Longwall shearers for exploiting thin coal seams as well as thin and highly inclined coal seams

Abstract

Due to a number of advantages, mechanized longwall systems are applied to exploit seams characterized by a wide range of thicknesses. In the case of thin seams as well as thin and highly inclined ones, there are numerous solutions for longwall shearers that allow for the exploitation of coal seams with a minimum thickness of 0.4 m and a gradient of up to 85°. The article focuses on longwall systems designed for such seam mining. The most important assumptions and advantages of longwall exploitation are presented, and mining machines that are key elements of mechanized longwall systems are discussed. Attention has also been drawn to the various solutions of shearers that are currently used on the domestic market. A wide range of available solutions allowed for distinguishing and presenting ten types of shearers.