Objectif The objectives of the research were to identify and develop mechanical means for the removal of dust in the extraction galleries of high production sites in the immediate proximity of the cutting faces in locations which are susceptible to build-ups of coal dust.The research was basically centred on the mechanical removal of dust in the longwall roadways and made it possible to identify and set up two types of machine for cleaning under the belts. If the Reumaux machine is still only a prototype, the La Houve machine is a complete design which perfectly responds to the requirements of cleaning under the belts where the clearance under the return belt is a minimum of 800 mm.The mechanisation of cleaning thus makes it possible to:- improve working conditions and to limit manual operations as much as possible,- improve safety and hygiene conditions by getting rid of build ups of dust as quickly as possible.The steady rise in productivity in coal workings (production faces or headings), mechanization and seam selection and the provision of heavy-duty coal clearance and ventilation systems have resulted in the handling of ever-greater quantities of coal every day.Winning and transport of such large quantities of coal results in the production of large-sized dust which is deposited on the floor or sides of the workings.Generally, there are two types of flammable dust deposit:- local deposits consisting of small piles and resulting from the falling or passage of products at a fixed point (e.g. delivery jibs, return ends, belt idlers etc.);- deposits, particularly in return airways from long mechanized faces and in areas where the normal methods of dust neutralization such as stone dusting are not possible, e.g. in the first few metres at the inbye end of an advanced heading, on the faceline and especially on supports.The objective pursued is thus to introduce mechanical means of dust removal.Dust removal has so far been carried out either manually, by shovelling, or by washing.Manual removal with shovels is labour-intensive and is often also an arduous and dangerous task because of the presence of moving machinery (belt conveyors etc.).Removal by washing involves the use of large quantities of water, leading to the formation of sludge, which must afterwards be removed. In certain cases, it may also lead to deterioration of the floor and hence more difficult working conditions. It is not suitable for electrical equipment.The aim is therefore to mechanize manual removal, find means of removing dust from electrical equipment and mechanize sludge removal in order to allow washing to be developed as much as possible, since this is an easy operation to carry out. Programme(s) ECSC-WORKSAFE C - First joint research programme (ECSC) "Safety in the European Coal and Steel Community industries", 1989-1993 Thème(s) 2.6 - Winning methods Appel à propositions Data not available Régime de financement Data not available Coordinateur HOUILLERES DU BASSIN DE LORRAINE Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 2, rue de Metzl 57802 Freyming Merlebach France Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée
