| With increases in panel size and production levels in longwall mining, the hydraulic flow rates required to allow the shields to keep pace with the mining operations have substantially increased. The panel size and production increases have also increased the hydraulic supply system's pressure losses. To quantitatively evaluate the possible design changes to the hydraulic supply system, a practical and accurate method of evaluating potential hydraulic supply systems for the shields is needed. This thesis endeavors to develop a method to evaluate the effects on pressure and flow rate from changes in a hydraulic supply system and to determine the necessary design specifications of the system to supply a specific flow at a specific pressure at a particular mine site. An initial model was developed and shows great promise; however, additional field and laboratory testing are needed to calibrate the model for use in the design of hydraulic supply systems. |
