Document Type
Conference Paper
Publication Date
2018
Abstract
Moranbah North Mine has employed the use of Remote Reading Tell Tale Systems (RRTT Systems) since 2012 for the purposes of ensuring accurate, continuous and real time roof movement monitoring for critical infrastructure roadways. Recently an integrated monitoring system was installed in the tailgate roadway of LW112 to monitor and record the continuous ground movement outbye of the retreating longwall face to better understand both the roof and floor movement. Vertical convergence of the tailgate roadway during longwall retreat is typically managed by installing both active support elements and standing support at Moranbah North Mine. The data has provided significant insights into the magnitude of both roof and floor movement outbye of the longwall which has enhanced the understanding of the required densities of standing support at various locations throughout the tailgate. The system has also demonstrated its potential to be used as a management tool, e.g. during extended face stoppages. Once installed, the monitoring system is entirely automated and the data is automatically collected and transferred to the surface via an optical fibre cable. The system and real-time communication are flexible and can be tailored to meet site specific monitoring needs. The system includes: an RRTT System, real time convergence monitoring probes and a real time data acquisition, communication and reporting system. The system enables Moranbah North to be able to measure total vertical roadway convergence and roof displacement continuously without having to access the tailgate at regular intervals. The combined data can be used to investigate: required standing support capacity and density; tailgate roadways ‘zones’ of increased vertical loading associated with intersections; the influence of strata and structural variation; and the optimum support strategy for ensuring roadway stability outbye of the longwall face. The analysis and results produced indicate that standing support densities appear to exceed the required support loads and with continued monitoring providing more data, it may prove possible to optimise support spacings.
Publication Details
Paul Buddery, Claire Morton, Duncan Scott and Nathan Owen, A Continuing Roof and Floor Monitoring Systems for Tailgate Roadways, Proceedings of the 18th Coal Operators' Conference, Mining Engineering, University of Wollongong, 7-9 February 2018, 72-81.