Bidirectional Cutting Cycle

Once the shearer has moved far enough and enough shields have advanced, the conveyor push will begin following. The amount of conveyor push is determined by SRB parameter “H->T Push Stroke”.

Parameter “H->T Push Stroke”

In the picture below, the shearer is in mid-face, the shields behind the shearer have advanced, and the conveyor push is following.

Bidirectional Cutting Cycle – Step 2 – Cutting to Tail

The picture below shows the longwall state when the shearer reaches the tailgate.

Bidirectional Cutting Cycle – Step 3 – Shearer in TG

The shearer then turns and cuts back into the snake area. As the shearer leaves the TG Cleanup Area, SRB will begin to trigger shields to advance following the shearer until all of the shields have been advanced.

Bidirectional Cutting Cycle – Step 4 – Cut Back to Snake