scholarly journals Effective utilization of man shift through sustainable workload testing for underground mining machine operators. An ergonomic based man-machine interface approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 394-403
Author(s):  
Netai Chandra Dey ◽  
Shibaji Dey
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Simulation Study ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Mining Operation ◽  
Mining Machine ◽  
Effective Utilization ◽  
Machine Operation ◽  
Mining Machinery ◽  
High Workload ◽  
Continuous Work

Abstract Insight of man-machine interfaces during mining machine operations, better co-ordinance with human efficiencies and suitable workload selection in underground mining machine operation are the main viewpoints of the study. Total 12 side discharge loader (SDL) and load haul dumper (LHD) operators [N = 12] have been taken as participants of the study. The methodology is divided into two parts first part is devoted to measuring and analyzing workload response of machine operation with polar heart rate monitor. Machine operator’s heart rate ratio (HR ratio) for the whole shift is recorded and metabolic rate (MR) has been analyzed. Additionally, fatigue sustainability (FS) and degradation of muscle force (MF) are recorded for each work cycles up to exposure time period (ETP) of 360 minutes. In the second part of the methodology, based on the HR ratio recorded during the mining operation, a workload simulation study is undertaken on a treadmill at the surface following BRUCE protocol. At treadmill, based on HR ratio, workload achieved from mines along with three different workloads i.e. low, moderate and high has been tested. Differences in FS and degradation rate of MF after each workload experiment have been recorded. A result from the underground operational study shows that there is about 43.2% and 32.4% of decreasing MF for SDL and LHD operators after end of spells at mines. Additionally, a negative correlation (r = −0.99) is found between ETP and MF. The workload simulation study shows that there are significant differences between FS (p < 0.05) and MF (p < 0.05) data of mining and treadmill experiment with the same workload. In comparison to an underground operation, FS rate of low, moderate and high workload is recorded 60%, 35%, and 15% higher respectively than of mine workload. Higher FS rate may achieve due to availability of good environment. Among the tested workload only low kind of workload is found suitable for mining machinery job as degradation of MF is found significantly (p < 0.05) low and FS is found significantly (p < 0.01) high in this kind of workload. Therefore, it can be concluded that in mining machinery operation better to adopt low workload for effective utilization of man shift (EUMS) as it gives comparatively low MF degradation and better FS during continuous work.

scholarly journals Availability analysis of selected mining machinery

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarosław Brodny ◽  
Sara Alszer ◽  
Jolanta Krystek ◽  
Magdalena Tutak
Keyword(s):  
Process Mining ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Automation System ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Availability Analysis ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Mining Machinery ◽  
Coal Market ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Source Of Information

Abstract Underground extraction of coal is characterized by high variability of mining and geological conditions in which it is conducted. Despite ever more effective methods and tools, used to identify the factors influencing this process, mining machinery, used in mining underground, work in difficult and not always foreseeable conditions, which means that these machines should be very universal and reliable. Additionally, a big competition, occurring on the coal market, causes that it is necessary to take action in order to reduce the cost of its production, e.g. by increasing the efficiency of utilization machines. To meet this objective it should be pro-ceed with analysis presented in this paper. The analysis concerns to availability of utilization selected mining machinery, conducted using the model of OEE, which is a tool for quantitative estimate strategy TPM. In this article we considered the machines being part of the mechanized longwall complex and the basis of analysis was the data recording by the industrial automation system. Using this data set we evaluated the availability of studied machines and the structure of registered breaks in their work. The results should be an important source of information for maintenance staff and management of mining plants, needed to improve the economic efficiency of underground mining.

Heart rate assessment using NeoTapAdvancedSupport: a simulation study

2018 ◽  
pp. fetalneonatal-2018-315408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Binotti ◽  
Francesco Cavallin ◽  
Pier Luigi Ingrassia ◽  
Nicolas J Pejovic ◽  
Alice Monzani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Simulation Study ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Good Accuracy ◽  
Term Infant ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Altman Plot ◽  
External Observer ◽  
Bland Altman Plot ◽  
Limited Availability

BackgroundNeoTapAdvancedSupport (NeoTapAS) is a mobile application, based on a screen tapping method that calculates the heart rate (HR). We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of NeoTapAS in reliably determining HR from auscultation in a high-fidelity simulated newborn resuscitation scenario.MethodsPaediatric residents assessed HR by auscultation plus NeoTapAS in an asphyxiated term infant scenario and orally communicated the estimated HR. An external observer simultaneously documented the actual HR set in the manikin and the communicated HR.ResultsOne hundred and sixty HR measurements were recorded. The agreement between communicated and set HR was good (Cohen’s kappa 0.80, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.87; Bangdiwala’s weighted agreement strength statistic 0.93). Bland-Altman plot showed a mean difference between communicated and set HR values of 1 beats per minute (bpm) (95% agreement limits −9 to 11 bpm).ConclusionNeoTapAS showed a good accuracy in estimating HR and it could be an important resource in settings with limited availability of ECG monitor.

