Review of an Underground Conveyor using Composite Materials

Abstract

Aim of this paper is to analyze feasibility of adopting composite material in underground conveyors used in coal mines. Steel is the conventional material generally used in the underground conveyors which is to be replaced by composite material such as fiberglass with vinyl ester resin. A design using composite material is required because of heavy structure of conventional conveyors. One main reason of accidents in coal mines is physical strain in the workers due to transportation of heavy conveyor structure. Analysis of various designs with composite material will help to find out lightest and cheapest design. The report will investigate the potential for composite materials to be used in underground conveyor support structures in the mining industry to reduce the accident percentage. The report aims to identify need and use of composites in this field.