CAT Roof Support VShield – Visualization of face automation Version Operating and Maintenance Manual

Media-ID: EM026374-01-EN Doc.-No.: 1999 001 013 BA 00-17 Apr. 2017

Operating and Maintenance Manual VShield – Visualization of face automation Version: 11.22

SAFETY.CAT.COM

© 2017 CATERPILLAR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CAT, CATERPILLAR, THEIR RESPECTIVE LOGOS, ”CATERPILLAR YELLOW“ AND THE “POWER EDGE” TRADEDRESS, AS WELL AS CORPORATE AND PRODUCT IDENTITY USED HEREIN, ARE TRADEMARKS OF CATERPILLAR AND MAY NOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION.

Table of content

Table of content 1. About this manual Before starting work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signs and symbols used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Structure of the safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Structure of other instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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1.4 1.4 1.5 1.5

Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.6

Operation information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.6

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Buttons in general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tooltips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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1.3

1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.11

2. Your safety General safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.3

Basic hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.4

Operative measures/operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.5

Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.5

Remote parameterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.6

Ambient conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.6

Special types of dangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.6

Electrical energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Explosion protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hazardous substances/operating media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hydraulic system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.6 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.8

Safety equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.8

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.8

3. Storage and transport General information for storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Storage of data storage media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

General instructions for transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport of data storage media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport of PMC system components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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3.3 3.3

3.3 3.3 3.3

Table of content 4. Installation System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.3 4.3

Installation of the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.4

User Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.4

5. Operation General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.3

Hierarchy of VShield installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.4

Structure of the user interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.6

Position and speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pooled system messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

General information about the face views . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selecting a face view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selecting automatic functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selecting views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Prop pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Face position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shield status, function modules, network status . . . . . . . .

Optional views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Person detection (PPD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PPD parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

List of the PPD TAGs at the face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PMC-R keystroke recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shield height detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Canopy setting angle, stroke of stabilizing cylinder . . . . . .

Horizon control (plow only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show ram strokes separately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show conveyor load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show separate plow/shearer row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Highlight plow/shearer position in the graphics . . . . . . . . .

Show counter of received datasets for PMC status . . . . .

Show PMC error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show PMC status messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show virtual/real PMCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show debug values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show support advance time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show conveyor push time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show prop pressures overlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.10 5.10 5.12 5.14 5.15 5.18 5.19 5.19 5.21 5.23 5.30

5.36 5.36 5.37 5.39 5.42 5.45 5.48 5.49 5.49 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.51 5.53 5.54 5.54 5.54 5.54 5.55 5.55

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Standard views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.6 5.6 5.6 5.8 Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

Title bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Menu bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Data area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of content Downtimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Additional views for the shearer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Prop pressure change rate (DP / DT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Time-weighted average pressure (T.W.A.P.) . . . . . . . . . . .

Flippers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rear ramstrokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Caving shield/slide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

File menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reset Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Save settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Save Snapshot/Save Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Quit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Control menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Incremental plowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parameter... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Save Parameters from all PMC-Rs... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Load Parameters into all PMC-Rs... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Compare saved parameters... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Set Lines... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Move Lines... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Save Lines... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Load Lines... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Line corrections (conveyor line) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Clear Error Msgs... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Function modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

View menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Graphic Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shield angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Face history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PMCR runtimes/diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Main Text View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PMC-R Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Trends, VShieldTrend ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Start New Shift... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Statistics (Hourly, Shift, Daily) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reports (optional component) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show List of Downtimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Defective sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parameter change notifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PPD TAG Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service, ShieldDataDriver... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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5.55 5.57

5.61 5.61 5.61 5.62 5.62 5.63

5.64 5.64 5.64 5.64 5.64

5.65 5.66 5.69 5.73 5.74 5.75 5.77 5.78 5.80 5.80 5.82 5.84 5.84

5.85 5.86 5.86 5.86 5.86 5.87 5.88 5.89 5.90 5.90 5.91 5.92 5.93 5.101 5.101 5.102 5.103 5.106 5.107 5.108

