Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60, also known as the “Monster of Lusatia,” is a colossal machine used in the mining industry to extract lignite coal from the earth’s surface. This engineering marvel was built in 1972 by the former East German government and is still in operation today. In this article, we will explore the design, construction, and impact of Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60 in the mining industry.
Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60 is a large machine used for surface mining, primarily in the extraction of lignite coal. The machine has played a significant role in the mining industry, revolutionizing the way coal is extracted from the earth’s surface. This article aims to delve into the construction, working mechanism, benefits, maintenance, and future of Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60.
The Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60 is an impressive structure that measures 502 meters in length and 202 meters in width, with a height of 80 meters. The bridge is made up of approximately 12,000 tonnes of steel and can carry a weight of up to 18,000 tonnes of coal per hour. The construction of this mammoth structure took two years to complete and required the expertise of over 60 engineers and 3,500 workers.
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The design and architecture of Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60 were meant to ensure that the machine was stable and could withstand the weight of the coal it carries. The machine comprises a series of self-supporting steel frames that move along a set of rails. The steel frames support the conveyor belt and the bucket wheel excavator that extracts coal from the earth’s surface.
The technical specifications and features of Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60 are impressive. The bucket wheel excavator can extract up to 60,000 cubic meters of coal per day, making it one of the most productive machines in the mining industry. The machine also has a reach of up to 20 meters, making it possible to extract coal from deep pits.
The Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60 works by extracting lignite coal from the earth’s surface and transporting it to the processing plant. The machine moves along a series of rails, supported by a series of self-supporting steel frames, and excavates the coal using a large bucket wheel. The coal is then transported along a conveyor belt to the processing plant, where it is cleaned and sorted.
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The Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60 has revolutionized the mining industry by providing a more efficient and cost-effective method of extracting coal from the earth’s surface. The machine is capable of extracting up to 18,000 tonnes of coal per hour, making it one of the most productive machines in the mining industry. Additionally, the machine has minimal impact on the environment, as it does not require the use of explosives for coal extraction. This has led to a reduction in environmental pollution and an increase in the sustainability of mining operations.
Maintenance is an essential part of ensuring that the Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60 remains operational and efficient. The maintenance process involves regular inspections and servicing of the machine’s components. It is essential to ensure that the conveyor belt, bucket wheel excavator, and self-supporting steel frames are in good condition to prevent breakdowns during mining operations.
Safety measures are also crucial in ensuring that workers are protected from accidents and injuries. Workers are required to undergo safety training before working on the machine.
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