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Mining Technologies Innovative Development

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "H: Geo-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2021) | Viewed by 57540

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Special Issue Editors

1. Department of Economics, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
2. Department of Economy and Planning, Siberian Federal University, 660075 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Interests: sustainable development; open-pit mining; Industry 4.0; environmental risks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
DOH Hydraulics Center, Polska Grupa Górnicza S.A., ul. Powstańców 30, 40-039 Katowice, Poland
Interests: thermal imaging; belt conveyor; diagnostics; mechanical failure; preventative maintenance; environmental engineering; mining technology; safety function; electro-hydraulic control system; powered roof support; underground mining; ventilation systems; methane release hazard; spontaneous combustion hazard; safety; spontaneous combustion of coal; endogenous fire hazard; ash-water mixture; inertisation; stand tests; model tests; control system; CFD; dynamic load; free falling mass; measuring system; sustainability mining
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, the mineral resource sector around the world is facing an increase in global demand for raw materials and this applies to most countries. New technological, economic, and environmental requirements raise the question of how to propel mining to the next technological level. Industry 4.0 increasingly impacts on the extraction of solid, liquid, and gaseous raw materials during the digitalization and automation of technological processes, mineral resource complete extraction, sustainable development of mining clusters, and the restoration of ecosystems disturbed by mining. Therefore, the innovative development of mining technologies opens up new opportunities for sustainable development with a balance between the human impact on the environment and the provision of the need for raw materials.

For many years, progress in mining technologies is based on the integrated efforts of researchers from various industries and the international cooperation of mining science and practice. Today, innovative technologies of mineral extraction and processing and the greening of mining, which can improve the economic attractiveness and environmental friendliness of the extractive industries, can bring the prestige of mining to a new level and need to be promoted.

To generate new ideas in these areas, this Special Issue, entitled “Mining Technologies Innovative Development”, has been proposed for the international journal Energies. This Special Issue mainly covers original research in the fields of geotechnology and geoecology, mineral processing, mining machinery, replacing natural materials with manmade ones, alternative energy-producing, and the sustainable development of raw materials extracting clusters.

We invite you to submit your original papers to the Special Issue “Mining Technologies Innovative Development” and looking forward to receiving your outstanding research.

Prof. Dr. Sergey Zhironkin
Dr. Dawid Szurgacz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Mining technologies innovative development
  • Innovations in mining machinery
  • Industry 4.0 in mining
  • Sustainable development strategy

Published Papers (21 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 1125 KiB  
Editorial
Mining Technologies Innovative Development: Industrial, Environmental and Economic Perspectives
by Sergey Zhironkin and Dawid Szurgacz
Energies 2022, 15(5), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051756 - 26 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1224
Abstract
This Special Issue of Energies contains the successful invited submissions [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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9 pages, 209 KiB  
Editorial
Mining Technologies Innovative Development: Economic and Sustainable Outlook
by Sergey Zhironkin and Dawid Szurgacz
Energies 2021, 14(24), 8590; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248590 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1613
Abstract
Today science faces the task of ensuring the innovative development of the mineral extractive sector of the economy in resource-rich countries, in the context of unfolding two opposite trends [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

11 pages, 17033 KiB  
Article
Automatic Detection of Subsidence Troughs in SAR Interferograms Using Mathematical Morphology
by Maciej Dwornik, Stanisława Porzycka-Strzelczyk, Jacek Strzelczyk, Hubert Malik, Radosław Murdzek, Anna Franczyk and Justyna Bała
Energies 2021, 14(22), 7785; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227785 - 20 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1222
Abstract
In this paper, an automatic algorithm for the detection of subsidence areas in SAR interferograms is proposed. It is based on the analysis of spatial distribution of the interferogram phase, and its coherence and entropy. The developed method was tested for differential interferograms [...] Read more.
In this paper, an automatic algorithm for the detection of subsidence areas in SAR interferograms is proposed. It is based on the analysis of spatial distribution of the interferogram phase, and its coherence and entropy. The developed method was tested for differential interferograms generated on the basis of Sentinel-1 SAR images covering mining areas in South Poland. The obtained results were compared with those achieved using a method based on circular Gabor filters. Performed analysis revealed that the detection rate for the proposed method varied from 34% to 83%. It is an improved method based on Gabor filters that achieved a detection rate from 30% to 53%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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14 pages, 4222 KiB  
Article
Second Life of Post-Mining Infrastructure in Light of the Circular Economy and Sustainable Development—Recent Advances and Perspectives
by Katarzyna Pactwa, Martyna Konieczna-Fuławka, Krzysztof Fuławka, Päivi Aro, Izabela Jaśkiewicz-Proć and Aleksandra Kozłowska-Woszczycka
Energies 2021, 14(22), 7551; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227551 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2242
Abstract
Current EU policy will force a significant reduction of hard coal mines in the near future due to environmental restrictions. There are also numerous non-coal underground mines that will be excavated in the next few years. Taking the above into consideration, it is [...] Read more.
Current EU policy will force a significant reduction of hard coal mines in the near future due to environmental restrictions. There are also numerous non-coal underground mines that will be excavated in the next few years. Taking the above into consideration, it is worth starting to plan further steps in terms of reclamation of these facilities. Within this manuscript, both recently used and novel approaches to underground space reclamation have been reviewed. Selected methods of reclamation were analyzed in terms of their strengths and weaknesses, and the results were compared with the effect of a commonly used approaches (i.e., filling or flooding of underground space after mine termination). The analysis has been performed in the scope of sustainable development. Taking into account the opinion of many stakeholder groups and underground facilities, reuse was considered as an action aimed at fulfilling sustainable development goals and the circular economy concept. Based on numerous surveys, the challenges and opportunities have been determined as well. Finally, most perspectives concerning underground mine reclamation, including environmental impact, social acceptance, and profitability have been proposed and described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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17 pages, 70805 KiB  
Article
Modern Solution for Fast and Accurate Inventorization of Open-Pit Mines by the Active Remote Sensing Technique—Case Study of Mikoszów Granite Mine (Lower Silesia, SW Poland)
by Jaroslaw Wajs, Paweł Trybała, Justyna Górniak-Zimroz, Joanna Krupa-Kurzynowska and Damian Kasza
Energies 2021, 14(20), 6853; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206853 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2737
Abstract
Mining industry faces new technological and economic challenges which need to be overcome in order to raise it to a new technological level in accordance with the ideas of Industry 4.0. Mining companies are searching for new possibilities of optimizing and automating processes, [...] Read more.
Mining industry faces new technological and economic challenges which need to be overcome in order to raise it to a new technological level in accordance with the ideas of Industry 4.0. Mining companies are searching for new possibilities of optimizing and automating processes, as well as for using digital technology and modern computer software to aid technological processes. Every stage of deposit management requires mining engineers, geologists, surveyors, and environment protection specialists who are involved in acquiring, storing, processing, and sharing data related to the parameters describing the deposit, its exploitation and the environment. These data include inter alia: geometries of the deposit, of the excavations, of the overburden and of the mined mineral, borders of the support pillars and of the buffer zones, mining advancements with respect to the set borders, effects of mining activities on the ground surface, documentation of landslide hazards and of the impact of mining operations on the selected elements of the environment. Therefore, over the life cycle of a deposit, modern digital technological solutions should be implemented in order to automate the processes of acquiring, sharing, processing and analyzing data related to deposit management. In accordance with this idea, the article describes the results of a measurement experiment performed in the Mikoszów open-pit granite mine (Lower Silesia, SW Poland) with the use of mobile LiDAR systems. The technology combines active sensors with automatic and global navigation system synchronized on a mobile platform in order to generate an accurate and precise geospatial 3D cloud of points. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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13 pages, 4587 KiB  
Article
Influence of Driving Direction on the Stability of a Group of Headings Located in a Field of High Horizontal Stresses in the Polish Underground Copper Mines
by Karolina Adach-Pawelus and Daniel Pawelus
Energies 2021, 14(18), 5955; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14185955 - 19 Sep 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 1568
Abstract
This paper investigates the problem of stability in a group of headings driven in high horizontal stress fields in the copper ore mines of the Legnica-Glogow Copper Belt (LGCB). The headings are protected with the roof bolting system. This problem is of high [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the problem of stability in a group of headings driven in high horizontal stress fields in the copper ore mines of the Legnica-Glogow Copper Belt (LGCB). The headings are protected with the roof bolting system. This problem is of high importance due to special safety regulations which apply in mining workings serving as airways and haulageways. The analysis was performed for a group of four headings driven in the geological and mining conditions of the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine. The stability of the headings was evaluated with the use of Finite Element Method (FEM). The parameters of the rocks used in the numerical modeling have been determined on the basis of the Hoek–Brown classification, with the use of the RocLab 1.0 software. The parameters of the stress field have been identified on the basis of in situ measurements, which were performed in the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine in 2012. The measurements were carried out with the use of the overcoring method, which is a stress relief method. A CSIRO HI probe was used as the measuring device. The tests were carried out on three measuring points, on which six successful tests were performed. The measurements confirmed the presence of high horizontal stresses in the rock mass. Numerical modeling was performed using the Phase2 v.8.0 software, in a triaxial stress state and in a plane strain state. The rock mass was described with an elastic-plastic model with softening. Numerical analyses were based on the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. It was assumed that the optimal measure of the stability of the group of headings is the range of the formed zone of yielded rock mass in the excavation roof. Numerical simulations have shown that the direction of driving the headings in the field of increased horizontal stresses may be of key importance for the stability of the headings in LGOM mines. The greatest extent of the yielded rock mass zone in the excavation roof occurred when the group of headings was driven in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the maximum horizontal stress component σH. The obtained results served to provide an example of the application of a roof bolting system to protect headings driven in unfavorable conditions in a high horizontal stress field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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24 pages, 4668 KiB  
Article
A Method for Structure Breaking Point Detection in Engine Oil Pressure Data
by Aleksandra Grzesiek, Radosław Zimroz, Paweł Śliwiński, Norbert Gomolla and Agnieszka Wyłomańska
Energies 2021, 14(17), 5496; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175496 - 03 Sep 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2443
Abstract
In this paper, a heavy-duty loader operated in an underground mine is discussed. Due to extremely harsh operational conditions, an important maintenance problem is related to engine oil pressure. We have found that when the degradation process appears, the nature of variation of [...] Read more.
In this paper, a heavy-duty loader operated in an underground mine is discussed. Due to extremely harsh operational conditions, an important maintenance problem is related to engine oil pressure. We have found that when the degradation process appears, the nature of variation of pressure engine oil changes. Following this observation, we have proposed a data analysis procedure for the structure break point detection. It is based on specific data pre-processing and further statistical analysis. The idea of the paper is to transform the data into a nearly monotonic function that describes the variation of machine condition or in the statistical language—change of the regime inside the process. To achieve that goal we proposed an original data processing procedure. The dataset analyzed in the paper covers one month of observation. We have received confirmation that during that period, maintenance service has been done. The purpose of our research was to remove ambiguity related to direct oil pressure analysis and visualize oil pressure variation in the diagnostic context. As a fleet of machines in the considered company covers more than 1000 loaders/trucks/drilling machines, the importance of this approach is serious from a practical point of view. We believe that it could be also an inspiration for other researchers working with industrial data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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15 pages, 5105 KiB  
Article
Measurement and Simulation of Flow in a Section of a Mine Gallery
by Jakub Janus and Jerzy Krawczyk
Energies 2021, 14(16), 4894; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14164894 - 10 Aug 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 1579
Abstract
Research work on the air flow in mine workings frequently utilises computer techniques in the form of numeric simulations. However, it is very often necessary to apply simplifications when building a geometrical model. The assumption of constant model geometry on its entire length [...] Read more.
Research work on the air flow in mine workings frequently utilises computer techniques in the form of numeric simulations. However, it is very often necessary to apply simplifications when building a geometrical model. The assumption of constant model geometry on its entire length is one of the most frequent simplifications. This results in a substantial shortening of the geometrical model building process, and a concomitant shortening of the time of numerical computations; however, it is not known to what extent such simplifications worsen the accuracy of simulation results. The paper presents a new methodology that enables precise reproduction of the studied mine gallery and the obtaining of a satisfactory match between simulation results and in-situ measurements. It utilises the processing of data from laser scanning of a mine gallery, simultaneous multi-point measurements of the velocity field at selected gallery cross-sections, unique for mine conditions, and the SAS turbulence model, recently introduced to engineering analyses of flow issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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15 pages, 2266 KiB  
Article
Influence of Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Material and Drill Bit Manufacturing Errors on Stress State of Steel Blades
by Oleg Bazaluk, Andrii Velychkovych, Liubomyr Ropyak, Mykhailo Pashechko, Tetiana Pryhorovska and Vasyl Lozynskyi
Energies 2021, 14(14), 4198; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144198 - 12 Jul 2021
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 2916
Abstract
Drilling volumes should be increased in order to increase hydrocarbon production, but this is impossible without the usage of high-quality drilling tools made of modern structural materials. The study has to analyze the design, technological and operational methods to increase the performance of [...] Read more.
Drilling volumes should be increased in order to increase hydrocarbon production, but this is impossible without the usage of high-quality drilling tools made of modern structural materials. The study has to analyze the design, technological and operational methods to increase the performance of drilling tools made of various materials and has highlighted prospects of technological method applications. The scientific novelty of the study consists in the development of a new analytical model of PDC drill bit–well interaction. The developed model takes into account the drill bit manufacturing errors in the form of bit body–nipple axes misalignment on the drill bit strength. This result makes it possible to determine the permissible manufacturing errors to provide safe operation of the drill bit. It is established that there is an additional transverse force that presses the drill bit to the well wall in the rock due to manufacturing errors. It is determined that the magnitude of this clamping force can be significant. The material effect has been analyzed on additional clamping force. It is established that geometric imperfection of the drill bit causes the minimal effect for the elastic system of the pipe string, which includes a calibrator and is composed of drill pipes based on composite carbon fiber material, and the maximal effect—for steel drill pipes. Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit and well wall contact interaction during operation in non-standard mode is considered. Non-standard stresses are determined, and the strength of the blades is estimated for different values of drilling bit manufacturing error. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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21 pages, 6701 KiB  
Article
Application of UAV in Search and Rescue Actions in Underground Mine—A Specific Sound Detection in Noisy Acoustic Signal
by Paweł Zimroz, Paweł Trybała, Adam Wróblewski, Mateusz Góralczyk, Jarosław Szrek, Agnieszka Wójcik and Radosław Zimroz
Energies 2021, 14(13), 3725; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133725 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 3017
Abstract
The possibility of the application of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in search and rescue activities in a deep underground mine has been investigated. In the presented case study, a UAV is searching for a lost or injured human who is able to [...] Read more.
The possibility of the application of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in search and rescue activities in a deep underground mine has been investigated. In the presented case study, a UAV is searching for a lost or injured human who is able to call for help but is not able to move or use any communication device. A UAV capturing acoustic data while flying through underground corridors is used. The acoustic signal is very noisy since during the flight the UAV contributes high-energetic emission. The main goal of the paper is to present an automatic signal processing procedure for detection of a specific sound (supposed to contain voice activity) in presence of heavy, time-varying noise from UAV. The proposed acoustic signal processing technique is based on time-frequency representation and Euclidean distance measurement between reference spectrum (UAV noise only) and captured data. As both the UAV and “injured” person were equipped with synchronized microphones during the experiment, validation has been performed. Two experiments carried out in lab conditions, as well as one in an underground mine, provided very satisfactory results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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18 pages, 5799 KiB  
Article
Thermal Imaging Study to Determine the Operational Condition of a Conveyor Belt Drive System Structure
by Dawid Szurgacz, Sergey Zhironkin, Stefan Vöth, Jiří Pokorný, A.J.S. (Sam) Spearing, Michal Cehlár, Marta Stempniak and Leszek Sobik
Energies 2021, 14(11), 3258; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113258 - 02 Jun 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3545
Abstract
The paper discusses the results of a study carried out to determine the thermal condition of a conveyor power unit using a thermal imaging camera. The tests covered conveyors in the main haulage system carrying coal from a longwall. The measurements were taken [...] Read more.
The paper discusses the results of a study carried out to determine the thermal condition of a conveyor power unit using a thermal imaging camera. The tests covered conveyors in the main haulage system carrying coal from a longwall. The measurements were taken with a thermal imaging diagnostic method which measures infrared radiation emitted by an object. This technology provides a means of assessing the imminence and severity of a possible failure or damage. The method is a non-contact measuring technique and offers great advantages in an underground mine. The thermograms were analysed by comparing the temperature distribution. An analysis of the operating time of the conveyors was also carried out and the causes of the thermal condition were determined. The main purpose of the research was to detect changes in thermal state during the operation of a belt conveyor that could indicate failure and permit early maintenance and eliminate the chance of a fire. The article also discusses the construction and principle of operation of a thermal imaging camera. The findings obtained from the research analysis on determining the thermal condition of the conveyor drive unit are a valuable source of information for the mine’s maintenance service. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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14 pages, 4047 KiB  
Article
A Multiple Criteria Decision Making Method to Weight the Sustainability Criteria of Equipment Selection for Surface Mining
by Michał Patyk, Przemysław Bodziony and Zbigniew Krysa
Energies 2021, 14(11), 3066; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113066 - 25 May 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2206
Abstract
Selection and assessment of mining equipment used in open pit rock mines relies chiefly on estimates of overall exploitation cost. The rational arrangement of mining equipment and systems comprising loading machines, haul trucks and crushing plants should be preceded by a thorough analysis [...] Read more.
Selection and assessment of mining equipment used in open pit rock mines relies chiefly on estimates of overall exploitation cost. The rational arrangement of mining equipment and systems comprising loading machines, haul trucks and crushing plants should be preceded by a thorough analysis of technical and economic aspects, such as investment outlays and the costs of further exploitation, which largely determine the costs of mining operations and the deposit value. Additionally, the operational parameters of the mining equipment ought to be considered. In this study, a universal set of evaluation criteria has been developed, and an evaluation method has been applied for the selection of surface mining equipment and the processing system to be operated in specific mining conditions, defined by the user. The objective of this study is to develop and apply the new methodology of multi-criteria selection of open pit rock mining equipment based on multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) procedures, to enable the optimization of loading, handling and crushing processes. The methodology, underpinned by the principles of MCDM, provides the dedicated ranking procedures, including the ELECTRE III. The applied methodology allows the alternative options (variants) to be ranked accordingly. Ultimately, a more universal methodology is developed, applicable in other surface mines where geological and mining conditions are similar. It may prove particularly useful in selection and performance assessment of mining equipment and process line configurations in mining of low-quality rock deposits. Therefore, we undertook to develop universal criteria and applications for the selection and performance assessment of process machines for surface mines, taking into account environmental aspects as well as deposit quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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14 pages, 4319 KiB  
Article
Energy Efficiency Analysis of Copper Ore Ball Mill Drive Systems
by Piotr Bortnowski, Lech Gładysiewicz, Robert Król and Maksymilian Ozdoba
Energies 2021, 14(6), 1786; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14061786 - 23 Mar 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3648
Abstract
Milling is among the most energy-consuming technological stages of copper ore processing. It is performed in mills, which are machines of high rotational masses. The start of a mill filled to capacity requires appropriate solutions that mitigate the overloading. One method for increasing [...] Read more.
Milling is among the most energy-consuming technological stages of copper ore processing. It is performed in mills, which are machines of high rotational masses. The start of a mill filled to capacity requires appropriate solutions that mitigate the overloading. One method for increasing the energy efficiency of ball mills is to optimize their drive systems. This article looks at two variants of drive systems with efficiencies higher than the already existing solutions. The first variant is a low-speed synchronous motor with permanent magnets without a gearbox, and the second variant is an asynchronous high-efficiency motor with a gearbox and a fluid coupling. The energy performance analysis of the three solutions was based on the average energy consumption indicator per mass unit of the milled material and on the energy consumption per hour. The investigations required models of the drive systems and analyses with the use of the Monte Carlo methods. The highest energy efficiency is observed in the case of the solution based on the permanent magnet motor. However, the drive system with the high-speed motor offers a gentle start-up possibility owing to the fluid coupling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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21 pages, 4319 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Reasons for Reduced Strength of Multiply Conveyor Belt Splices
by Mirosław Bajda and Monika Hardygóra
Energies 2021, 14(5), 1512; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051512 - 09 Mar 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3418
Abstract
Belt conveyors are used for the transportation of bulk materials in a number of different branches of industry, especially in mining and power industries or in shipping ports. The main component of a belt conveyor is its belt, which serves both as a [...] Read more.
