Abstract Post-industrial and post-mining areas have often been under strong anthropogenic pressure for a long time. As a result, such areas, after the ending of industrial activity require taking steps to revitalize them. It may cover many elements of the natural or urban environment, such as water, soil, vegetated areas, urban development etc. To carry out revitalization, it is necessary to determine the initial state of such areas, often using selected chemical, geophysical or ecological. After that it is also important to properly monitor the state of such areas to assess the progress of the revitalization process. For this purpose a variety of change detection technics were developed. Post-industrial areas are very often characterized by a large extent, are difficult to access, have complicated land cover. For this reason, it is particularly important to choose appropriate methods to assess the degree of pollution of such areas. Such methods should be as economical as possible and time-effective. A very desirable feature of such methods is that they should allow a quick assessment of the entire area. Geostatistics supplemented by modern remote sensing can be effective for this purpose. Nowadays, using remote sensing, it is possible to gather information simultaneously from the entire, even vast area, with high spatial, spectral and temporal resolution. Geostatistics in turn provides many tools that are able to enable rapid analysis and inference based on even very complicated often scarce spatial data sets obtained from ground measurement and satellite observations. The goal of the article was to present selected results obtained using geostatistical methods also related to remote sensing, which may be helpful for decision makers in revitalizing post-industrial and post-mining areas. The results described in this paper were based mostly on the previous studies, carried out by authors.
Abstract Numerous varieties of solid fuels have been employed for the production of heat in buildings and during cooking by utilizing furnaces and boilers. The most commonly used energy carriers include hard and brown coal, coke, and wood-based solid biofuels in the form of various types of pellets, briquettes, and chips. Notably, furnace and boiler users can combine these fuels in any way by changing their proportions. Generally, users of furnaces and boilers are known to co-burn solid fuels and various types of municipal waste. However, the municipal waste contains a number of organic compounds and toxic metals that can be released into the atmosphere during the combustion process; this poses a threat to the health of the environment and public. Herein, chemical and petrographic tests were performed to study the sources of furnace wastes. This research facilitates the identification of unacceptable substances such as plastics, metal filings, and glass.
Abstract The presented research subject involved the assessment of the possibility of mining operations within the area of shaft protection pillar with simultaneous liquidation of the shaft. In such a situation, the basic condition is to avoid damage to shaft lining, which can hinder or even prevent safe liquidation of the shaft by backfilling. The procedure to follow in order to assess the possibility and scope of mining exploitation within the shaft protection pillar is demonstrated on the example of shaft X. The applied assessment method involving the possibility and scope of mining exploitation within the protective pillar of the shaft was based on the forecast of rock mass deformation at the shaft site, which was the basis to calculate vertical stresses in the shaft lining and then to compare them with permissible values. The carried out calculations allowed us to determine the permissible face advance of longwall No. 5 at which no damage to the lining and its equipment would occur, ensuring the planned safe liquidation of the shaft by backfilling.
Abstract Sustainability and eco-friendliness of the chain of supply is a subject of interest among many researchers. New eco-friendly solutions are being implemented in production, storage, and transportation of the entire chain of supply. This study focuses on pro-environmental solutions related to warehouse management. The publication describes a project of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to generate electric power at the H&W Warehouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The purpose of this publication is to demonstrate the financial and environmental benefits of using sustainable forms of energy. The environmental benefits were calculated from the perspective of lowering the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. The financial benefits were determined by calculating the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and profitability index (PI) as well as regular and discounted payback. A computer simulation was being used as the research method. Calculations included in the publication have proven that the project being considered is beneficial from the financial and environmental perspectives.
Abstract Ensuring the compliance of the finished product with the project during the manufacturing of cutting heads/drums of the mining machines, largely determines the efficiency of rock mining, especially hard-to-cut rocks. The manufacturing process of these crucial elements of cutting machines is being robotized in order to ensure high accuracy and repeatability. This determines, among others the need to assess in real-time the degree of the approach of pick holders positioned by the industrial robot to the side surface of the working unit of the cutting machine in their target position. This problem is particularly important when in the manufacturing process are used the bodies of decommissioned cutting heads/drums, from which old pick holders have been removed. The shape and external dimensions of these hulls, unless they are subjected to regeneration, may differ quite significantly from the nominal ones. The publication, on the example of a road header cutting head, presents the procedure for automatically identifying and indexing markers displayed on its side surface, recorded on measuring photos by two digital cameras of a 3D vision system. Experimental research of the developed method was carried out using the KUKA VisionTech vision system installed on the test stand in the robotics laboratory of the Department of Mining Mechanization and Robotization at the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology. Data processing was carried out in the Matlab environment using the libraries of the Image Processing Toolbox. The functions provided in this library were used in the developed algorithm, implemented in the software. This algorithm allows automatic identification of markers located in the images of the side surface of the cutting head. This is the basis for determining their location in space. The publication presents a method of segmenting images recorded by cameras into homogeneous areas. The method of separating interesting areas from the image by comparison to the pattern was presented. Also shown is the method of the automatic numbering of mutually matching pairs of markers on photos from two cameras included in the vision system depending on the spatial orientation of the marker grid in the measuring images.
