Underground mining machinery - Safety requirements for excavation drums and shovel loading systems of mobile mining machines
1Key Takeaways
DIN EN ISO 19225/A1 Underground mining machines – Mobile extracting machines at the face – Safety requirements for shearer loaders and plough systems (ISO 19225:2017/DAM 1:2018); German and English version EN ISO 19225:2017/prA1:2018 This draft standard specifies safety requirements for underground mining machinery, p…
2Expert Interpretation
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the revised DIN EN ISO 19225/A1 standard, focusing on updated safety requirements for drum shearers and plow systems. This includes new noise measurement procedures, equipment operation safety specifications, and international standard coordination requirements, providing professional implementation guidance for mining equipment manufacturers and operators.
Background of the Standard Revision and Technological Evolution
DIN EN ISO 19225/A1:2018-12, a draft standard published by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), significantly revised the safety requirements for underground mobile coal mining equipment. This standard, jointly developed by Technical Committees ISO/TC 82, "Mining," and CEN/TC 196, "Safety of Mining Machinery and Equipment," embodies the deep collaboration between ISO and the European Committee for Standardization in the field of mining equipment safety.
This revision primarily focuses on updating noise measurement methods and safety requirements for drum shearers and plow systems, reflecting new safety requirements imposed by technological developments in mining equipment. This standard revision is based on ISO 19225:2017/DAM 1:2018 and maintains consistency with the essential requirements of EU directives.
Detailed explanation of the revision of main technical contents
Major changes in noise measurement methods
Part A of Appendix A of the standard has undergone structural adjustments and content updates, which are mainly reflected in the refinement and standardization of the noise measurement procedures:
| Measurement parameters | Requirements before revision | Requirements after revision | Technical significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement path | 10 meters movement in a single direction | 5 meters + 10 meters + 5 meters round trip measurement | Improve the representativeness and accuracy of the measurement data |
| Measuring equipment | No clear requirements | Integral measuring device must be used | Ensure the comparability and repeatability of measurement results |
| Number of measurements | Not specified | At least 3 independent measurements at each location | Improve data reliability by calculating the arithmetic average |
| Measurement time | Not specified | Not less than 15 seconds | Ensure the stability and validity of measurement data |
Special requirements for noise measurement of plow systems
In view of the remote operation characteristics of the plow system, the standard has added special noise measurement requirements:
Since the operator is not directly exposed to the noise environment of the plow, the measurement focus shifts to the noise emissions of the plow drive device. The measurements must be conducted on the surface, eliminating interference from the plow itself, the scraper conveyor, and other noise-emitting equipment. The measurements must ensure that the necessary water cooling systems for the drive and motor are implemented and activated, and that the drive is operating at rated speed.
Technical Challenges and Solutions for Standard Implementation
Professional Requirements for Measurement Environment Control
The new standard places higher demands on the measurement environment, particularly in terms of temperature control and equipment status management:
Equipment Preheating Requirements: The plow drive must be preheated to operating temperature before measurement, which requires the establishment of a standardized preheating procedure and temperature monitoring system.
Cooling System Activation: The water cooling system must be operational during the measurement, which requires the appropriate cooling infrastructure at the test site.
Precise Definition of Measurement Locations
The standard clearly defines the measurement locations (Positions 1, 2, and 3) through diagrams and requires that measurements be performed at the specified locations using an integrating sound level meter.
Measurements can be performed using two consecutive measurement runs or using two integrating measuring devices simultaneously. This dual requirement ensures flexibility in the measurement method and reliability of the results.
Declaration of Conformity and Documentation Requirements
Chapter A.7 (formerly A.8) of the standard specifies the requirements for declaring noise emission sound pressure levels: these must be declared as dual-digit noise emission values in accordance with ISO 4871.
This means that manufacturers need to provide complete technical documentation including the following information:
- A-weighted sound pressure level results for each measurement location
- Description of measurement conditions and methods
- Equipment status and configuration information
- Evaluation of measurement uncertainty
International harmonization and patent considerations
As an EN ISO standard, this standard remains fully consistent with the ISO version without any modifications. This reflects the European standardization organization's respect for and harmonization of international standards.
Patent statement requirement: The standard explicitly requires recipients to disclose any known relevant patent rights when submitting comments and provide supporting documentation. This requirement reflects the importance attached to intellectual property protection during the standard development process.
The standard also specifically states that any trade names in this document are used for information purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement. ISO is not responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Implementation recommendations and transition arrangements
Equipment manufacturers’ response strategies
In response to the implementation of the new standard, equipment manufacturers need to:
- Test facility upgrade: Establish a laboratory environment that meets the new measurement requirements, including temperature control, cooling systems, and noise measurement equipment
- Measurement procedure standardization: Develop detailed measurement operating procedures to ensure that the measurement process meets the standard requirements
- Document system update: Improve the technical documentation system to ensure that a noise declaration that meets the requirements of ISO 4871 can be provided
Preparatory measures for mine operators
Mines need to prepare for the implementation of the new standard:
- Establish equipment noise monitoring files to record the noise characteristics of each equipment
- Train operators to understand the new noise measurement requirements and methods
- Develop equipment procurement specifications that clearly require suppliers to provide noise data that meets the new standard
While this standard revision primarily updates measurement methods, it will have a profound impact on equipment design, manufacturing, and use. Relevant companies are advised to begin technical preparations and personnel training as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition after the standard is officially implemented.
The deadline for soliciting comments on the draft standard is February 7, 2019. Stakeholders should take advantage of this opportunity to provide professional opinions and work together to improve this important safety standard.