the invention, at the commencement of excavation the gripper shields ( I I 0) are actuated to extend radially from the body (200) of the TBM ( I 00) to engage the mine wall and provide a support for the advancement of the TBM ( 100).
5 The mining operation commences by activating the rotary cutter head (30) and the thrusting cylinders (40). Under this condition the rotary cutter head (30) is subjected to the advancing force of the thrusting cylinders (40). The rotation of the cutter head (30) excavates the mine face.
Simultaneously, the first rock bolting apparatus (60) and the second rock bolting 10 apparatus (130), the latter located behind the gripper shield compartment (80) insert substantially simultaneously interim bolts (160) (in the case of the first rock bolting apparatus (60)) and countersunk bolts (150) (in the case of the second rock bolting rock bolting apparatus (130)) into the excavated tunnel roof. Bolts (150) are of an enduring nature and add a permanent stability to the interim bolts (160) provided by the first rock 1~ bolting apparatus (60). The interim bolts (160) are angled forward to secure the roof as far forward as possible but dependent on the geology of the mine may be inserted vertically to the axis of the TBM.
At the end of stage two, the forward travel of the rotary cutter head (30) ceases and the gripper shields (110) are retracted radially from the roof and the sequence 20 described is repeated. Also at this time, the thrusting cylinders (40) are contracted to draw the remainder of the TBM (100) towards the now dormant cutter head (30).
This process is complete by the time the gripper shields (110) are again actuated to extend radially from the body {200) of the TBM ( 100) to engage the mine wall and provide support for the advancement of the TBM.
The embodiment of Figure 7 shows a TBM ( 100) having a substantially cylindrical body portion (200), first and second rock bolting means (60, 130) and a rotary cutter head (30). Following a cutter head operation mined material falls into cavity (6). The rotational action of the cutter head (30) allows scoops (not shown in this embodiment) to gather the excavated material and transport it towards the top of the cutter head (30) whereby it falls through onto dispatch means which in the embodiment shown comprises a bent chain conveyor (280).
The mined material is transported from bent chain conveyor (280) to a chain conveyor (not shown) housed in compartment ( 17). At the outlet ( 19) of compartment ( 17) the mined material is transferred to an upwardly extending ramp conveyor (270) and then to overhead conveyor (22) for transport away from the excavation site.
The TBM ( 100) of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 includes means for supplying a supporting element (which in the embodiment shown comprises a mesh grid (240)) to facilitate attachment of the supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation. The means for supplying a supporting element comprises in the embodiment shown a pair of substantially vertical opposed spools of which only one (220) is shown mounted for rotation in the cylindrical body portion (200), a pair of opposed spools of which only one (230) is shown mounted for rotation in the cylindrical body portion (200) and disposed at an angle to the vertical arranged above the first pair of opposed spools, and a substantially horizontal spool (not shown) but also mounted for rotation in the cylindrical body portion (200). The arrangement in this embodiment is such that the tunnel roof and wall may be covered by the supporting element dispensed from each spool. It will be appreciated that other spool arrangements, combinations and orientations are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
It will be noted from the embodiment of Figure 7 that the spools are mounted forwardly of rock bolting means (130). This enables the supporting element to be dispensed from the spools and secured to the roof and/or wall by the action of the rock bolting means (130).
With this arrangement the supporting element can be initially anchored to the tunnel roof and/or wall and unrolls as a consequence of the rotation of the spool carrying the supporting element and the TBM advancing, the supporting element being sequentially secured via rock bolts secured to the roof and/or wall by the bolting means.
The embodiment of Figure 7 includes air cleaning means connected to the conveyor compartment (17) for the purpose of removing particulate matter such as coal dust and noxious gases from air surrounding or entrained with the mined material. In the embodiment shown the air cleaning means comprises air take-off points (not shown) along the conveyor compartment (17) to draw air from the compartment (17) for cleaning to extract dust and other noxious gases. The take-off points typically comprise aperture in a wall of the conveyor compartment ( 17) communicating via a conduit with a separate duct (250) to draw air from the conveyor compartment ( 17). Air drawn off in this manner is passed via the separate duct (250) to a cleaning zone such as a gas extractor or scrubber duct (23) for removal of unwanted gas or particulate matter such as coal dust from that air to produce a breathable air. A plurality of ducts may be provided for this purpose.
As breathable air is a precious commodity in a mine tunnel environment, air cleaned in this manner may be recycled via air duct (260) to an environment where breathable air is required, such as to an operating compar<ment according to the invention or into the tunnel.
