A study of the power consumption of mine scrapers

Since scrapers were first employed in underground mining work, numerous changes in scraper design have transpired until now there are several common types of scrapers in use in mines over the world. The proved models of scrapers have been developed over a period of more than fifty years. Although specific scrapers have been tested to determine the amount of power consumed, no literature could be found concerning the relative power consumption of the different types of scrapers when operated under identical conditions. Purpose of Problem - The purpose of this study is to determine the relative efficiency of different types of mine scrapers with regard to power consumption. Because rope speed and scraper weights are important factors affecting power consumption, these two factors were considered in conjunction with the different kinds of scrapers in this study; moisture tests were also conducted. Rock of mixed size grades was used in all tests. Problem Procedure - Four types of scrapers were tested. These were: The straight bail hoe scraper; the slope bail hoe scraper; the box scraper; and the crescent scraper --Introduction, page 1