Mining Magazine > Panorama > Fully automated coal plow from CNCME

China National Coal Mining Equipment has developed a fully automated thin-seam coal plow, capable of multiple cycles with full integration of cutting, loading and conveying. With a maximum power of 400kW operating over 300m face lengths the plow system is expected to produce 800t/h.

Bucyrus remain the leading OEM in this field, though a few Czech, Russian and Chinese players have delivered plows to local markets in the past.

The automated plow is designed for seam heights of 0.6-2m and is available in Australia through CME’s distributor, Ellton Longwall, and through Parsons Chain in the USA.

“The coal plow is engineered with high strength and high abrasion resistance, providing a long service life and extremely high reliability,” Ellton said.

The high-speed chain plow drive system uses the latest soft-start technology and speed-control systems to allow frequent starts under load and frequent direction changes.

The automated plow also has a self-clearing device to reduce chain path resistance and allow the plow to run at full power in difficult conditions.

The automated plow has systems covering full operational control and monitoring, electro-hydraulic control, cooling water control and monitoring, automatic water spray control, face communication and locking.

Ellton says the automated system controls and monitors the accurate boom location and the working condition of the plow head, such as running speed and direction, and cutting depth.

“Electro-hydraulic controls are the major components of this fully automatic plow control system,” the CME distributor said. “It gives position of the plow head and controls the constant automatic advance of the powered supports. This system is very reliable and structurally simple. A large LCD screen is used to display working condition of [the] controller in colour.”

Plow longwalls are considered optimal for thin seams ranging from 0.6 to 2.3m, where shearer loaders struggle to compete. Automated systems are now in operation in China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Kazakhstan, the USA, Mexico, Poland, Ukraine and Russia.