The word "comprising" and forms of that word as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude variants or additions which are obvious to the person skilled in the art and do not have a material effect on the invention.
It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that many modifications, advantages and improvements to the basic concept of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such improvements are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.
Preferably the rock bolting means are either automated or semi-automated to further increase the speed of the TBM's advance rate.
Preferably, the gripping means are associated with thrust cylinders which urge the gripping means outward or retract the gripping means. In one presently preferred embodiment the gripping means is located between the first rock bolting means and the second rock bolting means, although it will be appreciated that other gripping means locations are possible within the scope of the present invention.
Preferably, the cutter head is movable longitudinally away from or towards the substantially cylindrical body. This may be achieved by a set of hydraulic cylinders located between the body portion and the cutter head.
A TBM according to the invention may include means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment cf the supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation. The present invention accordingly provides in another separate embodiment a TBM for mining coal, the TBM capable of being advanced and including (a) a substantially cylindrical body portion;
Il (b) a rotary cutter head mounted at a forward end of the body portion;
(c) at least one rock bolting means arranged adjacent the rotary cutter head;
and (d) means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment of the supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation.
A supporting element is typically a mesh sheet, although other supporting elements such as bands or straps are also envisaged within the scope of the invention.
The mesh may take any suitable form. It may be a standard steel mesh. In one particularly preferred embodiment the mesh comprises a high strength polymer grid.
The supporting element according to the invention is typically provided on a spool such as a roll or reel mounted for rotation on or in the cylindrical body portion.
The supporting element is preferably provided on one or more rolls capable of being unwound as the TBM is advanced so that the supporting element is dispensed from the rolls) and can be secured to the tunnel roof and/or wall by rock bolts during a rock bolting operation. In one particularly preferred embodiment the means for supplying a supporting element comprises at least one spool such as a roll or reel for carrying the supporting element mounted for rotation on or in the cylindrical body portion, the supporting element capable of being unwound from said spool as the TBM is advanced.
A spool according to the invention may be disposed substantially horizontally.
It may be disposed substantially vertically. It may be disposed at an angle to the vertical.
A spool according to the invention may include tensioning means to suitably maintain the supporting element at the desired tension for dispensing from the spool.
The tensioning means may apply tension to the supporting element in the longitudinal or and/or lateral directions of the supporting element.
A spool according to the invention is typically disposed in a position forward of one of the at least one rock bolting means. At least one spool is suitably located in an upper region of the TBM forward of one of the at least one rock bolting means.
The spools) may be located on an outer surface of the TBM by attachment to the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion. In an alternative arrangement the supporting element may be fed from a roll, reel or other suitable spool located within an operating compartment according to the invention.
In another embodiment of this arrangement the means for supplying a supporting element comprises plural pairs of opposed spools disposed about the cylindrical body S portion. At least one opposed pair of the plural pairs may be disposed substantially vertically. Another opposed pair of the plural pairs may be disposed at an angle to the vertical.
In one particularly preferred embodiment the means for supplying a supporting element comprises a pair of substantially vertical opposed spools, a pair of opposed spools disposed at an angle to the vertical arranged above the first pair of opposed spools, and a substantially horizontally disposed spool, the arrangement being such that the tunnel roof and wall may be covered by supporting element in the form of a mesh dispensed from each spool. It will be appreciated that other spool arrangements, combinations and orientations are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
1 S The supporting element arrangement has the advantage that the supporting element can be initially anchored to the tunnel wall and unrolls as a consequence of the TBM advancing, the supporting element being sequentially secured via rock bolts secured to the wall by the bolting means. This arrangement obviates the need for mine staff to manually lift and secure the supporting element to the tunnel roof or wall.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a method for operating a TBM having a substantially cylindrical body portion, retractable gripping means, first and second rock bolting means and a rotary cutter head as described herein which includes the steps of:
(a) extending the retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold the substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
{b) operating the rotary cutter head to move the rotary cutter head relative to the substantially cylindrical body portion from the first position to the second position and operating the second rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall;
(c) retracting the gripping means, causing the substantially cylindrical body portion to move relative to the rotary cutter head from the first position to the second position and operating the first rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall; and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a method for operating a TBM having a substantially cylindrical body portion, retractable gripping means, first and second rock bolting means and a rotary cutter head as described herein which includes the steps of:
(a) extending the retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold the substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
(b) operating the rotary cutter head to move the rotary cutter head relative to the substantially cylindrical body portion from the first position to the second position and operating the first and second rock bolting means substantially simultaneously to cause anchoring of a plurality of rock bolts into the tunnel wall;
(c) retracting the gripping means and advancing the body portion, and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a method for operating a TBM having a substantially cylindrical body portion, retractable gripping means, first and second rock bolting means and a rotary cutter head as described herein which includes the steps of:
(a) extending the retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold the substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
(b) operating the rotary cutter head to move the rotary cutter head relative to the substantially cylindrical body portion from the first position to the second position and operating the first rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall;
WO 99/G7501' PCT/AU99/00493 (c) retracting the gripping means, causing the substantially cylindrical body portion to move relative to the rotary cutter head from the first position to the second position and operating the second rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall; and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
Methods according to the invention may include the step of securing a supporting element according to the invention to the tunnel wall during a TBM
operating sequence.
