Analysis of impact of longitudinal inclination of a chain conveyor on dynamical phenomena during operation

Armoured face conveyors (AFCs) of length even up to 500 meters are used in coal mines for transportation of run-of-mine. The method of their installation depends on the geological and mining conditions and on a coal seam position. Operation of AFC in a horizontal or inclined position is allowed. The maximum accepted inclination is determined by the machine manufacturer. Two directions of longitudinal inclination of the conveyor have to be considered: upward and downward transportation of excavated material. Both the angle and the direction of inclination of the conveyor have a significant impact on the dynamics of its operation. Change in inclination of AFC results in tension of the chain. Loosening the scraper chain can lead to blockage, what can be a reason of damage. Excessive chain tension results in speeding up frictional wear of conveyor components. Determination of an impact of longitudinal inclination of the conveyor on a degree and a place of loosening or excessive tension of the chain was the objective of the numerical analyses, the results of which are presented. Analysis were performed using the developed numerical model of the Rybnik 850 conveyor. These analyses are a part of the preparatory work aiming at development of the control algorithm of AFC, to prevent the formation of unfavorable dynamic effects during the conveyor operation.