INSTRUMENTATION FOR

MEASUREMENT OF ROOF
CONVERGENCE IN COAL
MINES
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY RAIPUR, (C.G)

RAVI KUMAR MINING ENGG. 19121906

 TABLE OF CONTENT
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. CONVERGENCE MEAUSRING INSTRUMENT 2
3. TELESCOPIC CONVERGENCE INDICATOR 3
4. REMOTE CONVERGENCE INDICATOR 4
5. BOREHOLE EXTENSOMETER 6
6. CONCLUSION 7
7. REFERENCE 8
INTRODUCTION:
The increasing proportion of extraction during underground coal mining raises
the issue of strata control, which is a difficult problem to solve. As a result, to
solve strata control difficulties, the depillaring operation of the regularly used
bord and pillar (B&P) technique of mining necessitates specialised equipment
and expert staff. Because it includes extensive roof-pillar contacts, the safety of
the depillaring operation is always a concern, and the degree of the interaction
changes at different phases of the depillaring in a panel. The behaviour and
reactivity of the rock mass surrounding the working determines how well a
depillaring operation will operate. By using traditional methods like manual
field monitoring and numerical modelling, it is difficult to forecast the
behaviour of the rock mass[1]. Various theoretical assumptions[2] and
modeling[3] [4] attempts do not produce useful and accurate findings. The
reason for this is that the real behaviour of rock masses differs dramatically
from what is often assumed. This is why the majority of strata-based
formulations are based on empirical evidence. In this case, an evaluation of the
performance of several connected mining structures, such as pillars, roof
strata, and applied support in the field, is necessary. Any field performance
evaluation entails a variety of measurements and monitoring via subterranean
instrumentation and monitoring .

CONVERGENCE MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

A variety of electro -optical techniques exist for stratum control measures, and
many more are emerging with the ability to offer distant and exact information
on the related parameters. Telescopic convergence indicator (TCI), remote
convergence indicator (RCI), and borehole extensometer are some of the
equipment used to monitor roof convergence during the formation of coal
pillars and depillaring. TCI and RCI calculate the distance between two places in
the working and goaf, respectively. TCI is a manual method, while RCI is a
continuous convergence monitoring system, but only when it is attached to a
readout or data logger can the reading be determined. In contrast to TCI/RCI,
extensometers revolutionised roof convergence measurement with little
effort.
Because the measurements from an extensometer indicate differential
movement among the anchors, a borehole extensometer with multi-anchor
capability is utilised to find the parted horizon above the working. This device
is usually installed in a hole dug upward from the working horizon.
It provides Until the roof remains intact, like in the case of the creation of a
coal seam, this knowledge is extremely significant. In most cases, this
instrument is a dud.

if it's implemented, it'll provide vital information during depillaring

Traditionally, the hole is bored upwards. Indeed, the upper strata begin to
deform/converge from there. After that, he travels inside via the immediate
roof. In this way, The instrument's mouthpiece (which contains sensors) is the
immediate roof was damaged due to the instability. Eventually, the
instrument's life is through. The multipoint extensometer, on the other hand,
gives greater information regarding bed separation if it is inserted from the
surface (shallow depth cover case) or above development (multi-seam mining
scenario) through a downward drilled hole. Only the bottom anchors are lost
when the roof collapses. Even after the ceiling has fallen, the above anchoring
and mouthpiece with sensors remain intact. To understand the in situ stiffness
of a large capacity roof bolt, a multipoint borehole extensometer is inserted
parallel to the roof bolt in the roof stratum. The effectiveness of the grouted
roof bolt to regulate the movement of laminated roof strataduring depillaring
is demonstrated by the proper positioning of various anchors within the hole,
parallel to the bolt. Based on the idea that goafing events occur after a lower
value of roof convergence, which the tell-tale will identify. However, because it
is not always feasible to record or detect this value of roof convergence, the
associated basic electrical device will automatically activate the alarm.
Telescopic Convergence Indicator (TCI):
It's made up of an exterior non-rusting tube and a close-fitting rod within. By
etching, a scale with a 1 mm least count is graded on this rod. Because of the
etching, the scale does not fade.
How to use ?
to measure the convergence between roof and floor, stations are fixed by
means of grounded stations. instrument is fixed between these two stations
and reading is taken against outer tube up to an accuracy of 1 mm. one
instrument is sufficient for several stations and there is no likehood of stations
being distributed by movement of machinery.