A TBM according to the invention has been found to be capable of mining up to 2 metres per sequence. This involves excavation of about 1 metre forward and bolting the tunnel roof, followed by another excavation of about 1 metre forward and bolting the roof.
Such sequencing means that the advantages of the modified TBM mentioned above may be realised as part of an integrat;.d approach to increasing the efficiency of such mining operations.
The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a TBM for mining coal material which includes:
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having (i) at least one operating compartment and ventilation means to maintain an acceptable gaseous environment within the compartment; and (ii) a longitudinally extending conveyor compartment isolated from and located beneath the operating compartment and having a conveyor extending therein from an inlet through which mined material passes onto the conveyor to an outlet in a rear surface of the body portion, (iii) first rock bolting means located adjacent one end of the cylindrical body portion;
(iv) second rock bolting means axially spaced from the first rock bolting means; and WO 99/67506 PC i /AU99/00493 (v) retractable gripping means located between the first rock bolting means and the second rock bolting means and extendible radially from the substantially cylindrical body portion to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall;
(b) a rotary cutter head mounted on a forward surface of the body portion and 5 having collection means to collect mined material and direct the material towards and through the inlet to the longitudinally extending conveyor compartment, the rotary cutter head and the body portion being axially movable relative to each other between a first and a second position; and (c) means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment of the 10 supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation comprising at least one spool such as a roll or reel for carrying the supporting element mounted on or in the cylindrical body portion the supporting element capable of being unwound from the spool as the TBM is advanced.
The invention will now be further exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross section of a TBM according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross section of a TBM according to another separate embodiment of the invention in the first stage of the excavation process;
Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross section of the TBM of Figure 2 in the second stage of the excavation process;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross section of the TBM of Figure 2 in the third stage of the excavation process;
Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross section of the TBM of Figure 2 in the fourth and final stage of the excavation process;
Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross section of the TBM of Figure 2 in the fifth stage of the excavation process which is equivalent to stage I ; and Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross section of a TBM according to another separate embodiment of the invention.
In the drawings, like integers have, where appropriate, been given like reference numerals.
As shown in Figure 1, a TBM (1) is provided which includes a tubular body (2) and a rotary cutter head (3). These are connected together for relative axial movement by thrust cylinders (not shown) which are partially disposed inside TBM.
The rotary cutter head (3) is provided a plurality of peripheral cutters (4) located on its outer substantially planner surface to engage the coal mine face. A
number of openings {5) are present in the peripheral cutters to allow mined material to pass into a cavity (6) located substantially in the interior of cutter head (3). This cavity (6) is defined by a rotary scoop (7) which lifts the mined material until the material falls under gravity into dispatch means in the form of a chute (8). The chute (8) is a vibratory chute which causes the mined material deposited into it to gravitate to its lower outlet (9).
The dispatch means can in an alternative arrangement be a bent chain conveyor.
The tubular body (2) may be conveniently considered as having four discrete areas. The first is forward compartment ( 10) which houses the drive mechanism (11 ) for the rotary cutter head (3) and the thrust cylinders (not shown) connecting the body (2) and the rotary cutter head (3). This compartment is isolated from the fourth compartment discussed below. A first stage rock bolting operation (not shown) may be located in this first compartment in which case there will be direct access to the roof of the tunnel. An operator may also be located here to operate the rock bolting equipment.
Immediately behind this first compartment ( 10) is a gripper shield compartment (12). This compartment houses thrust cylinders (13) which have pistons connected exteriorly to this compartment to the gripper shields (14). When the thrust cylinders , (13) are actuated, the gripper shields (14) are caused to move radially until each engages the wall of the tunnel being formed. Conversely these gripper shields (14) may be retracted when desired.
The third compartment {15) is sealed from the fourth compartment {17) discussed below and is essentially an operator's compartment in which the operator may carry out various functions such a rock bolting. Appropriate ventilation devices (16) communicate with this compartment ( 1 S) to ensure an appropriate atmosphere is maintained.
