The use of advanced computer programs to assist the engineering design and simulation tests in the educational process of students of technical universities of mechanical and mining profile

Abstract: The article presents the possibility of using advanced computer programs to assist the engineering design in the didactic process of students of technical universities of mechanical and mining profile. For example of few selected solutions of unusual machineries and equipments, developed for the mining industry, the application of these programs, mainly Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD was shown. The process of design and simulation tests related to their kinematics, efficiency and the possibility of collisions of individual elements of the structure during opera-tion was described. The results of works developed by the students of the AGH University of Krakow, performed in the Department of Mining, Processing and Transport Machines, were presented.

Key words: didactic process, designing, computer aided design, mining, simulation tests

Designing of innovative and unusual mining machines using modern computer techniques

Abstract: The article presents, on the example of selected innovative and unusual machine solu-tions for mining industry, developed in Department of Mining, Dressing and Transport Machines, AGH University of Science and Technology Kraków, the possibilities of using advanced computer programs to support the design and modeling of these machines and the simulation tests of mining machines. The use of such programs as Autodesk Inventor, MES and DEM has been described, which were applied in the process of designing construction solutions for selected machines, their technology of work and simulation tests related to kinematics and their efficiency. The results achieved during the development of machine and device solutions for gallery excavation work, hard coal longwall complexes for thin seams and shaft shearer complex were presented.

Key words: modeling, computer aided design, mining, innovation, simulation tests

The effect of selected construction parameters for practice parameters individual valve blocks

Abstract: The article presents the problem of the influence of selected construction parameters of single valve blocks on the parameters of their work. The construction parameters of the valve blocks and the block overflow valve determine the required block operating parameters, de-pending on the mining and geological conditions in which the powered roof support section will be working.

Key words: powered roof support, section support system, single valve blocks

Optimization of exploitation system of a thick coal - seam in the scope of existing associated risks together with reconsolidation of the ceiling on the example of the deck wall 24 510/1łg, 510/1 and 510/1-2 PART W2 in KWK “Borynia-Zofiówka-Jastrzębie” Ruch “Jastrzębie”

Abstract: Lecture contains review of mining-geological conditions of longwall 24 coal bed 510/łg, 510/1 and 510/1-2 in part W2 at JSW S.A. KWK “Borynia-Zofiówka-Jastrzębie” Ruch “Jastrzębie” together with brief historical view of developing concept of coal bed cut and exploi-tation system selection in terms of existing combined hazard. Formation of fire and methane hazard (dominant hazard) during the exploitation period and selection of prophylaxis in terms of coping with them in aspect of accepted design assumptions.

Key words: reconsolidation of the ceiling, exploitation system of a thick coal, combined hazard

Study the relationship between the average remuneration and production and productivity in hard coal mining in Poland

Abstract: The correct structure of remuneration that includes, among others, performance bonuses may be one of the key elements needed to improve productivity in mining companies. Well-structured remuneration aims to stimulate more efficient work and development of em-ployees. This goal can be achieved when the structure or level of remuneration prompts desired behaviors in terms of work performance, which will impact work outcomes and overall business productivity. However, when analyzing the structure of average remuneration of manual wor-kers employed underground in randomly selected mining companies in Silesia, no effective structures were reported. Accordingly, this publication presents the results obtained when stu-dying the correlations between the average remuneration and production and work productivi-ty in hard coal mining in Poland, looking for the relationship between these elements of the production process.

Key words: remuneration, motivation, productivity, mining

Cutting machines in selected methods of exploitation of thin seams of hard coal

Abstract: The exploitation of thin seams with the thickness of up to 1.6 m connected with tech-nical, ergonomic and economic limitation. Selection of seams start from medium and thick and thin are often exploited only when it is required for safety reasons. However, as hard coal depos-its run out, it is necessary to select them. The wide variety of conditions has led to the develop-ment of many exploitation methods and systems, as well as machines that are sometimes used only locally in different parts of the world. The article presents selected methods of exploitation of thin coal seams in underground as well as surface mines. Special attention has been paid to untypical and rarely used methods and machines that are not present in Poland. The paper dis-cusses mining machines working in room and pillar mining and methods of Highwall mining, Auger mining and Punch Longwall mining. However, the wall systems were discussed in the article of "Cutting machines in longwall systems of exploitation of thin coal seams”.

Key words: thin coal seams, room and pillar mining, Highwall mining, Auger mining, Punch longwall mining

 

Abstract: The underground exploitation of thin seams, ie. seams with the thickness of up to 1.6 m, is associated with a numerous limitations and difficulties, therefore they are usually exploited only after selecting deposits that are more economically viable, ie. medium and thick ones, or when it is required for the safety reasons. However, the depletion of hard coal deposits argues in favour of their exploitation. The wide variety of conditions has led to the development of many methods and systems of exploitation. The article focuses on longwall systems of exploitation of these seams. The most important assumptions and advantages of wall exploitation were presen-ted and the mining machines used as a crucial element of the mechanization systems were di-scussed. Attention was also paid to the solutions of shearers and coal plows not used in Poland. Finally, an innovative solution of a longwall system equipped with a single-cutting head lon-gwall shearer working in walls from 1.0 to 1.6 m was briefly presented. The longwall systems were discussed in the article of " Cutting machines in selected methods of exploitation of thin seams of hard coal.

Key words: thin coal seams, single-cutting head longwall shearer, mining mechanization, coal plows, longwall shearers

The mining rescure in SRK S.A. – economics and busines

Abstract: The article discusses aspect of the mining rescue in Poland in the context of liquidated mining plants. On the basis of selected mining regulations, the principles of the rescue operation of an operator as well as of professional mining rescue workers has been explained. This paper describes the organization of the mining rescue in Poland and the competences of individual entities included in this entity. Described have been also the stages of organizing the mining rescue in SRK S.A. and elements of economic analysis of maintenance costs in SRK S.A. Rescue Station. The article also undertakes the social problem related to the attempted takeover by the Central Mining Rescue Station S.A. in Bytom full security of twelve departments of the mining rescue SRK S.A. where underground works are still being carried out. As a summary the author faces with the paradoxes of this situation.

Key words: Rescue Station, SRK S.A., Rescue Mining, SRK S.A., Central Mining Rescue Station, CSRG S.A., economic analysis, costs, business, paradox

Becker-Warkop experience from the implementation of battery monorails

Abstract: In the article the authors present their experience with the implementation of the battery monorail CA-190 developed by Becker-Warkop sp. z o.o. together with the innovative technology of mobile lighting of passenger and material stations together with the route during the journey. The paper presented a technical solution with its configuration capabilities and experience from implementations.

Key words: mobile lighting, monorail, experience, internships, battery monorail

Risk reduction alternatives for methane ignition and explosion based on panel of experts in the areas of longwall exploitation in coal mines

Abstract: The paper presents the topic of methane hazard in the light of occupational risk as-sessment theory, using the qualitative assessment method with the participation of experts. The identified risk factors of ignition and methane explosion were presented and they were divided into semantic groups such as lithospheric and technological factors CZ, ignition factors CI, or-ganization, methane detection and prevention factors CO and possible consequences of methane risk CS. Based on the presented procedure, the methane risk factors were assessed and classified. On this basis, unconventional methane risk reduction methods were proposed related to risk factors, which impact was considered by the experts the most unfavorable.

Key words: methane, methane risk, panel of experts

Combating climatic hazard in the plow longwall system on the example of the longwall D-2 in the layer 410 in JSW S.A. the „Borynia-Zofiówka-Jastrzębie” „Zofiówka” fild coal mine

Abstract: The subject of the article is presentation of practical experiences in conducting a low-thickness caving plow longwall system with high climatic hazard. It also describes the mining staff procedure from the forecast of the climatic hazard to the presentation of work of coolers during exploitation of the longwall.

Key word: climatic hazard, plow longwall system

Application of FTA method for hazard identification during work of underground transport devices

Abstract: Underground transport equipment due to work in limited spaces of mining excava-tions carry specific hazards to the working crew. The article analyzes the operation of transport machines such as conveyor belts, underground railway and vertical transport in mining shafts. The fault tree method was used to analyze the hazards by determining the direct and indirect causes of hazards in underground transport. The construction of the fault tree was presented for three types of events: transport by conveyor, underground railway and vertical transport by a mine shaft.

Key words: underground transport, mining hazards, fault tree analysis

Consequences of emission reduction for mining in Poland

Abstract: The article presents the issues of the climate package adopted in the EU and related to obligations to reduction the emission of CO2. The key assumptions of the climate package were discussed, along with the tool on the emission reduction, such as: European Union Green-house Gas Emission Trading System (EU ETS). The phenomenon of emissions leakage is present-ed and an impact on the coal industry development in Poland, which can be associated with jobs reduction in the mining industry in the country. The article shows influence of the decarbonisa-tion policy of energy system on the economic competitiveness of the member states in compari-son of the other countries where there are no emission limits.

Key words: sustainable development, climate package, emission

Assessment of methane hazard control correctness at the intersection of longwall with ventilation roadway in the light of results of methane distribution simulation on the geometric model

Abstract: When longwalls are ventilated using the "U" type system along body of coal, the zone with high methane concentration in gobs behind longwall is present directly near longwall working, in particular in the area of the intersection of the longwall with the ventilation roadway. Therefore, the monitoring of methane hazard in the area of this intersection has influence on the safety of works. This paper presents selected results of studies carried out within the framework of the project AVENTO that was implemented between 2012-2015 in the Central Mining Institute, and which one of the objectives was to develop a methodology for monitoring and assessment of methane hazard in a mine.

Key words: mining, safety, ventilation, methane hazard, assessment

Description of the surface vibrations caused by rockmass tremors taking into account the directivity of vibrations’ attenuation

Abstract: Seismicity induced by conducted mining works in many cases causes the strongly felt surface vibrations. In order to record ground vibrations occurring in the mining areas, network of observation stations is being expanded. Data from these point observations are used to repro-duce acceleration (velocities) fields of ground vibrations over the entire area affected by dynam-ic impacts of rockmass tremors. Many times, commonly used attenuation relations do not allow to obtain a sufficiently practicable accuracy of the description of the results of observations. In such cases, using the attenuation relationship that takes into account the directivity of the propagation of vibrations may allow to increase the accuracy of the reproduction of ground vibration accelerations (velocities). In the article, the reproduction’s results of recorded acceler-ations of ground vibration caused by rockmass tremors, occurring in the area of one of the GZW mines, are presented. In all cases, the directivity of vibration propagation was observed. The results of the calculations show that the direction of lower surface vibration attenuation is par-allel to the direction of the tectonic fault adjacent to the epicenter of the tremor generating these vibrations.

Key words: induced seismicity, attenuation relationship, directivity of ground vibrations prop-agation

Possible solutions of underground radiocommunication systems

Abstract: This paper presents the limitations and possibilities of implementing radiocommuni-cation systems in underground mines. The TTE, TTW, TTA systems and hybrid systems have also been described in details. Moreover, the issues of possible frequency ranges and transmission protocols were presented.

Key words: radiocommunication in underground mines; TTE TTW TTA systems

Energy-efficient utilization of the captured methane in coal mine JSW S.A. KWK "Pniówek"

Abstract: Effective use of captured methane in coal mine JSW KWK "Pniówek" brings measura-ble energy, economic and ecological benefits. The article describes almost twenty years of expe-rience in the operation of a combined energy and cooling system, in which the natural climate threat is combated with the captured demethanation gas that is the basis for the production of energy carriers. The article includes: the characteristics of the climatic hazard in the "Pniówek" mine; the concept of central air conditioning in the "Pniówek" mine; description of energy-efficient cooling energy production for the central air-conditioning system of the mine; expe-rience in cooling energy management in the underground part of central air conditioning sys-tem.

Key words: central air conditioning system, methane, energy efficiency, polygeneration, energy production in combination, CCHP

Hard coal mining. Computerization. COIG S.A.

Abstract: The article describes the historical role and importance of COIG SA in the process of computerization of the Polish hard coal mining in the years 1951-2018. History is discussed. and the closest prospects for system development SZYK2.

