Intensive cooling system of shearer ranging arms of high power with an installation of forced lubrication of gears

An intensive cooling system of shearer ranging arms of high power with an installation of forced lubrication of gears is a result of a research and development project, realized together with the Zabrzanskie Mechanical Works, Joint Stock Company (Zabrzańskie Zakłady Mechaniczne S.A.) within the framework of the Targeted Project No 6ZR8 2005 C/06 664, supported by the Ministry of Education and Science. An installation of this cooling system requires a significant modification of the R500 ranging arm, in particular as regards a lubrication and water installations. After an adaptation, this system can be applied to other types of shearer ranging arms, equipped with an installation of forced lubrication, a water installation and having sufficient space in the ranging arm frame for installing coolers. Both installations form a joint water and lubricating system.

Laboratory tests of the research model of the R500 ranging arm will enable to assess an effectiveness of cooling the gear oil, using the coolers of the intensive cooling system.

An intensive cooling system of shearer ranging arms of high power will improve lubricating conditions of gears and bearing pairs, having a direct impact onto increasing both the operational life of the gear oil as well as the operational life of shearer ranging arms.