Optimizing underground, trackless loading and hauling systems
"Determining the optimum system and equipment to be utilized in today's underground trackless haulage mine is a complex problem which was dealt with in this research by systems simulation. The computer program developed by the Caterpillar Tractor Company served as the starting point for simulating the equipment's capabilities to move material over a course in a prescribed time. Extensive time studies of the unsimulated events lead to structuring this program in the deterministic mode since it was felt to be more acceptable to the operating management which would eventually use the technique. Every phase of the simulation was successfully validated before going to the next phase of the program. After identifying six systems of moving ore with a front end loader, a truck and/or ore pass with a feeder-chute, formulas describing the relationship of four of the systems were developed. The unique approach of generating simulated production and cost tables, which were both printed and stored, allowed the users to accurately determine optimum conditions either by using hand calculators, or by using the computer. A multi-purpose program was written, allowing three different operating approaches to the optimization problem. Numerous actual case studies were optimized and the results are given. General prupose [sic] Optimum Trackless Materials Moving Charts were developed to correctly define equipment and method for all cases that will be encountered in the normal practices found in most modern trackless underground mines"--Abstract, page iii.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
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