Belt conveyors are used for the transportation of bulk materials in a number of different branches of industry, especially in mining and power industries or in shipping ports. The main component of a belt conveyor is its belt, which serves both as a support for the transported material along the conveyor route and as an element in the drive transmission system. Being crucial to the effective and reliable operation of the conveyor, the belt is also its most expensive and the least durable element. A conveyor belt comprises a core, covers and edges. A multiply textile belt, in which the core is constructed of synthetic fibers such as polyamide, polyester or aramid, is the oldest and still the most commonly used conveyor belt type. The plies are joined with a thin layer of rubber or another material (usually the material is the same as the material used in the covers), which provides the required delamination strength to the belt and allows the plies to move relative to each other as the belt is bent. Belts are installed on the conveyors in a closed loop in order to join belt sections, whose number and length depend on the length and type of the belt conveyor. Belts are joined with each other in a splicing procedure. The cutting of the belt core causes belt splices to be prone to concentrated stresses. The discontinued core also causes the belt to be the weakest element in a conveyor belt loop. The article presents the results of strength parameter tests that were performed on laboratory and industrial splices and indicated the reasons for the reduced strength of conveyor belt splices. Splice strength is reduced mainly due to incorrect preparation of the spliced surfaces and to different mechanical parameters of the spliced belts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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16 pages, 6402 KiB  
Article
A Step-by-Step Procedure for Tests and Assessment of the Automatic Operation of a Powered Roof Support
by Dawid Szurgacz, Sergey Zhironkin, Michal Cehlár, Stefan Vöth, Sam Spearing and Ma Liqiang
Energies 2021, 14(3), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14030697 - 29 Jan 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2348
Abstract
A powered longwall mining system comprises three basic machines: a shearer, a scraper (longwall) conveyor, and a powered roof support. The powered roof support as a component of a longwall complex has two functions. It protects the working from roof rocks that fall [...] Read more.
A powered longwall mining system comprises three basic machines: a shearer, a scraper (longwall) conveyor, and a powered roof support. The powered roof support as a component of a longwall complex has two functions. It protects the working from roof rocks that fall to the area where the machines and people work and transports the machines and devices in the longwall as the mining operation proceeds further into the seam by means of hydraulic actuators that are adequately connected to the powered support. The actuators are controlled by a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic system. The tests and analyses presented in the developed procedure are oriented towards the possibility of introducing automatic control, without the participation of an operator. This is important for the exploitation of seams that are deposited at great depths. The primary objective was to develop a comprehensive methodology for testing and evaluating the possibility of using the system under operating conditions. The conclusions based on the analysis presented are a valuable source of information for the designers in terms of increasing the efficiency of the operation of the system and improving occupational safety. The authors have proposed a procedure for testing and evaluation to introduce an automatic control system into the operating conditions. The procedure combines four areas. Tests and analyses were carried out in order to determine the extent to which the system could be potentially used in the future. The presented solution includes certification and executive documentation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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21 pages, 15151 KiB  
Article
Process Monitoring in Heavy Duty Drilling Rigs—Data Acquisition System and Cycle Identification Algorithms
by Jacek Wodecki, Mateusz Góralczyk, Pavlo Krot, Bartłomiej Ziętek, Jaroslaw Szrek, Magdalena Worsa-Kozak, Radoslaw Zimroz, Paweł Śliwiński and Andrzej Czajkowski
Energies 2020, 13(24), 6748; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13246748 - 21 Dec 2020
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3453
Abstract
The monitoring of drilling processes is a well-known topic in the mining industry. It is widely used for rock mass characterization, bit wear monitoring and drilling process assessment. However on-board monitoring systems used for this purpose are installed only on a limited number [...] Read more.
