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NEW MACHINERY DESIGN
New machinery has been designed in order to improve the
efficiency of the extraction process of coal mines of vertical
seams. This type of extraction is mostly used in collieries found in
the north
of Spain (Asturias). The main objective is to double
the extraction productivity by developing a tailored made set of tools in an all in one machine.
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DETECTION OF GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
New
techniques for the real time detection of the coal/rock interference
have been developed. Several techniques has been evaluated
including airborn and sound impact analisys, laser scanners and thermal
imaging. The objective is to implement the geological information of
the face as part of the automation of the cutting process.
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ROADHEADER AUTOMATION
Different control and monitorization techniques have been
developed in order to increase the efficiency of the extraction process
using roadheaders by implementing hardware and software controls that
assists the operators for automatic or semiautomatic cutting sequences.
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DRIVAGE AND SUPPORT OF COAL FACE HEADINGS
The
main objective is to develop practical strategies for designing,
driving and supporting coal face headings to the larger dimensions
required for modern longwall face equipment. Numerical modelling has
been employed, alternative drivage strategies assessed and an
alternative support technique developed.
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NOVEL ROCK FRAGMENTTION TECHNOLOGIES
Unconventional
rock fracture methods are being developed within automated excavation
schemes. Based on electrofracture techniques, the design of
techno-economical and safety procedures in being developed in this
project,
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