The fourth compartment (17) is sealed from the other compartments and especially the operator's compartment (15). Compartment (17) has a inlet (18) and an outlet (19). A chain conveyor (25) extends from the inlet (18) to the outlet (19).
Outlet (19) is designed to feed mined material into the lower region of a rotary conveyor (20). As the conveyor rotates it caused the mined material to be lifted to position (21 ) at which it falls. In this position a further conveyor (22) is located to catch the falling mined material. This material is then further transported away from the excavation site.
At the point (24) where the mined material is collected by the rotary conveyor (20), a gas extractor/scrubber duct (23) is located. The gases are passed to treatment apparatus not shown to clean and condition the air.
At the commencement of excavation the gripper shields (14) are actuated to extend radially from the body of the TBM to engage the mine wall and provide a support for the advancement of the TBM ( 1 ). To continue the mining operation the thrusting cylinders are actuated to extend. Under this condition the cutter head (3) is subjected to the advancing force of the thrusting cylinders (not shown).
Simultaneously the rotatory mechanism ( 11 ) is activated. The rotation of the cutter head (3) excavates the mine face.
The mined material falls through the openings (S) into the cavity (6). The rotational action of the cutter head (3) allows the scoops (7) to gather the excavated material and transport it towards the top of the cutter head (3) where by it falls through the dispatch means which in the embodiment shown is a vibratory chute (8) but can in an alternative arrangement be a bent chain conveyor.
The mined material is directed onto compartmentalised chain conveyor (25).The chain conveyor (25) transports the mined material toward the rear of the TBM ( 1 ).
As the mined material reaches the outlet ( 19) of the compartment ( 17), the fluidised dust and gas is extracted via duct (23) for cleaning and conditioning.
At this same point (19), the mined material is fed into the rotatory drum conveyor (24). It is lifted and spills from rotary drum conveyor (24) at position (21 ) onto the secondary internal conveyor (22).
As the TBM is operated by a mine technician (26) housed in the isolated work S chamber ( 1 S), he is not exposed to deleterious amounts of mine dust and gases. The chamber will be well ventilated by the ventilation devices (16).
Accordingly there will be a significant improvement in the working conditions and safety of the TBM for operators which is conducive to improved efficiencies of operation. By reason of isolating that part of the TBM which processes mined material, it is possible to design the TBM to include the following:
~ open and safe areas for operators ~ roof bolting operations ~ probe drilling in the front end of the TBM
~ free flowing and safe materials handling within the TBM
1 S ~ uninterrupted ventilated air flow within the TBM
~ access for maintaining equipment and conveyors.
Turning to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to Figure S a TBM (100) is provided which includes a substantially cylindrical body (200) and a rotary cutter head (30). These are connected together for relative axial movement by thrust cylinders (40) which are partially disposed inside TBM (100) .
The tubular body may be conveniently considered as having three discrete areas.
The first is the forward section (SO) which houses the drive mechanism (not shown) connecting the body (200) of the TBM and the cutter head (30). This section also provides the mounting (70) for the first automotive rock bolting apparatus (60), 2S located behind the cutter head (30).
Immediately behind this section is a gripper shield section (80). This section houses thrust cylinders (90) which are have pistons (210) connected exteriorly to this section to the gripper shields (110). When the thrust cylinders (90) are actuated, the gripper shields (110) are caused to move radially until each engages the wall of the tunnel being formed. Conversely these gripper shields (110) may be retracted when desired.
The third section (120) houses the second rock bolting apparatus (130) mounted on a bolting platform (140).
At the commencement of excavation the gripper shields (110) are actuated to extend radially from the body of the TBM (20) to engage the mine wall and provide a support for the advancement of the TBM ( 100). This is shown in Figure 2 as stage one.
The mining operation commences by activating the rotary cutter head ~(30) and the thrusting cylinders (4). Under this condition the rotary cutter head (30) is subjected to the advancing force of the thrusting cylinders (40). The rotation of the cutter head (30) excavates the mine face. This is shown in Figure 3 as stage two.
Simultaneously, the second rock bolting apparatus (130) located behind the griper shield compartment (80) inserts bolts (150) into the excavated tunnel roof. This is also shown in stage two of Figure 3. These bolts (150) are of a enduring nature and add a permanent stability to the interim bolts (160) initially provided by the first rock bolting apparatus (60) as described below.