The monitoring of drilling processes is a well-known topic in the mining industry. It is widely used for rock mass characterization, bit wear monitoring and drilling process assessment. However on-board monitoring systems used for this purpose are installed only on a limited number of machines, and breakdowns are possible. There is a need for a data acquisition system that can be used on different drilling rigs and for an automatic data analysis procedure. In this paper, we focused on the automatic detection of drilling cycles, presenting a simple yet reliable system to be universally installed on drilling rigs. The proposed solution covers hardware and software. It is based on the measurement of electric current and acoustic signals. The signal processing methods include threshold-based segmentation, a short-time envelope spectrum and a spectrum for the representation of results. The results of the research have been verified on a real drilling rig within the testing site of its manufacturer by comparing the results with the data of the on-board monitoring system installed on the machine. Novel aspects of our approach include the detection of the pre-boring stage, which has an intermediate amplitude that masks the real drilling cycles, and the use of the percussion instantaneous frequency, which is estimated by acoustic recordings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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18 pages, 6951 KiB  
Article
A Portable Environmental Data-Monitoring System for Air Hazard Evaluation in Deep Underground Mines
by Bartłomiej Ziętek, Aleksandra Banasiewicz, Radosław Zimroz, Jarosław Szrek and Sebastian Gola
Energies 2020, 13(23), 6331; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13236331 - 30 Nov 2020
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 3161
Abstract
Air-quality measurements in a deep underground mine are a critical issue. The cost of ventilation, as well as the geometry of the considered mine, make this process very difficult, and local air quality may be a danger to miners. Thus, portable, personal devices [...] Read more.
Air-quality measurements in a deep underground mine are a critical issue. The cost of ventilation, as well as the geometry of the considered mine, make this process very difficult, and local air quality may be a danger to miners. Thus, portable, personal devices are required to inform miners about gas hazards. There are available tools for that purpose; however, they do not allow the storage of data collected during a shift. Moreover, they do not allow the basic analysis of the acquired data cost-effectively. This paper aims to present a system using low-cost gas sensors and microcontrollers, and takes advantage of commonly used smartphones as a computing and visualization resource. Finally, we demonstrate monitoring system results from a test in an underground mine located in Poland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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11 pages, 5370 KiB  
Article
Comminution of Copper Ores with the Use of a High-Pressure Water Jet
by Przemyslaw J. Borkowski
Energies 2020, 13(23), 6274; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13236274 - 28 Nov 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2246
Abstract
The article presents research on the comminution of copper ore in a self-constructed mill using high-pressure water jet energy to investigate the usefulness of such a method for comminuting copper ore. As a result, ore particles are obtained that are characterized by appropriate [...] Read more.
The article presents research on the comminution of copper ore in a self-constructed mill using high-pressure water jet energy to investigate the usefulness of such a method for comminuting copper ore. As a result, ore particles are obtained that are characterized by appropriate comminution and a significant increase in their specific surface, in turn allowing for potential further processing of the mineral. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of copper ore comminution, primarily taking into account the unit energy consumption and the efficiency of the milling process, clearly indicates that the energy absorption of hydro-jet material comminuting is lower than during mechanical grinding, e.g., in a planetary ball mill. The applicability of the technique depends on the brittle nature of the host rock, e.g., it is especially appropriate for sandstone and shale ores. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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31 pages, 9984 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Ventilation System on the Methane Release Hazard and Spontaneous Combustion of Coal in the Area of Exploitation—A Case Study
by Magdalena Tutak, Jarosław Brodny, Dawid Szurgacz, Leszek Sobik and Sergey Zhironkin
Energies 2020, 13(18), 4891; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184891 - 18 Sep 2020
Cited by 67 | Viewed by 2875
Abstract
Various types of natural hazards are inextricably linked to the process of underground hard coal mining. Ventilation hazards—methane and spontaneous combustion of coal—are the most dangerous; they pose a major threat to the safety of the workers and decrease the effectiveness of the [...] Read more.
