Advance rams of longwall powered roof supports – modernization

Abstract

Powered roof support consists of repeatable units of support, set to load in the rock mass between the roof and the floor. Their task is a correct protection of the working, of the machines’ devices and workers. Its compact design, a big extent of the roof coverage and a unit control ensure a correct and economic operation of a longwall and a walkway in front of the legs ensures safety and a big comfort for the working crew.

Supports meet all the safety and ergonomics requirements according to the PN-EN 1804-1,2,3 Standards concerning safety and ergonomics of constructions. They meet basic safety requirements for machines and components according to the 98/37/EU Directive and basic requirements for devices and protective systems to be used in the spaces where an explosion hazard occurs according to the 94/9/EU Directive as devices of Group I, M2 Category. The main objective of this article is a presentation of a repair of a powered roof support subassembly such as an advance ram.