Analyzing methods for calculating the output of the KSM-type surface miners at the Elga coal deposit

Abstract

Introduction. The outlook is considered for blastless rock and coal mining at the Elga coal deposit when using continuous mining based on rotary conveyor lines and KSM-type cutting and loading machines. The article describes the mining and geological conditions of the Elga coal deposit. The article considers a range of sizes of the Sutterwhite-class rotary mining machines that contains seven models from the KSM (KRUPP Surface Miner) production series for open-pit mining with an output from 700 to 3000 m3 /h in a solid block or 1250–4000 m3 /h in soft ground. The article analyzes various methods for KSM-type surface miner output calculation for the conditions of the Elga coal deposit in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Results and analysis. It has been established that the overburden at the deposit is strongly coherent, the machine’s output in terms of energy-power indicators ranges from 420 m3 for conglomerate and up to 850 m3 for siltstone, which is less than the rated technical output of KSM-2000R for solid rock equal to 1400 m3 /h. The results of the KSM-type surface miners output calculation by the kinematic factor show that at a rated layer height of 2.9 m, the output of the KSM-2000R was 1138 m3 /h, and the output of the KSM-2000RM was 1804 m3 /h. This correlation is maintained for different layer heights. KSM-2000RM has 80 buckets, while KSM-2000R has only 60 buckets, which explains different output. Additionally, the KSM2000RM depth of cut is 60 mm, which is greater compared to 47 mm of the KSM-2000R depth of cut. The Dombrovsky method for output calculation using the cross-section area of the cut and the bucket feed showed that the result obtained for the hourly output (1410 m3 /h) coincides with the hourly output of 1400 m3 /h specified in the technical passport for KSM-2000R. Conclusions. The results analysis showed that the highest output indicator of 1410 m3 /h for the KSM-2000R was obtained through the Dombrovsky method, and the output indicator of 1804 m3 /h for the KSM-2000RM was obtained through the calculation by the kinematic factor.