Determination of Coal Cutting Forces Using the Cutting Head of POU-BW/01-WAP Device

Abstract The paper presents a method for measuring and recording the forces involved in the coal cutting process. Moreover, a method for visualization of all forces involved in the cutting process was described. In the following part, the construction and principle of operation of a device for determination of forces involved in the cutting process (coal mining), referred to by the author as POU-BW/01-WAP, are presented. Resistance extensometry was used to measure the forces. This is the only device in the world that determines two of three force components that take part in the cutting process. For this purpose, two independent measuring blocks were used, which are strain gauges of force: cutting (Fs) and knife pressure (Fd). In order to register these forces, a real mining knife used in longwall shearer drums was applied – i.e. tangential-rotary. The equipment has the ATEX certificate allowing for operation in real conditions as a device intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres – in accordance with the directive 94/9/EC. It has received many awards at world fairs for inventions and innovative solutions.