Prairie Machine custom-designed and manufactured the Flexiveyor’s explosion proof (XP) electrical enclosures for MSHA approval. The XP enclosures are engineered to contain any kind of flash or explosion (caused by electrical failure of high-energy electrical components) so as not to ignite the surrounding gas.

“Our MSHA-certified XP enclosures feature a slip fit cable entry gland – patent pending at the time of publication. Traditional threaded cable glands can be difficult to disassemble without damaging the cable, maintenance staff can service the slip fit cable entry glands with standard tools, in a fraction of the time. This innovative design minimises downtime from repairs and maintenance, all while maintaining full XP integrity and compliance.”

The traditional method of transporting coal from the mine face to a conveyor system is batch haulage. In this process, the mining machine discharges coal to a haulage vehicle. The haulage vehicle travels to a dump point at the end of the stationary conveyor belt and unloads the coal. Finally, the haulage vehicle returns to the mining machine, and the process repeats.

As the batch haulage vehicle travels to and from the dump site, the mining machine is inactive. Although many sites employ more than one haulage vehicle per mining machine, the nature of the batch haul process leads to considerable downtime. Over the years, mines have looked for more effective continuous haulage systems.

What advantages does continuous haulage offer over shuttle cars and other haulage methods? Prairie Machine highlights first productivity – unlike with a shuttle car, with continuous haulage, there’s no stoppage; the mining machine can cut continuously. Sites with continuous haulage it says regularly see a 20%-40% increase in productivity.

Secondly is the safety element. Continuous haulage systems, like the Flexiveyor, can be run by as few as two operators, eliminating the need for individual shuttle car drivers and reducing the risk of collisions or crush injuries.

The Flexiveyor Continuous Haulage System is available in multiple configurations and is custom engineered to navigate each mine’s unique operating conditions. The low profile and narrow Flexiveyor easily integrates into mines with height and width restrictions, while the straddle-over Flexiveyor trams overtop of the stationary conveyor belt in mines with restrictive roadways.

“MSHA certification is a testament to Prairie Machine’s overall commitment to providing safe, effective mining solutions, no matter the situation. We look forward to bringing our decades of experience in continuous haulage into the American coal mining sector and helping mine sites reach their full production potential.”