At the end of stage two, the forward travel of the rotary cutter head (30) ceases and the gripper shields (110) are retracted radially from the roof. At this time, the first rock bolting apparatus (60) commences to drill and insert an interim bolts) (160) in the newly mined tunnel roof. As shown the interim bolts) ( 160) is angled forward to secure the roof as far forward as possible but dependent on the geology of the mine may be inserted vertically to the axis of the TBM. This is shown in Figure 4 as stage three.
Also at this time, the thrusting cylinders (40) are contracted to draw the remainder of the TBM (100) towards the now dormant cutter head (30). This process is complete by the time the gripper shields (110) are again actuated to extend radially from the body (200) of the TBM (100) to engage the mine wall and provide support for the advancement of the TBM. At the completion of these operations, the TBM will be as shown in Figure 5 as stage four.
This process is then repeated as the TBM ,has assumed the position shown in Figure 6 which is the same as shown in Figure 3 In an alternative sequencing arrangement according to the invention, at the commencement of excavation the gripper shields ( I I 0) are actuated to extend radially from the body (200) of the TBM ( I 00) to engage the mine wall and provide a support for the advancement of the TBM ( 100).
5 The mining operation commences by activating the rotary cutter head (30) and the thrusting cylinders (40). Under this condition the rotary cutter head (30) is subjected to the advancing force of the thrusting cylinders (40). The rotation of the cutter head (30) excavates the mine face.
Simultaneously, the first rock bolting apparatus (60) and the second rock bolting 10 apparatus (130), the latter located behind the gripper shield compartment (80) insert substantially simultaneously interim bolts (160) (in the case of the first rock bolting apparatus (60)) and countersunk bolts (150) (in the case of the second rock bolting rock bolting apparatus (130)) into the excavated tunnel roof. Bolts (150) are of an enduring nature and add a permanent stability to the interim bolts (160) provided by the first rock 1~ bolting apparatus (60). The interim bolts (160) are angled forward to secure the roof as far forward as possible but dependent on the geology of the mine may be inserted vertically to the axis of the TBM.
At the end of stage two, the forward travel of the rotary cutter head (30) ceases and the gripper shields (110) are retracted radially from the roof and the sequence 20 described is repeated. Also at this time, the thrusting cylinders (40) are contracted to draw the remainder of the TBM (100) towards the now dormant cutter head (30).
This process is complete by the time the gripper shields (110) are again actuated to extend radially from the body {200) of the TBM ( 100) to engage the mine wall and provide support for the advancement of the TBM.
The embodiment of Figure 7 shows a TBM ( 100) having a substantially cylindrical body portion (200), first and second rock bolting means (60, 130) and a rotary cutter head (30). Following a cutter head operation mined material falls into cavity (6). The rotational action of the cutter head (30) allows scoops (not shown in this embodiment) to gather the excavated material and transport it towards the top of the cutter head (30) whereby it falls through onto dispatch means which in the embodiment shown comprises a bent chain conveyor (280).
The mined material is transported from bent chain conveyor (280) to a chain conveyor (not shown) housed in compartment ( 17). At the outlet ( 19) of compartment ( 17) the mined material is transferred to an upwardly extending ramp conveyor (270) and then to overhead conveyor (22) for transport away from the excavation site.
The TBM ( 100) of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 includes means for supplying a supporting element (which in the embodiment shown comprises a mesh grid (240)) to facilitate attachment of the supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation. The means for supplying a supporting element comprises in the embodiment shown a pair of substantially vertical opposed spools of which only one (220) is shown mounted for rotation in the cylindrical body portion (200), a pair of opposed spools of which only one (230) is shown mounted for rotation in the cylindrical body portion (200) and disposed at an angle to the vertical arranged above the first pair of opposed spools, and a substantially horizontal spool (not shown) but also mounted for rotation in the cylindrical body portion (200). The arrangement in this embodiment is such that the tunnel roof and wall may be covered by the supporting element dispensed from each spool. It will be appreciated that other spool arrangements, combinations and orientations are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
It will be noted from the embodiment of Figure 7 that the spools are mounted forwardly of rock bolting means (130). This enables the supporting element to be dispensed from the spools and secured to the roof and/or wall by the action of the rock bolting means (130).
With this arrangement the supporting element can be initially anchored to the tunnel roof and/or wall and unrolls as a consequence of the rotation of the spool carrying the supporting element and the TBM advancing, the supporting element being sequentially secured via rock bolts secured to the roof and/or wall by the bolting means.