Various types of natural hazards are inextricably linked to the process of underground hard coal mining. Ventilation hazards—methane and spontaneous combustion of coal—are the most dangerous; they pose a major threat to the safety of the workers and decrease the effectiveness of the whole coal production process. One of the methods designed to limit the consequences of such hazards is based on the selection of a ventilation system that will be suitable for the given mining area. The article presents a case study of an active longwall area, where—due to increasing ventilation hazard (methane and spontaneous combusting of coal)—the whole system was rebuilt. The U-type ventilation system was used in the initial stage of the extraction process, however, it often generated methane in amounts that exceeded the allowable values. Consequently, such conditions forced the change of the ventilation system from a U–type to Y–type system. The new system was installed during the ongoing mining process, unlike the usual practice. The article presents the results of tests on mine gas concentrations and descriptive statistics for both types of ventilation system. The results clearly demonstrate that the U-type longwall ventilation system, in the case of high methane release hazard, prevents safe and effective operation. At the same time, the use of this system limits the carbon oxidation reactions in the goaf, leading to spontaneous heating and combustion, which is confirmed by the low concentrations of gases—by-products of these reactions. In turn, the use of the Y-type longwall ventilation system ensures safe and effective operation in areas with high methane release hazard, but at the same time deteriorates the safety associated with the spontaneous combusting of coal. The presented case—both from a scientific and practical perspective—is quite interesting and greatly broadens the knowledge in the scope of an efficient ventilation system for underground workings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

15 pages, 2388 KiB  
Review
A Technology of Hydrocarbon Fluid Production Intensification by Productive Stratum Drainage Zone Reaming
by Oleg Bazaluk, Orest Slabyi, Vasyl Vekeryk, Andrii Velychkovych, Liubomyr Ropyak and Vasyl Lozynskyi
Energies 2021, 14(12), 3514; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14123514 - 13 Jun 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 2209
Abstract
The paper proposes a new technology for fluid production intensification, in particular hydrocarbons, which is implemented via significant increasing of the local wellbore diameter in the interval, where the productive stratum is present. The proposed technology improves the well productivity by increasing the [...] Read more.
The paper proposes a new technology for fluid production intensification, in particular hydrocarbons, which is implemented via significant increasing of the local wellbore diameter in the interval, where the productive stratum is present. The proposed technology improves the well productivity by increasing the filtration surface area and opening new channels for filtering fluids into the well. The innovative, technical idea is to drill large diameter circular recesses in planes perpendicular to the well axis. After that, the rock mass located between the circular recesses are destroyed by applying static or dynamic axial loads. The required value of the axial force is provided by the weight of the standard drilling tool. As a result of the study, the analytical relations to specify the admissible radius of circular recesses and admissible thickness of rock mass between two adjacent circular recesses from the condition of safe operation are obtained. The numerical analysis carried out for typical reservoir rocks substantiated the possibility of well diameter local reaming twenty times. A special tool for circular recess drilling is developed and the principle of its operation is described. The advantage of the proposed approaches is the low energy consumption for well diameter reaming. Our technology will have special economic expediency for the intensification of production from hydrodynamically imperfect wells and under the condition of fluid filtration according to the expressed nonlinear law. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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19 pages, 3300 KiB  
Review
Increasing Energy Efficiency and Productivity of the Comminution Process in Tumbling Mills by Indirect Measurements of Internal Dynamics—An Overview
by Mateusz Góralczyk, Pavlo Krot, Radosław Zimroz and Szymon Ogonowski
Energies 2020, 13(24), 6735; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13246735 - 21 Dec 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4974
Abstract
Tumbling mills have been widely implemented in many industrial sectors for the grinding of bulk materials. They have been used for decades in the production of fines and in the final stages of ore comminution, where optimal levels for the enrichment particles’ sizes [...] Read more.
Tumbling mills have been widely implemented in many industrial sectors for the grinding of bulk materials. They have been used for decades in the production of fines and in the final stages of ore comminution, where optimal levels for the enrichment particles’ sizes are obtained. Even though these ubiquitous machines of relatively simple construction have been subjected to extensive studies, the industry still struggles with very low energy efficiency of the comminution process. Moreover, obtaining an optimal size for the grinding product particles is crucial for the effectiveness of the following processes and waste production reduction. New, innovative processing methods and machines are being developed to tackle the problem; however, tumbling mills are still most commonly used in all ranges of the industry. Since heavy equipment retrofitting is the most costly approach, process optimization with dedicated models and control systems is the most preferable solution for energy consumption reduction. While the classic technological measurements in mineral processing are well adopted by the industry, nowadays research focuses on new methods of the mill’s internal dynamics analysis and control. This paper presents a retrospective overview of the existing models of internal load motion, an overview of the innovations in process control, and some recent research and industrial approaches from the energy consumption reduction point of view. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Technologies Innovative Development)
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