Abstract The literature includes a wide selection and distribution of performance indicators to be used in different areas of the company. The paper highlights the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as those that are the most universal and allow the control of intended targets in different areas of the enterprise. KPIs are financial and non-financial process measures used to assess the degree of achievement with regard to strategic and operational objectives in a company. They are also used to measure the effectiveness of all activities undertaken in an organizational unit. The paper presents the possibility of using KPIs to improve the quality of manufactured products, by analyzing the trend of selected indicators. This analysis gave an impulse to undertake improvement actions in the company consisting in the use of quality management method – in this case 5 WHY leading to the initiation of preventive and corrective actions in the occurrence of defective products.
Abstract The publication presents the construction of the station for testing the friction coefficient under high pressure and low slip velocity values. These conditions of cooperation of friction pairs occur in the drives of transport machines such as belt conveyors and suspended monorails. The value of the friction coefficient, depending on the operating conditions such as moisture and rock or coal dust pollution, has a significant impact on the correct and efficient operation of such drives. The features of the station allow mapping the operating conditions on a laboratory scale. As part of the research, appropriate friction samples made of rubber or polyurethane were prepared. Referring to the conditions of conveyor operation and conditions of contact of the conveyor belt with the drive drum, the values of unit pressures and values of slip speed occurring in the drum drive of the belt conveyor were determined. A series of laboratory tests were carried out for the friction pair rubber drum lining – conveyor belt cover. The tests were carried out for four different states of friction vapor surfaces, namely for dry and wet samples, as well as for samples in clean or contaminated with stone dust. As a result of the tests, the values of friction coefficients for various surface states were determined, which will be valuable information for designers of friction drive systems of transport devices.
Abstract The publication presents the evaluation of the effectiveness of belt tensioning systems based on the results of model laboratory tests. The types of tensioning devices most commonly used in industry were selected for testing: winch, gravity, pneumatic and follower. The evaluation of the efficiency of belt tensioning devices is complex, as the tensioning system is not autonomous and is only part of the belt conveyor equipment. Therefore, the publication presents the impact of belt tension force on the durability of basic conveyor components such as the belt and its joints, and drums. The characteristics of the tested belt tensioning devices are presented and the construction and research capabilities of the laboratory model of the belt conveyor are described. Measuring systems mounted on the conveyor are described in detail, enabling recording of variable conveyor operating conditions, measuring belt speed, driving force and belt stress. The results of the research are the experimental static characteristics of the most commonly used tensioning devices, which show the relationship between the drive moment and the belt tensioning force. Obtained characteristics will allow the development of guidelines for the design and selection of the most effective belt tensioning devices.
Abstract The publication analyses and evaluates the impact of the implementation of circular economy on the economy and especially on its mining and power generation sector in Poland. Circular economy is a relatively new concept concerning an innovative economic development model. The publication briefly describes the concept of circular economy. Among other things, the basic economic processes that make up circular economy are discussed. In addition, history is presented as well as examples of legislation that have had the strongest impact on the implementation of circular economy in the EU are identified. Further on in the paper, the impact that circular economy will have on the mining and power generation industry in Poland is discussed. Areas have been identified that will need the most attention in relation to the implementation of circular economy. It was pointed out that in the mining and power generation sector the scale of use of current and landfill waste should be increased as a priority. Attention has been paid to the necessary reduction of water demand and rational water and sewage management. Examples of use of mining gas and ventilation air have been discussed. The publication provides examples of a number of measures taken in accordance with circular economy. It was pointed out that there is still a need to popularize the existing ones and to look for new technical and organizational solutions conducive to the introduction of this new economic model. An important aspect of the impact of the circular economy on these sectors will be the decrease in energy demand resulting from the widespread implementation of the new economic model. For those already struggling with a number of problems of some of the mining and power generation sectors based on coal mining and combustion in Poland, the implementation of circular economy will pose another challenge.
