Roof-Mounted Underground Conveyor - Yes We Can!

One of the largest underground longwall coal producers in NSW required a new trunk conveyor to extend the mine. The project was to design a 3.2 km long trunk conveyor system inclusive of all the terminal equipment, from the transfer and impact station through to the drive head, loop take-up, belt maintenance and boot end.

Due to floor heave, the project required Fenner Dunlop ACE to reconsider the standard set-up to design a roof-mounted conveyor system that enabled safe and straightforward installation, ease of alignment, and forethought of maintenance. The equipment was designed to compact components, where a simple belt winder was designed into the LTU fixed end and belt clamps incorporated into the drive frame.

Fenner Dunlop ACE worked closely through multiple design reviews to develop a system that not only met the specifications but met the goals of design for safety and ease of installation, operation and maintenance.

The equipment was mocked up in the ACE Somersby facility to accommodate the site's personnel to complete inspections and plan their install reducing risks in an already tight schedule.

The ability to have straight access to in-house engineering and the ability to manufacture, install and service all components gave Fenner Dunlop ACE a significant competitive advantage.

The new conveyor structure is already hard at work and was completed ahead of schedule with no incidents.