Control systems introduced for coal mining conveyor applications

New control systems from Rockwell Automation simplify maintenance, reduce downtime and increase product selection, service and support for coal miners

By Plant Engineering Staff September 27, 2001

MEQUON, Wis. – Comprehensive control systems, backed by the service and support of complete automation leader Rockwell Automation, are now available for above- and below-ground conveyors in coal mining applications.

The new custom-built control systems include Allen-Bradley ControlLogix* controllers, Reliance Electric* motors, Allen-Bradley PanelView* operator interfaces, AC and DC drives, reducers and couplings – designed specifically for the harsh mining environment. Rockwell Automation also offers standard packages for main drive, booster drive and belt take-up winch systems, which are the most common underground conveyor applications.

This new conveyor control package is the first system supplied by a drives manufacturer that is specifically designed for the North Americanapplications.

In addition, an explosion proof design is also available for underground mining applications outside of North America.

tion’s local drive center worked with us to customize a system that would meet our needs. We ended up with a system that is simple and effective. Rockwell Automation’s unique packaging and cooling technology allows our drive system to meet the demands of the harsh, dusty mining environment.”

Flexible Scope and Supply

Rockwell Automation’s custom-built coal mining control system, with both low-and medium-voltage capabilities, is available for applications ranging from a single winch drive to an integrated drive system with electrical installation and condition monitoring requirements.

As Rockwell Automation’s water-cooled AC drive is available as a single module up to 1000 HP, it can be used in applications where mounting space is at a premium. The water-cooled AC drives use a closed-loop, stand-alone system that utilizes mine air for effective drive cooling, allowing the drives to be totally sealed to protect sensitive electronics from the harsh, mining environment. Depending on users’ needs, Rockwell Automation also can provide DC drive systems to replace existing drives and motors or to retrofit existing power bridges with advanced digital control.

Through its partner network, Rockwell Automation’s coal mining control system also offers a mining duty power center, which can be combined with the drive system in a single, integrated package to reduce cost for the mine. By combining the power center transformer and drive system, Rockwell Automation’s coal mining control system eliminates the need for two separate systems and offers end users a clean, more efficient electrical system.

In addition, this package may be supplied in a 12-pulse configuration to limit harmonic distortion in the mine’s power system.

Simplified MaintenanceRockwell Automation’s coal mining control system is built from the company’s open control architecture, which allows the system to easily integrate with existing equipment, simplifying maintenance and operation. With Rockwell Automation’s condition monitoring and maintenance program, end users can extend the life of rotating equipment by identifying and eliminating failure modes at the sources and increase mine capacity by reducing downtime up to 20 percent.

The condition monitoring and maintenance program allows end users to choose multiple levels of support – from portable handheld data collectors that identify when devices are operating outside of normal condition to sophisticated online monitoring and report generation systems that alert users to maintenance problems, track parts inventory and schedule a work order according to the severity of the maintenance issue.

Support and ServiceRockwell Automation combines factory engineering and manufacturing with 10 local drive solution centers, offering coal mining control system users a local resource for drive manufacturing, service and support. In addition, mines can access Drives Field Modernization project managers for local application support, drives field engineers for system commissioning, troubleshooting and repair, and an extensive network of distributors for product support.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a $4.3 billion world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for complete automation solutions, including Dodge

The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs approximately 23,500 people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries.

For more information on Rockwell Automation drive systems for coal mining applications please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, (800) 223-5354, Ext. 1439.

SOURCE: Rockwell Automation