Key words: mining, computerization, management, support, restructuring

Wind farm locations in polish maritime areas

Abstract: The construction and location of wind farms in the Baltic Sea thus requires perform-ing multiple analyzes, among others, in terms of safety of shipping routes. The rapid develop-ment of offshore green energy sector in Europe and around the world confirms the enormous potential and opportunities for the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources. At the same time the wind energy project in the Baltic Sea raises a lot of controversy among people connected with fisheries. The article dealt with a problem of interference of wind farms in the aspect of reducing the possibilities for navigating ships.

Key words: offshore wind farms, sea area, Southern Baltic, shipping routes

Inertisation in goaf of longwall with caving

Abstract: The purpose of inertisation and highlights the importance of determining the location of the inert gas and its quantity are depicted in the article. It has been found that inertisation should be considered already at the design stage of coal seam exploitation. The technical possi-bilities of producing and supplying inert gas should be taken into account. It has been suggested, determine the distribution of oxygen concentration in the goaf of longwall before and after iner-tization, as well as determine the distribution of airflow in the goaf may be helpful during the process of designing. The range of oxygen concentration distribution and velocity distribution of the air flow in the goaf of longwall, which may favor the process of self-heating of coal, are giv-en. This area should be inertisated. Guidelines for inertisation of longwall goaf have been devel-oped. It was noted that the planning of the operation should be a multi-stage process, the steps listed and their sequence indicated. An algorithm for the inertisation of the longwall goaf was also presented. In summary, it was pointed out that the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of inertisation could be helpful in deciding on the choice of this method of prevention.

Key words: inertization, inertization design algorithm, evaluation of inertization efficiency

Machine and equipment monitoring, automation of technological processes in longwall and roadheading systems

Abstract: Information gathering concerning current production process in a clear and widely available manner as well as supervision of the operating status of the production equipment; machines and electrical power devices or manufacturing installation of mine output feed on one job position, e.g. of mechanical and electrical equipment dispatcher in the work place was and still is the trend in many plants, mining as well. Supervision of the machines and adjusting its parameters through visualization in a broad sense in its changing working environment is the main goal of the electrical and mechanical service as well as geological or rockburst too. There is a special problem in exploitation in very difficult conditions and danger zones.

Key words: Information gathering, visualization, electrical power devices, SCADA

Occupational risk assessment during operations of driving the mining face and installing the roof support

Abstract: Occupational risk assessment is one of the employer’s elementary duties. For many years, in Poland, the occupational risk assessment has been conducted with various methods. The entrepreneurs most often apply the methods based on the guidelines and the model provid-ed by Polish Standard PN-N-18002:2011. The article presents a method where the occupational risk is assessed for given work activities.

Key words: hazard, risk, risk assessment, method, model

Use of tol analytical method to identify and analyse causes of accidents

Abstract: Accidents are negative events which occur in the work environment. Discovering why an accident happened makes it possible to propose and then implement actions aimed at pre-venting similar accidents in the future. The article presents the basic division of causes of acci-dents, the basics of the accident analysis methodology TOL and an example of applying it to analyse an accident which occurred when a roadway was driven.

Key words: model, accident, identification, analysis

Use of waste, including coal waste for the production of alternative fuel

Abstract: Legal aspects of the use of alternative fuels from waste are presented. The definition of coal waste and the example of its use for the production of smokeless alternative fuel are given.

Key words: waste, alternative fuels, coal waste

Method of proceeding while designing the exploitation of coal seams in conditions of methane hazard

Abstract: The state of methane hazard in Polish coal mines is presented in the paper. Ventila-tion systems of longwall panels are discussed. The necessity of methane drainage usage has been emphasised, which should be adapted to the panel ventilation system. The effectiveness of the methane drainage relating to using the both, methane drainage method and the panel ventila-tion system, has been described. On this basis, the principles of methane drainage planning are formulated, as well as practical guidance is given. It should contribute to effective methane drainage in hard coal mines. It was proposed to choose the ventilation and methane drainage systems for longwall panel depending on the predicted methane emission.

