| This investigation embraced the determination of penetration characteristics, strength, hardness, elastic constants, proximate analysis and cold hardening index of coal. In addition to this, disintegrability coefficient, brittleness, breakability index and cutting resistance of coal enables us to make the quantitative assessment of the workability of Utah coal. The development of the "Workability Index" furnished a sound basis for the selection and performance of a coal cutting machine for a particular coal.;Firstly, the relations among the properties which affect the breakage of coal and then the relations between the "Workability Index" and these properties were examined. Results of in situ tests demonstrated a strong dependence on some properties of coal determined in the laboratory and the empirical relations deduced therefrom are found to have good agreement with theory and practice.;This study led us to an inexpensive and rapid assessment of the workability of coal which can act as a reliable guide to the Mining Engineer. The development and proper use of the "Workability Index" provided a convenient and dependable yardstick as a comparator for coal in different locations of a mine, as well as between different mines. |
