Cat longwall system with AFC full of coal
Caterpillar Global Mining returns to Longwall USA with digital displays of its complete line of longwall products—roof supports, shearers, plows, face conveyors, stage loaders, drive systems and automation technology to optimize operations.
Caterpillar will present advanced automation technologies that have played key roles in several Australian longwall mines attaining million-ton months. One mine exceeded 360,000 tons in a week. In addition to increases in productivity, integrating control of all longwall components increased equipment availability and reduced in-panel parts usage. For details on automation strategies—from basic to advanced—see the Caterpillar longwall team at booth 727.
Caterpillar will also present an update on the new HTD4100 High Torque Drive for armored face conveyors. The new drive system consists of two main components—a variable frequency converter and the motor-gearbox combination. In the new Cat® system, a medium voltage converter-controlled torque motor replaces the AC induction motor. The control principle of the drive is Direct Torque Control—the most advanced AC-drive control technology available.
The system enables a higher level of automation for enhanced speed and torque control and real-time monitoring, and its modular design simplifies installation and maintenance. The innovative system offers fast response and precise control to reduce conveyor chain wear and failures, and the high-torque motor delivers maximum torque independent of speed to optimize production while minimizing wear.
Caterpillar also will emphasize its proven shearer line, featuring the EL1000, which was announced at Longwall USA 2013. Designed specifically for low- and medium-height seams, the EL1000 has since proven to deliver the power, production, controllability and reliability required to address high production demands and varying geological conditions.
MineStar™ Detect Personnel system for longwall systems will also be a focus. Integrated with the Cat PMC®-R electro-hydraulic roof-support control system, Detect Personnel is designed to reliably identify the presence of personnel in longwall faces through RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and to avoid collisions between personnel and moving equipment by monitoring safety zones and access authorization.
As with all Caterpillar Global Mining products, the worldwide network of Cat dealers adds value to both old and new longwall mining systems. Cat dealers ensure the highest quality product support—replacement parts, competent timely service, rebuilds and longwall expertise. Cat dealers understand longwall operators’ urgency for reliable, continuously high production, and they have the capability to respond to those needs.
Cat longwall products on display
For information about Cat longwall mining products and services, visit Caterpillar at Longwall USA or go to: mining.cat.com/longwall