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Contenu archivé le 2022-11-21

Frictional ignition risks of point attack picks

Objectif



A high degree of frictional ignition protection can now be applied to coalface machines in the form of a machine ventilator and to heading machines through cutting zone ventilation. Interlocks are being introduced to ensure that the machines can only operate when their ventilation devices are being provided with water at a specifed flow and pressure. Nevertheless, ignitions continue to occur, with 5 on coalface machines in the fiscal year ending April 1992. It appears that on a number of coalfaces there is the possibility of gas emissions occurring in excess of the normal flows encountered that can be satisfactorily diluted by the machine ventilator. On such coalfaces, it is necessary to provide water to the back of every pick to minimise the ignition risk. Work already done with radial pick-water spray systems has established the necessary spray geometry and water pressure necessary to provide the best protection. With the move to greater use of point attack picks on shearer drums it is essential that the principles proven for radial picks are now validated for point attack picks. Some authorities have suggested that point attack picks are inherently less safe than radial picks from an ignition point of view because of their 'self-sharpening', rubbing characteristic. Recent experimental work, however, appears to refute such claims. In order to remove any uncertainty, it is therefore imperative to conduct a series of well controlled, well designed experiments.

The purpose of the project is to carry out a series of experiments to ascertain whether the ignition control spray design parameters established with radial picks can be similarly applied to point attack systems.

In order to permit practical comparisons of ignition risk potential between radial and point attack systems, information will be gathered on the wear and failure of picks in the underground environment.

Having optimised the design of point attack pick-water sprays, experimental work will be conducted using pick activated systems to determine whether even greater reductions can be made in water consumption without compromising ignition control.

Appel à propositions

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Régime de financement

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Coordinateur

British Coal plc
Contribution de l’UE
Aucune donnée
Adresse
Eastwood Hall
NG16 3EB Eastwood
Royaume-Uni

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Coût total
Aucune donnée