A fully automated plow system supplied by Bucyrus DBT (DBT’s new name following its acquisition by Bucyrus International) and commissioned at Jinhuagong mine in China in 2005 is setting new production records.

With an uptime of over 95%, the plow system – a Gleithobel® GH 42 with 1,600 kW of cutting power and equipped with the PF 4/1132 plow line pan –  achieved a best shift output of 3,760 t in July 2007. The best daily output reached 5,700 t. In July, the plow team safely mined 100,031 t of raw coal, a new record for the plow working team at this mine. Bucyrus DBT says: “This achievement is outstanding given that the longwall is mining hard coal.” The seam is 200 m long and varies in thickness from 1.35 to 1.5 m.

In addition to the plow, the longwall system comprises state-of-the-art DBT PM 4 shield control and plow control technology for complete automation, requiring no operators at the face. The plow is driven by two 400 kW motors via a 38-mm plow chain. The conveying system, speed of plow, depth of cut and shield support controls are tailored to Jinhuagongis mining conditions to maximize performance and safety.

Established in 1956, Jinhuagong coal mine is located 12 km west of Datong in the north of China. It had an annual output of 4.25 Mt in 2005 and is a key mine of Datong Coal Mine Group, producing high-quality steam coal.