The embodiment of Figure 7 includes air cleaning means connected to the conveyor compartment (17) for the purpose of removing particulate matter such as coal dust and noxious gases from air surrounding or entrained with the mined material. In the embodiment shown the air cleaning means comprises air take-off points (not shown) along the conveyor compartment (17) to draw air from the compartment (17) for cleaning to extract dust and other noxious gases. The take-off points typically comprise aperture in a wall of the conveyor compartment ( 17) communicating via a conduit with a separate duct (250) to draw air from the conveyor compartment ( 17). Air drawn off in this manner is passed via the separate duct (250) to a cleaning zone such as a gas extractor or scrubber duct (23) for removal of unwanted gas or particulate matter such as coal dust from that air to produce a breathable air. A plurality of ducts may be provided for this purpose.
As breathable air is a precious commodity in a mine tunnel environment, air cleaned in this manner may be recycled via air duct (260) to an environment where breathable air is required, such as to an operating compar<ment according to the invention or into the tunnel.
The word "comprising" and forms of that word as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude variants or additions which are obvious to the person skilled in the art and do not have a material effect on the invention.
It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that many modifications, advantages and improvements to the basic concept of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such improvements are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.
Claims (33)
1. A TBM for mining coal material which includes:
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having (i) at least one operating compartment and ventilation means to maintain an acceptable gaseous environment within said compartment; and (ii) a longitudinally extending conveyor compartment isolated from and located beneath said operating compartment and having a conveyor extending therein from an inlet through which mined material passes onto said conveyor to an outlet in a rear surface of said body portion, and (b) a rotary cutter head mounted on a forward surface of said body portion and having collection means to collect mined material and direct said material towards and through said inlet to said longitudinally extending conveyor compartment.
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having (i) at least one operating compartment and ventilation means to maintain an acceptable gaseous environment within said compartment; and (ii) a longitudinally extending conveyor compartment isolated from and located beneath said operating compartment and having a conveyor extending therein from an inlet through which mined material passes onto said conveyor to an outlet in a rear surface of said body portion, and (b) a rotary cutter head mounted on a forward surface of said body portion and having collection means to collect mined material and direct said material towards and through said inlet to said longitudinally extending conveyor compartment.
2. A TBM according to claim 1, and further including retractable gripping means which may be extended from the substantially cylindrical body to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall.
3. A TBM according to claim 1, wherein said rotary cutter head is movable longitudinally away from or towards the substantially cylindrical body.
4. A TBM according to claim 3, wherein said rotary cutter head has a plurality of peripheral cutters each rotating about their own discrete axis, and wherein mined material is directed to pass through a substantially central opening in said rotary cutter head to a collection area from which said mined material is fed to dispatch means and is directed to said inlet of said conveyor compartment.
5. A TBM according to claim 1, and further including at least one rock bolting means to secure at least a portion of the roof formed in the tunnel by said rotary cutter head.
6. A TBM according to claim 1, and further including air cleaning means connected to said conveyor compartment to remove particulate matter such as coal dust and noxious gases from air surrounding or entrained with said mined material.
7. A TBM according to claim 6, wherein said air cleaning means comprises one or more air take-off points along said conveyor compartment to draw air from said conveyor compartment for cleaning to extract dust and other noxious gases.
8. A TBM according to claim 7, wherein air drawn from said conveyor compartment is passed via a separate duct or ducts to a cleaning zone comprising a gas extractor and/or scrubber for removal of unwanted gas or particulate matter such as coal dust from that air to produce a breathable air.
9. A TBM according to claim 1, and further including means to transport mined material issuing from said body portion to an overhead conveyor.
10. A TBM according to claim 9, wherein said means to transport mined material to an overhead conveyor comprises an upwardly extending ramp conveyor positioned adjacent the outlet of said conveyor compartment to transport mined material from said outlet to said overhead conveyor.
11. A TBM for mining coal which includes:
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having mounted therein:
(i) first rock bolting means located adjacent one end of said cylindrical body portion;
(ii) second rock bolting means axially spaced from said first rock bolting means; and (iii) retractable gripping means extendible radially from said substantially cylindrical body portion to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall; and (b) a rotary cutter head mounted at a forward end of said body portion, said rotary cutter head and said body portion being axially movable relative to each other between a first and a second position.
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(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having mounted therein:
(i) first rock bolting means located adjacent one end of said cylindrical body portion;
(ii) second rock bolting means axially spaced from said first rock bolting means; and (iii) retractable gripping means extendible radially from said substantially cylindrical body portion to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall; and (b) a rotary cutter head mounted at a forward end of said body portion, said rotary cutter head and said body portion being axially movable relative to each other between a first and a second position.
