Roof bolting machines for high speed drivages

Abstract

High speed driving of the in-seam headings is imperative to meet the high production targets stipulated from underground coal mines. Supporting the roof (sometimes sides or even the floors) of these headings, many a times, is the bottleneck of the operation in such high speed drivage. The technology of roof bolting appears to be the fast, safe and reliable method of support. New roof bolting machines have mechanised the roof bolting technology and the roof bolters are becoming increasingly popular, globally, to provide immediate support to the mine roof. The paper, highlights a few important aspects of construction and application of various types of roof bolting machines, which are available in the international market.