Mining Engineering Notes - Depillaring and Stowing
Q5: Explain the function of supports used in Longwall Mining. State the requirements of an ideal su
Functions of Supports in Longwall Mining:
- Support the Roof: Prevents roof collapse and ensures safety.
- Facilitate Face Advance: Mobile supports move with the working face.
- Protect Machinery & Personnel: Forms a safe corridor for miners and equipment.
- Control Caving Behind the Face: Guides the roof to cave in a controlled manner.
- Assist in Ventilation Control: Maintains proper airflow.
- Maintain Panel Integrity: Ensures operational continuity.
Requirements of an Ideal Support:
- Strong Load-Bearing Capacity
- Easy to Install & Operate
- Adjustable Height & Pressure
- Mobility for Face Advance
- Durable and Reusable
- Minimal Leakage in Hydraulic Systems
- Low Maintenance Needs
Q6: Write a short note on Powered Support. Write classification of Powered Support.
Powered supports are hydraulically operated roof support systems in Longwall Mining, protecting workers
and equipment while enabling efficient coal extraction.
Classification:
- Based on Function: Load-bearing, chock shields, shield supports.
- Based on Structure: 2-leg, 4-leg, articulated types.
- Based on Mechanism: Hydraulic, electro-hydraulic.
- Special Types: Advancing, retractable, yielding supports.
Q7: What are the preparatory arrangements before depillaring? State the measures to prevent air bl
Mining Engineering Notes - Depillaring and Stowing
Preparatory Arrangements Before Depillaring:
- Survey & Planning of pillars and method selection.
- Ventilation layout preparation.
- Support installation (timber, props, hydraulic).
- Additional roadways for safe access.
- Safety arrangements for blasting.
- Trained manpower and communication setup.
Measures to Prevent Air Blast:
- Avoid extraction under hard roof.
- Controlled and sequential blasting.
- Proper ventilation management.
- Use of sand stowing to reduce voids.
- Monitoring pressure and roof behavior.
- Avoid rapid pillar extraction.
- Emergency preparedness and warnings.
Q8: Write a short note on Air Blast. State the causes and preventive measures.
Air Blast is a sudden rush of air in mine workings due to roof collapse or goaf fall, often during depillaring
under hard roof conditions.
Causes:
- Sudden hard roof fall.
- Delayed or uncontrolled caving.
- Rapid pillar extraction.
- Improper depillaring sequence.
- Weak old workings or voids.
- Extraction under stress zones.
Preventive Measures:
Mining Engineering Notes - Depillaring and Stowing
- Controlled caving and planned depillaring.
- Sand stowing to fill voids.
- Pressure relief holes and real-time monitoring.
- Avoid risky zones and use support systems.
- Emergency protocols and hazard identification.
- Shock-absorbing barriers and dust control.
Q9: Write a short note on Hydraulic Stowing. Explain its advantages and limitations.
Hydraulic stowing involves pumping water-borne stowing material (like sand or ash) into goaf areas via
pipelines to support the roof and prevent subsidence.
Advantages:
- Prevents surface subsidence.
- Supports roof and improves safety.
- Reduces air blast and fire risk.
- Utilizes industrial waste.
- Environment-friendly and allows higher coal recovery.
Limitations:
- High setup cost.
- Requires large water supply.
- Slower than caving.
- Ineffective in permeable strata.
- Drainage and settling issues.
- Needs frequent maintenance.
Q10: Write a short note on Pneumatic Stowing. State its advantages and limitations.
Pneumatic stowing uses compressed air to transport dry stowing material (sand/ash) into goaf areas. Ideal
where water is scarce.
Mining Engineering Notes - Depillaring and Stowing
Advantages:
- No water needed.
- Faster than hydraulic method.
- Suitable for permeable strata.
- Better in fire-prone areas.
- Usable in inclined seams.
Limitations:
- Dust generation.
- High energy consumption.
- Expensive setup.
- Noise pollution.
- Less effective over long distances.