scholarly journals Analysis of methane hazard in longwall working equipped with a powered longwall complex

2020 ◽  
Vol 174 ◽  
pp. 01011
Author(s):  
Leszek Sobik ◽  
Jarosław Brodny ◽  
Gennady Buyаlich ◽  
Pavel Strelnikov
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Mining Operation ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Methane Drainage ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Advanced Model

Most of currently exploited hard coal seams has a very high degree of methane saturation. Consequently, the mining process of such deposits generates substantial amounts of methane. This in turn increases the risk of fire and/or explosion of this gas. Methane hazard is currently one of the most dangerous threats occurring in the process of underground mining exploitation. In particular, this applies to longwall excavations where the rock mass mining process generates the highest level of this gas. Commonly used high-performance longwall complexes cause an increase in the amount of coal output, which also causes an increase in the amount of methane released. In order to prevent hazardous concentrations, appropriate ventilation systems and atmosphere monitoring in mining excavations are used. The paper discusses currently used methods designed to limit risks caused by methane such as methane drainage. The paper presents an example of the use of an innovative method of analysing methane risk status and measures aimed at minimizing it. The developed method is based on air parameters in the actual mining area which were then used to create a method of ventilation for such excavations. The method combines advanced model analysis and experience of mine employees and integrates academic and practical knowledge. The main objective of the activities presented in the article was to improve the safety of mining operation

Physiological Responses and Subjective Discomfort of Simulated Whole-Body Vibration from a Mobile Underground Mining Machine

1988 ◽  
Vol 32 (11) ◽  
pp. 719-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Bobick ◽  
Richard L. Unger ◽  
Sean Gallagher ◽  
Diane M. Doyle-Coombs
Keyword(s):  
Underground Mining ◽  
Whole Body Vibration ◽  
Vertical Vibration ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Mining Machine ◽  
Body Vibration ◽  
Vibration Data ◽  
Computer Controlled ◽  
Selected Effects ◽  
Subjective Discomfort

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has developed an in-house facility to evaluate selected effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) levels experienced by underground mobile equipment operators. Vertical vibration data were collected from a coal haulage vehicle via a uniaxial accelerometer attached to the machine frame under the operator's seat. Data were analyzed and processed so a computer-controlled platform could approximate the vibration signals. Eight men (35.5 yr ± 6.5 SD) participated in a pilot study to evaluate the effects of shock and WBV on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and subjective discomfort. Subjects were exposed to vibration for 30-min periods while seated in a typical seat (backrest angle at 90° or 130°) that was plain steel or modified with 2 in foam padding. Subjects repeated the same protocol on a separate day, without the vibration. Results indicated the vibration significantly increased the HR (p < 0.01), systolic BP, mean BP, the number of times subjects reported discomfort, and overall subjective discomfort rating (p < 0.05). When seated in the steel seat, the overall discomfort rating (p < 0.001) and the number of times discomfort was reported (p < 0.05) increased significantly. Seatback angle had no significant effect on any of the dependent measures.

Evaluation of Mining Activities Using a Scenario Interview Approach

1998 ◽  
Vol 42 (15) ◽  
pp. 1108-1112
Author(s):  
Fred Turin ◽  
Lisa Steiner ◽  
Kim Cornelius
Keyword(s):  
Underground Mining ◽  
Mining Machine ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Underground Coal Mining ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Safe Work ◽  
Mining Conditions ◽  
Continuous Mining ◽  
Machine Operator ◽  
Scenario Approach

NIOSH researchers have been examining underground coal mining activities in order to evaluate work crew hazards. In 1994 a continuous mining machine operator was killed by falling roof during extended cut mining. Many aspects of the incident were used by NIOSH researchers to develop a scenario interview. The goal was to provide a realistic framework for acquiring frank and detailed insights. The interview consists of two sections. The first describes the underground mining conditions. The second recounts the fatal incident. Each section is supplemented by a diagram and a set of questions addressing relevant safety issues. The interview was administered at three mines that actively take extended cuts. Researchers found the scenario approach to be an effective interview tool as well as an effective hazard awareness and safe work practices training platform.

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