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12. A TBM according to claim 11, wherein said gripping means is located between said first rock bolting means and said second rock bolting means.
13. A TBM according to claim I1, and further including means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment of said supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation.
14. A TBM according to claim 13, wherein said means for supplying a supporting element comprises at least one spool such as a roll or reel for carrying said supporting element mounted on or in said cylindrical body portion said supporting element capable of being unwound from said spool as the TBM is advanced.
15. A TBM according to claim 14, wherein said at lease one spool is mounted substantially horizontally.
16. A TBM according to claim 14, wherein said at least one spool is disposed forward of said second rock bolting means.
17. A TBM according to claim 13, wherein said means for supplying a supporting element comprises plural pairs of opposed spools disposed about said cylindrical body portion.
18. A TBM according to claim 17, wherein at least one opposed pair of said plural pairs is disposed substantially vertically.
19. A TBM according to claim 17, wherein at least one opposed pair of said plural pairs is disposed at an angle to the vertical.
20. A TBM according to claim 13, wherein said supporting element comprises a mesh sheet.
21. A method for operating a TBM according to claim I 1 which includes the steps of:
(a) extending said retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold said substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
(b) operating said rotary cutter head to move said rotary cutter head relative to said substantially cylindrical body portion from said first position to said second position and operating said second rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall;
(c) retracting said gripping means, causing said substantially cylindrical body portion to move relative to said rotary cutter head from said first position to said second position and operating said first rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall; and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
(a) extending said retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold said substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
(b) operating said rotary cutter head to move said rotary cutter head relative to said substantially cylindrical body portion from said first position to said second position and operating said second rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall;
(c) retracting said gripping means, causing said substantially cylindrical body portion to move relative to said rotary cutter head from said first position to said second position and operating said first rock bolting means to cause anchoring of at least one rock bolt into the tunnel wall; and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
22. A method according to claim 21 and further including the step of securing a supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall daring a TBM operating sequence.
23. A method for operating a TBM according to claim 11 which includes the steps of:
(a) extending said retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold said substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
(b) operating said rotary cutter head to move said rotary cutter head relative to said substantially cylindrical body portion from said first position to said second position and operating said first and second rock bolting means substantially simultaneously to cause anchoring of a plurality of rock bolts into the tunnel wall;
(c) retracting said gripping means and advancing said body portion, and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
(a) extending said retractable gripping means to engage the tunnel wall to hold said substantially cylindrical body portion stationary with respect to the tunnel wall;
(b) operating said rotary cutter head to move said rotary cutter head relative to said substantially cylindrical body portion from said first position to said second position and operating said first and second rock bolting means substantially simultaneously to cause anchoring of a plurality of rock bolts into the tunnel wall;
(c) retracting said gripping means and advancing said body portion, and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) until the TBM has moved a desired distance.
24. A method according to claim 23 and further including the step of securing a supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a TBM operating sequence.
25. A TBM for mining coal, the TBM capable of being advanced and including (a) a substantially cylindrical body portion;
(b) a rotary cutter head mounted at a forward end of said body portion;
(c) at least one rock bolting means arranged adjacent said rotary cutter head;
and (d) means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment of said supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation.
(b) a rotary cutter head mounted at a forward end of said body portion;
(c) at least one rock bolting means arranged adjacent said rotary cutter head;
and (d) means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment of said supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation.
26. A TBM according to claim 25, wherein said means for supplying a supporting element comprises at least one spool such as a roll or reel for carrying said supporting element mounted on or in said cylindrical body portion said supporting element capable of being unwound from said spool as the TBM is advanced.
27. A TBM according to claim 26, wherein said at least one spool is mounted substantially horizontally.
28. A TBM according to claim 26, wherein said at least one spool is mounted forward of said second rock bolting means.
29. A TBM according to claim 26, wherein said means for supplying a supporting element comprises plural pairs of opposed spools disposed about said cylindrical body portion.
30. A TBM according to claim 29, wherein at least one opposed pair of said plural pairs is disposed substantially vertically.
31. A TBM according to claim 29, wherein at least one opposed pair of said plural pairs is disposed at an angle to the vertical.
