Recently, the hydraulic self-propelled material carrier independently developed by the Bu’ertai Coal Mine of Shendong Coal was officially granted a national invention patent, marking a new milestone for the mine in innovation of excavation support equipment and further strengthening the foundation for intelligent mining operations and workforce reduction with enhanced productivity.
The carrier features a compact design that is well suited for narrow, elongated roadways. It draws power from the existing underground hydraulic system, with no need for additional power units. Through the coordinated action of thrust cylinders and swing cylinders, the equipment achieves a stepping-type autonomous advance, covering up to 2.5 meters per cycle. All transfer operations can be completed by a single operator, with simple controls and reliable performance. The carrier is equipped with a chassis stabilization device and a travel limit protection against unintended movement, forming a comprehensive safety system that effectively mitigates risks associated with underground concurrent operations.
Following its deployment, the carrier has delivered notable improvements in both quality and efficiency. The workforce required for material unloading has been reduced from three or four persons to just one, while the time per handling has been cut from three hours to half an hour, thus boosting operational efficiency. The carrier comes with standardized storage compartments that allow support materials to be neatly sorted and by category, effectively eliminating clutter and consistently raising the standard of orderly roadway management.
This patent fully attests to the mine’s capability for grassroots innovation and technology-enabled value creation. Looking ahead, the Bu’ertai Coal Mine of Shendong Coal will continue to address on-site operational challenges, pursue small-scale technological upgrades and intelligent solutions, and leverage scientific and technological innovation to drive safe, efficient, and high-quality mine development.