Abstract This publication addresses the impact of selected design parameters of milling auger cutting drums on the loading process, and above all the winding angle of the auger blade. The loading process is often referred to as an auxiliary process because the milling process is considered to be the dominant throughout the work of the cutting drum. The correct determination of the relationship between the mining process and the loading process allows to understand how the individual design and kinematic parameters of the mining drums and the mining machine on which they are installed affect each other. The publication discusses the problem of loading with milling cutting drums and ways to increase its efficiency. The research results of the loading process have been presented, affecting the efficiency of this process in the aspect of various angles of inclination of the auger blades. Based on the tests, conclusions have been formulated that allow for the possible selection of an appropriate winding angle for the auger blade, depending on the granulation of spoil.
Abstract The publication analyses the possibility of separating hydrogen from coke oven gas for further use in the transport sector in the FCEV segment (fuel cell electric vehicles). The construction of the separation installation using the PSA (pressure swing adsorption) method guaranteeing high purity of hydrogen was assumed, according to the requirements of ISO 14678-2:2012 and SAE J-2719 standards. The PSA technology is widely used in industrial gas separation processes, however, due to the composition of coal gas, which apart from hydrogen and methane consists of impurities in the form of hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, chlorine, etc., it needs to be adapted to the needs of separation of hydrogen from coke oven gas. The study shows the total possible hydrogen production potential and then, in agreement with the JSW Group’s Coking Plants, limits were set for hydrogen production in PSA technology at Przyjaźń, Jadwiga and Radlin Coking Plants, without the negative impact of the separation installation on technological processes associated with coke oven battery firing, operation of existing power units, gas compression systems and taking into account securing the needs of external customers for coke oven gas. Additionally, in order to determine the Polish market demand for high-purity hydrogen, an analysis was carried out which indicates that in 2030 the share of FCEVs will be 2%, so the demand for hydrogen in this segment would be negligible compared to the supply of hydrogen produced in a large-scale installation. Due to the need to build such a market and adapt the parameters of the installation to the variable parameters of coke oven gas, the pilot scale of the installation and the target location of the installation at the Przyjaźń Coking Plant were indicated as the most optimal.
Abstract The paper presents the concept of vibration measurement and reduction system for rails in hyperloop technology. It is based on the experience of measuring vibrations in high-speed rail, the first commercial magnetic rail, and vibration reduction systems for these rails. The authors outlined a conceptual vibration monitoring system based on the MQTT protocol and the vibration reduction method. The vibration reduction systems based on variable-characteristic silencers and solutions used in research centers, especially in CERNie and LIGO, were de-scribed.
Abstract As Poland is considered a coal country, renewable energy resources still do not have a significant share in energy production. Further, 14% contribution of renewable energy to total primary energy production in 2020 is endangered. Thus, in order to speed up with renewable energy sources new actions should be stimulated. The aim of the article is to describe the most popular renewable energy installations in Poland and further to search for a case study indicating that an investment in renewable sources is profitable without financial support. The results indicate that prior literature does not present any analysis of profitable renewable energy investment without financial support. It states the need for regulators to implement additional financial support not only on the European Union level but also on the national one.
AbstractThe publication presents partial results of hearing screening tests conducted in 2019 among employees of 37 hard coal mines located in the Śląskie and Małopolskie voivodships. The tests were carried out in different cities of both voivodships using the Mobile Hearing Diagnosis Center, which parked near the selected mine and specialized hearing diagnostics points of the ACSłuchmed Sp. z o. o. from Lublin. At the diagnostic points, detailed total audiometry tests were conducted on people diagnosed with hearing disorders as part of screening tests. The obtained results allowed to identify branches and workplaces with the highest risk of noise hazard in mines. The presented publication shows the results of noise measurement during blasting works and the results of anonymous surveys conducted among employees of the Department of Blasting Technology of hard coal mines. The survey concerned the subjective feelings of employees regarding noise levels at the workplace and its impact on their well-being and state of health. In the publication summary, the author draws attention to the need to take measures to constantly control the noise level at the workplace and introduce solutions that will enable its reduction and allow for better protection of employees against its damaging consequences.
Abstract The Knurów hard coal deposit is characterized by rich fold and fault tectonics and diverse morphology of the overburden. The deposit contains a fold zone called Knurów anticline and four complex of faults with the total amplitudes reaching up to several dozen meters. While making a 3D model of the deposit, a range of complications related to the correct interpretation of the running and development of the aforementioned tectonic structures were encountered. Additional data were begun to be introduced during the detailed analysis of the 3D model being made in stages, thereby forcing the software to perform the modeling according to preset assumptions. This process covered such areas of the deposit that were poorly explored or documented to an extent requiring an intervention from a geologist.
