Dynamic analysis of scraper conveyor operation with external loads

A load to an armoured face conveyor (AFC) during coal mining is changeable and very difficult or even impossible to be predicted. Changes of the load to the upper scraper chain affect the load of the driving motor and generate changes in a scraper chain tension. Impact of increasing the external load to the upper scraper chain on the operation of electric motors and on the scraper chain tension is presented. The developed numerical model of the Rybnik 850 conveyor enabled identifying the places of the scraper chain high tension or places of its loosening. An impact of changing frequency of driving motor voltage on AFC’s operational conditions was tested and analysed using the AFC’s numerical model. During tests, tension of the scraper chain on the discharge end and the return end was recorded. High tension of the scraper chain and its loosening during the changeable load were also recorded on upward and downward transportation of run-of-mine material.