32. A TBM according to claim 26, wherein said supporting element comprises a mesh sheet.
33. A TBM for mining coal material which includes:
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having (i) at least one operating compartment and ventilation means to maintain an acceptable gaseous environment within said compartment; and (ii) a longitudinally extending conveyor compartment isolated from and located beneath said operating compartment and having a conveyor extending therein from an inlet through which mined material passes onto said conveyor to an outlet in a rear surface of said body portion, (iii) first rock bolting means located adjacent one end of said cylindrical body portion;
(iv) second rock bolting means axially spaced from said first rock bolting means; and (v) retractable gripping means located between said first rock bolting means and said second rock bolting means and extendible radially from said substantially cylindrical body portion to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall;
(b) a rotary cutter head mounted on a forward surface of said body portion and having collection means to collect mined material and direct said material towards and through said inlet to said longitudinally extending conveyor compartment, said rotary cutter head and said body portion being axially movable relative to each other between a first and a second position; and (c) means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment of said supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation comprising at least one spool such as a roll or reel for carrying said supporting element mounted on or in said cylindrical body portion said supporting element capable of being unwound from said spool as the TBM is advanced.
(a) a substantially cylindrical body portion having (i) at least one operating compartment and ventilation means to maintain an acceptable gaseous environment within said compartment; and (ii) a longitudinally extending conveyor compartment isolated from and located beneath said operating compartment and having a conveyor extending therein from an inlet through which mined material passes onto said conveyor to an outlet in a rear surface of said body portion, (iii) first rock bolting means located adjacent one end of said cylindrical body portion;
(iv) second rock bolting means axially spaced from said first rock bolting means; and (v) retractable gripping means located between said first rock bolting means and said second rock bolting means and extendible radially from said substantially cylindrical body portion to, in situ, engage the tunnel wall;
(b) a rotary cutter head mounted on a forward surface of said body portion and having collection means to collect mined material and direct said material towards and through said inlet to said longitudinally extending conveyor compartment, said rotary cutter head and said body portion being axially movable relative to each other between a first and a second position; and (c) means for supplying a supporting element to facilitate attachment of said supporting element to the tunnel roof and/or wall during a rock bolting operation comprising at least one spool such as a roll or reel for carrying said supporting element mounted on or in said cylindrical body portion said supporting element capable of being unwound from said spool as the TBM is advanced.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPP4209 | 1998-06-19 | ||
| AUPP4208A AUPP420898A0 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1998-06-19 | Tunnel boring machinery |
| AUPP4208 | 1998-06-19 | ||
| AUPP4209A AUPP420998A0 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1998-06-19 | Tunnel boring machinery |
| PCT/AU1999/000493 WO1999067506A1 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-18 | Tunnel boring machinery |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2336200A1 true CA2336200A1 (en) | 1999-12-29 |
Family
ID=25645809
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002336200A Abandoned CA2336200A1 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-18 | Tunnel boring machinery |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2336200A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999067506A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN113338978A (en) * | 2021-06-28 | 2021-09-03 | 中国铁建重工集团股份有限公司 | Tunneling and anchoring integrated device for advanced support |
| CN117506961A (en) * | 2024-01-04 | 2024-02-06 | 欧特威(江苏)机械科技有限公司 | An automatic pick-changing manipulator for tunnel boring machines and its use method |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102979533A (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2013-03-20 | 安徽理工大学 | Underground roadway dinting device |
| AU2017418154B2 (en) * | 2017-06-12 | 2024-02-15 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Roof mesh installation apparatus |
| CN111042816B (en) * | 2019-12-31 | 2021-03-19 | 乌海市乌化矿业有限责任公司 | Mine section hole-cutting roadway-forming tunneling method |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2145134B (en) * | 1983-08-20 | 1987-02-04 | Anderson Strathclyde Plc | Circular heading machine |
| DE3514563A1 (en) * | 1985-04-23 | 1986-10-30 | Strabag Bau-AG, 5000 Köln | Tunnel-driving machine |
| AU708331B2 (en) * | 1995-11-27 | 1999-08-05 | Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. | Excavation machine |
| US5816750A (en) * | 1996-10-04 | 1998-10-06 | The Tensar Corporation | Automatic grid layout system |
-
1999
- 1999-06-18 CA CA002336200A patent/CA2336200A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-06-18 WO PCT/AU1999/000493 patent/WO1999067506A1/en not_active Ceased
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN113338978A (en) * | 2021-06-28 | 2021-09-03 | 中国铁建重工集团股份有限公司 | Tunneling and anchoring integrated device for advanced support |
| CN117506961A (en) * | 2024-01-04 | 2024-02-06 | 欧特威(江苏)机械科技有限公司 | An automatic pick-changing manipulator for tunnel boring machines and its use method |
| CN117506961B (en) * | 2024-01-04 | 2024-03-08 | 欧特威(江苏)机械科技有限公司 | An automatic pick-changing manipulator for tunnel boring machines and its use method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1999067506A1 (en) | 1999-12-29 |
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