Abstract Conventional energy sources dominate in the Polish energy sector, which is a huge risk to meeting environmental protection requirements. Polish energy companies are facing challenges related to meeting the requirements of the European Union and the National Energy Policy. The paper attempts to answer the question whether the ongoing discussion on the future of the energy sector, dealing with such issues as development of renewable energy sources is reflected in the annual financial reports of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and covered by the WIG_ENERGY index. This study contributes to the extant literature on financial disclosures in several ways. First, the examination of compliance of segment reporting of selected companies listed on the Polish stock exchange with International Reporting Standards (IFRS) was carried out (particularly IFRS 8 – Operating Segments). Second, the information value of disclosures for investors in the energy industry was assessed. The empirical part was preceded by a description of segment reporting principles in accordance with IFRS 8 and the summary of challenges facing the energy sector in Poland.
Abstract Currently over then 16 percent of the total worldwide salt production is excavated in underground mines. Salt deposits often lie at great depths up to 1000 m, where the temperature of the surrounding rocks reaches 50°C and even exceeds it. A large part of it is exploited using mechanical methods, mainly with the use of road headers and continuous miners. When excavating salt rock, the cutters of the road header mining head come into contact with the rock. This generate friction and in consequence a rise in temperature. In AGH University of Science and Technology the laboratory tests were carried out to determine the effect of temperature on cutting resistance and selected mechanical properties of rock salt. On the special laboratory test stand the rock salt sample was cutted at three different temperatures - 20, 50 and 80°C. The cuttability index and the side chipping angle were measured for each temperature. Additionally the same tests were performed in the case of salt sample after cooling to room temperature. The selected mechanical parameters of rock salt - compressive, tensile and shear strength were also measured for the same temperature values. The obtained results were compared and described in the paper.
Abstract The publication focuses on assessing the energy efficiency in residential and to some extent commercial applications. An energy audit is always the first step in addressing energy efficiency. The purpose of the publication is to present the benefits of using an energy audit. It explains a “do-it-yourself” procedure for an energy audit. The publication also focuses on calculating the potential energy saving by updating low-efficiency electric appliances with high-efficient alternatives. The environmental benefits of addressing the energy efficiency of households is also being discussed. An energy audit using a “do-it-yourself” procedure focuses on the economic, ecological and social impact to environment. The energy audit contributes to the implementation of the concept of sustainable development in our day by day life.
Abstract One of the basic methods of mechanical rock mining is cutting, which faces increasingly difficult working conditions. Despite the rapid development of machines used in underground and opencast mining as well as in tunnel building, construction industry and road engineering, the problem of insufficient durability of mining tools remains unsolved. In addition to drilling and, to a lesser extent, planing, cutting provides a huge market for tools. Currently, the process of cutting is mainly based on conical picks. The cutterheads of cutting machines are equipped with several dozen, and frequently – more than one hundred conical picks, which, due to their workability and abrasiveness, sometimes work only a few hours. There is a market demand for over two hundred models of conical picks. This is due to the huge variety of shapes and sizes of picks as well as the methods of their mounting in the holder. The article briefly presents various solutions of conical picks, their construction, methods of protection, dimensions and materials used. Next, based on materials produced by ZWM Carbonex, the classic method of their manufacture using the turning technology has been described. The authors have also presented briefly the use of die forging for the large-scale production of picks, applied by Górnicza Fabryka Narzędzi Sp. z o.o.
Abstract The first part of the paper concerns the natural deposition conditions of the 325/1 seam in the “W” coal mine, in the 102 longwall mining panel. It also presents the most important technical conditions regarding the exploitation at this longwall. To characterize the methane hazard in the longwall area, the parameters of ventilation and total methane concentrations as well as the volumetric flowrate of methane captured by the methane removal system, have been presented graphically. A significant part of the methane flow in the longwall area was released to the air flowing to the longwall. The most significant part of the article is the presentation and analysis of the results of prognoses of mean methane concentrations at the exhaust of the longwall area. The accuracy of the prognoses of methane concentration was verified using two methods: while not considering the release of methane to the air flowing to the longwall and while considering the total flowrate of methane to the ventilation air in the area of the 102 longwall. The method of forecast presented in the article has so far been checked for a 5-day and 6-day work day, as well as for walls operating in a non-regular mode. The article refers to the wall operating in a continuous mode, which required adaptation of the proposed method to this mode. The application of the one-day forecast proposed in the article allows for undertaking temporary methane prevention measures enabling safe use of the wall.