Key words: methane hazard, methane drainage designing the exploitation

Designing mine cooling systems using KlimaSystem software

Abstract: In the Polish underground mines different types of mine cooling systems are used. In the future, parameters of air climate conditions is going to be worse, so using air cooling sys-tems will be required. The effectiveness of the system depends not only on the correct design. Very important is also current service. Efecivness of air cooling system depends of many factors. But key influence have distribution of water. To air coolers should be delivered enough cold wather. When the structure of mine cooling system is complicated it could be difficult. Then for calculations might be used computer software, like a KlimaSystem.

Key words: design, air conditioning systems, KlimaSystem

Comparison of periodic trainings on ohs carried out in active mining and wished installations

Abstract: In the article the author discusses the problem related to the implementation of peri-odic training among underground workers. Trainings are usually carried out en masse and there is no division into active and liquidated mines. The publication asked about opinions on periodic training of employees of active mining plants and liquidated in the form of a short anonymous survey. To improve the course of periodic training, modifications to the framework training programs should be introduced. The modification will allow for the inclusion of irregu-larities and will specify and detail the issues implemented directly in active and liquid mining plants. In addition, a survey was conducted among employees taking part in training. The ques-tionnaire consisted of fourteen questions concerning, among other things, the scope of the train-ing conducted, including employees working in liquidated mining plants as well as observations of persons trained in this field.

Key words: periodic training, mining, mining plants liquidated

Regulation of ventilation in the local stream of used air as an element of optimization and stabilization of the mine ventilation system on the example of KWK ROW „Jankowice”

Abstract: Regulation of ventilation, in accordance with applicable regulations, should be car-ried out with regulatory dams installed at the beginning of the stream air. With the consent of the Director of the Mine, the regulation may be carried out in the local stream of used air. The article presents an example of the application of such ventilation regulation in KWK ROW Jankowice.

Key words: mining, ventilation, regulation of ventilation, air current stability

Influence of the emission of methane disposed from ventilation shafts of hard coal mines on the state of atmospheric air

Abstract: Methane CH4 is a gas that is primarily produced by the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in biological systems as well as from anthropogenic sources. In 2014, methane emissions were 41.33 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent and 46.1% less than the baseline year. At the same time, methane, like CO2, has been recognized by the International Panel on Climate Change as a greenhouse gas, a substance that absorbs infrared radiation, and thus contributes to global warming. According to the IPCC, methane concentration in the atmosphere has in-creased by approximately 162% over the past 250 years, and now half of its current stream emitted into the atmosphere comes from anthropogenic sources, the ones most affected by hu-man activity. One of the main sources of methane release into the atmosphere is mining. Poland, along with China, the United States, Ukraine, Russia and Australia, accounts for about 2.7% of the world's largest methane emitters in the coal mining sector, which accounts for around 8% of global anthropogenic methane production in 2010. Mining managers are obliged to capture methane in order to ensure safe working conditions for mining crews. The captured methane can be disposed of or released into the atmosphere (VAM). However, taking into account many sources of methane emissions, estimating its amount from individual sources is burdened with very high uncertainty, which in turn hampers accurate forecasting of climate change. In order to accurately predict climate change and help to enforce policy conventions for avoiding green-house gas emissions, adequate knowledge of the sources and absorption of greenhouse gases is needed. Due to the importance of the issue, our current understanding of the sources and pro-cesses accompanying the leakage of methane into the atmosphere is still insufficient. The pur-pose of this article is to determine the reasons for methane release from hard coal seams, as well as to illustrate the release from ventilation shafts on the example of a mine consisting of three works.

Key words: methane emission from ventilation shafts, anthropogenic air pollution, ventilation air methane

fire hazard in a coal fence based on experience KWK ROW ruch „Jankowice”

Abstract: The article discusses KWK ROW experience related to cutting and exploitation in the conditions of threats associated with the possibility of endogenous fire in the coal fence between the active over-wall and ventilated sidewalls of the ventilated wall with the experience of the so-called "Short Y".

