Anchoring system
The machine mounted drills on the front of the Highwall Miner are capable of drilling into the pit floor up to 96 inches (243.8cm) deep. Two high strength eight foot (2.4m) pins are inserted through the base frame f the miner into the pit floor. The anchoring system stabilizes the Highwall Miner during both the mining and the retract cycles.
Remote Mining
The onboard user-friendly touch screen and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) provides the operator precise machine control with full machine diagnostic functions. The cutting cycle of the electric cutter head is full automatic and the PLC gives the operator flexibility to make manual adjustments in the mining operation even when in the automatic mode.
Right Angle Conveyor
A new development at Terex SHM is the right angle discharge conveyor. The conveyor can be mounted to discharge coal on the right or left side of the Highwall Miner.
The advantages of the Right Angle Conveyor System are that the miner can work on 42 foot bench widths of 12.8 m) The system also can discharge on to a stacking conveyor system where the coal can be conveyed back to the center of the bench for stock piling large volumes of coal.
Generator
The Terex SHM mining system can be powered from either highline power or by utilizing the superior Highwall Miner electric generator. This mobile 1500 kilowatt, 2,000 hp generator, 16 cylinder diesel, 995 volt system, is housed in a 20 foot (6.1m) super silenced container. The mobile generator is mounted on crawlers for high maneuverability in rough terrain.
System Strengths
Push Beams
One of the strengths of the Terex SHM miner is its powerful push beam technology. As the cutter head pushes into the coal seam, the operator loads a push beam every 20 ft. (6.1m) onto the Push Beam Transfer Mechanism (PTM). Push beams enclose a pair of 18 inch (45.7 cm) diameter augers that run the full length of the beam. This fully enclosed design allows for mining through tough roof conditions while eliminating external ash. The system’ low ground pressure allows mining seams with soft floor conditions. Push beams are hinged at each end, allowing the string of push beams and cutter head to be navigated through rolls and undulations within the coal seam.
Reel and Chain
All electric power cables, hydraulic lines, control cables, water liens and methane sensor cables are stored in the armored hose chain that is wrapped around the house reel assembly. During the mining process, the hose chain is automatically unrolled a push beams are added every 20 feet (6.1m). When the push beams are removed in the retract mode, the hose chain is automatically rolled back on the reel.
Tracks
The Terex SHM miner utilizes four heavy duty hydraulically powered tracks that can articulate 90 degrees. The machine has 360 degree mobility for precise placement at the site. Terex SHM’s tramming system allows it to operate on contour benches as narrow as 42 feet (12.8m). This feature allows for easy tramming from entry to entry or when repositioning the Terex SHM miner to a new pit.
Cutter Head
Interchangeable electric cutter head modules enable the system to mine varying seam heights, from 20 inches (71.1 cm) to 15 feet (4.6m). Low seam cutter head modules can mine seams from 28 to 64 inches (71.1 to 162.6 cm), while medium and high seam modules can mine up to 15 ft. (4.6m).
The cutter head module attaches to the power head assembly in the center of the machine. Two hydraulically powered cylinders provide 380,000 pounds (172,365 kg) of force to cut into the coal seam, reaching depths of over 1,000 feet (304.8 m).
The cutting cycle of the electric cutter head is also fully automated. As the coal seam varies, the machine operator benefits fro the ability to manually adjust the machine function while in the automatic mode. This proven technology allows the cutter head to accurately follow the coal seam and produce a cleaner product.