Image: telescopic convergence indiacator (TCI)

Remote convergence indicator (RCI)
One pair of telescopic tubing of the desired height is usually used in a system.
The length of tubing is usually determined by the greatest convergence
expected in the cavity, or by a factor somewhat greater than the sensor's
range.

Both tubings include anchoring flanges on one end for attaching to the ceiling
and floor, while the free ends move in perfect alignment with each other. The
sensor is totally water resistant and is mounted outdoors on extended plate
assemblies for ease of installation. There is also an option for a variant with an
embedded sensor in the tubes. This device has a maximum convergence range
of 300 mm (500 mm if the sensor is a resistance type). Height-adjustable
extension pipes are included with the top flange assembly to accommodate
cavity height. The standard assembly height is two metres.

Image: remote convergence indicator(RCI)

Application:
The convergence metre is a device that measures the amount of convergence
between two points. The SME 2540 is a device for measuring mine
convergence and underground convergence between the cavity's roof and
floor. For accurate remote measurement, the system may be equipped with a
variety of sensors, including linear potentiometer type displacement sensors,
resistance type sensors, and vibrating wire type displacement sensors. When
access is not always feasible or a secondary measurement device, such as a
data collection system, must be installed for continuous recording for
convergence measurements, a remote type system is typically employed.

Feature of RCI:

1. Accurate Measurement. Reliable.

2. Rugged design.
3. Simple Installation
4. Remote data (optional)
5. Water proof sensor & system

Borehole Extensometer:
Borehole Extensometer is a geotechnical tool used by civil engineers and
geologists to calculate the deformation of rock masses and adjacent or
surrounding soil. It is used to explore and monitor foundations, slopes, and
embankments in order to understand the behaviour of the rock surrounding
subterranean cavities, tunnels, and mines. It is equipped with an anchor bolt,
load cell, and tape extensometer.
Micrometre depth gauge is the measuring technique for the multipoint
borehole extensometer. There are two types of anchors offered by Encardio-
rite.

The first is a groutable anchor with a length of 20 mm x 500 mm that is

designed for usage in hard rock. These anchors are attached to a length-
appropriate rod, shoved into a borehole, and cement grouted in place.
Because it's contained in nylon tubing, the connecting rod is protected from
the cement grout. These anchors may be used in vertical boreholes as well as
holes that are inclined upward. However, additional measures must be taken
in the case of holes that are slanted upward to keep the grout in place and
prevent it from flowing out.

Packer anchors, on the other hand, are used to hold soft rocks and dirt in
place. They are lowered into the borehole with a connecting rod and secured
in place by pumping cement grout into the packer for a solid grasp on the
surroundings, similar to the groutable anchor.

Conclusion:
Roof collapse is a leading cause of deadly and severe accidents in underground
mines. Roof fall is often managed and reduced using a risk assessment
approach across the world. After the first exposure of the roof and sidewalls,
the mining conditions alter with time. The risk assessment of roof fall,
performed prior to or soon after the drivage of the gallery, must be revised as
mining circumstances change. Close monitoring of the stratum monitoring
devices enables the Risk Rankings to be updated and appropriate risk
management actions to be taken in real time. Measuring roof deflection is the
most common method of detecting roof instabilities. These measurements aid
in monitoring mine roof performance and in determining where, and often
when, a roof fall may occur. The experience demonstrates that Risk
assessment techniques can be utilized to forecast roof rock instabilities in
underground coal mines. Risk assessment techniques, suitably supplemented
by Strata monitoring technology can provide a means to warn of hazardous
roof fall conditions. It was discovered that strata monitoring sensors provide
early warnings of stratum movement and impending roof collapse. The
accurate analysis and interpretation of information from stratum monitoring
sensors is extremely beneficial in updating risk assessments and averting roof
collapse through risk management.
REFERENCE:
1. http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0615/ijsrp-
p42102.pdf
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
292411797_Instrumentation_and_monitoring_of_strat
a_movement_during_underground_mining_of_coal
3. Engineering rock mechanics by Hudson
4. http://cimfr.csiscentral.net
5. https://www.mineportal.in