Key words: fire prevention, carbon fence, security, ventilation, demethanization

Numerical simulation of methane outflow into roadway

Abstract: This paper presents the results of numerical modeling of methane outflow into road-way depending on the location of the methane-bearing layer in relation to this roadway. The assessment of changes in the roadway area was made using the anisotropic ubiquitous joint model. The process of gas flow through porous medium was simulated based on the single-phase Darcy flow condition. For numerical modelin, the FLAC finite difference program was used. De-termination of the methan flow in the rock mass was coupled with calculations of changes in stress and deformation of the modeled medium. Presented results of computer simulated me-thane outflow into roadway should be assessed as qualitative. These results show the capabili-ties of used FLAC program. Use of two-dimensional rock mass model is a very big simplification, which enables assessment of methane outlets in the excavated raodway (excluding the face zone of the excavated roadway).

Key words: excavation deformation, rock mass model, damage zones, methane content

Simulation of rock mass subsidence due to subsequent mining extraction using the theory of cellular automata

Abstract: The paper presents an example of real subsequent hard coal mining, which caused the formation of a subsidence trough on the surface of the mining area. Surface deformations were covered by systematic leveling measurements along the measurement line “1”. For the illustrat-ed example of underground mining, numerical calculations were made using the theory of cellu-lar automata. Calculated data were compared with the results of geodetic observations. The aim of the article was to verify the theoretical assumptions of the model and to demonstrate the practical possibilities of applying the method to assess the subsidence of the mining area.

Key words: subsidence, rock mass, cellular automaton

Creating of a digital terrain model for volume calculation needs

Abstract: The paper presents an overview of the methods used to calculate the volume of ponds, refuse piles, mine workings, etc. Examples of such work in Geolisp, AutoCAD Civil 3D and BricsCAD are provided. Paper describes generation process of the numerical terrain model, elim-ination of major errors, inputting of discontinuity lines and creation of the reference surfaces. A list of few additional applications of volumetric surface is provided, such as: designing a protec-tive pillar, determining the intersection line between seam floor and carbon roof, etc. Paper presents recommended parameters for extrapolation of the measured data. A free MP-NMT tool is presented which is used for creating and controlling NTM, creating isolines, graphs, calculat-ing volume, etc. An algorithm for simplifying large amounts of data is described.

Key words: volume calculation, Digital Terrain Model, TIN surfaces

Coal yes, smog not – awareness and responsibility

Abstract: The article discusses the essence of the concept of smog and the scale of health risks resulting from poor air quality. It also presents ways to reduce low emissions, including the need awakening social responsibility.

Key words: smog, health, coal, consciousness, responsibility

Short link chain – determinants influencing work safety

Abstract: An important element in hoists and chain pullers is the short link chain, which is lar-gely about the safety of the worker operating the crane. The article discusses the basic determi-nants affecting the quality and safety of the chain. From this analysis it is clear that users of these products, when choosing a supplier, should not only suggest the price, but first of all certi-ficates and attestations that the manufacturer provides with the product.

Key words: chain, hoist/winch, quality, work safety

The future of polish power engineering using the resource base of energy resources

Abstract: One of the most important issue of modern Poland is how to define proper standards of the energy security which lies at the root of the national sovereignty; the energy security is the central plank what guarantees durable of the economic development. Therefore, one should search for an answer to the thesis: is it possible to achieve high standards of the Polish energy security while reducing costs of obtaining energy and fuels? The article will show examples of rational use of the existing capabilities of energy resources, regional energy development pro-cesses and the possibility of using new technologies for the energy production. In this area Po-land should cooperate with the Member States of the European Union, as well as with countries not belonging to it. Due to the existing conditions, Poland should be the main producer of energy coal in Europe and return to self-sufficiency in this respect.

Key words: power engineering, expenses/costs, construction of mines, cogeneration, e-mobility

100th anniversary of independence of Poland. Silesian biographies – dr Józef Wilczek

Abstract: The article reviews biographies of four Silesian Nobel Prize Winners and the biog-raphy of Silesian psychiatrist dr Józef Wilczek. The life of main character is a perfect example of how difficult, tragic and twisted Silesians’ lifes were. It also shows how those people were de-termined in keeping their tradition and national identity during the 20th century.

Key words: 100th anniversary of independence of Poland, silesian biographies, Józef Wilczek