In some U.S. coal mining operations, the available production capacity is limited by existing mechanical hoisting systems rather than mining methods. This thesis presents a research effort to supplement existing mechanical hoisting with a hydraulic hoisting system. The purpose is to overcome limitations of the mechanical hoisting system in order to attain the maximum production capacity of the coal mine. The research objectives are: to conduct a parametric study of hydraulic hoisting systems combined with mechanical hoisting methods in different mining situations; to develop models, functions, and indices for use in practical design, and; to develop procedures for estimating the technical and economic factors of supplementary hydraulic hoisting systems. This research is expected to offer an objective approach which can increase the production capacity and reduce operating costs of coal mines.

Master of Science