Table of content 5.110

Help menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.110

Languages menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.110

Playback (replay log files) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.111

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External Programs menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

VShield

Table of content Quick links for plow 5.6 5.14

5.21 5.10

5.22

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5.16, 5.23

5.48 5.48 5.48 5.48

5.52 5.50 5.30 5.49 5.31

5.53 5.55

5.31, 5.33 5.48 5.35 5.54

5.12

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Table of content Quick links for shearer 5.6 5.14 5.59 5.59

5.10

5.21 5.22

5.16, 5.23

5.48 5.60 5.48

5.50

5.60 5.61

5.52 5.50 5.30 5.49 5.53 5.55

5.31 5.31, 5.33 5.48

5.12

5.35 5.52

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5.52

Before starting work

About this manual This chapter contains important information that makes it easier for you to use this manual. You also get information about the structure of the instructions and the used symbols, characters, abbreviations and frequently used terms.

This operating manual belongs to the: program version

Face control PMC®-R/P and describes the visualization program VShield, Version 11.22 The designation PMC® is legally protected and is the property of Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen. For the purpose of improved legibility, the registered trademark symbol ® will henceforth not be used in this manual.

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If this manual is used for other program versions, then it could happen that existing program functions are not described or that described parts are not present. As a general rule: the greater the difference between the version numbers of the program and of the manual used, the greater the differences will be.

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

Some of the program functions described here are optional and may not be available in the program with which you are operating.

The PMC system and all system components are in compliance with the European Directive 94/9/EC. The device falls under Group I, Category M2.

Before starting work This operating manual is intended for all persons who have to deal with or come into contact with this program.

This includes persons who: install and uninstall the program, use the program on a PC, perform troubleshooting and maintenance work.

This operating manual is intended to facilitate the safe and efficient handling of the program. The responsible operating, setup and maintenance personnel must read, understand and comply with this operating manual. It is only with the knowledge contained in this operating manual that you can avoid errors, damage and injuries and ensure trouble-free operation. completeness

The operating manual is to be stored within reach of the PMC system and to be kept readily accessible for operating and maintenance personnel. It must be passed along to all owners or users of the PMC system. Every supplement received must be inserted into the operating manual.

. Request a new operating manual immediately if the present operating manual is no longer complete or has become illegible.

Important!

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH assumes no liability for damage or operating malfunctions resulting from non-compliance with this operating manual.

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1.3

Before starting work The warranty provided by Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH will become void if this operating manual is not observed. safety

Read the chapter "Your safety" closely. This chapter contains important information to direct your attention to possible hazards connected with the handling of the product.

Signs and symbols used The following signal words are used for safety instructions in this operating manual.

DANGER WARNING CAUTION

Structure of the safety instructions All safety instructions have the following structure: Danger symbol next to the text passage 2.: Type of hazard 3.: Possible consequences in the event of noncompliance 4.: Instruction for avoiding the hazard Danger!

Points in the text marked with this symbol alert you to an imminent danger. This could result in very serious injury or death.

Example: Danger!

Suspended loads, Risk of falling load Possible consequences: Death or very severe injuries Never linger under suspended loads! Always use means of attachment which are of sufficient size and in perfect operating condition.

Warning!

Points in the text marked with this symbol draw attention to a danger which, if ignored, could lead to serious injury or death.

Example: Warning!

Lack of protective device on rotating machine components Possible consequences: Death or very severe injuries from entanglement or entrapment Never operate the conveyor system without protective devices on rotating machine components. Check the functioning of all safety equipment regularly.

Caution!

Points in the text marked with this symbol draw attention to a danger which, if ignored, could lead to injuries and/or damage to the machinery.

1.4

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1.: Signal word (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION)

Before starting work Example: Caution!

Incorrect values for parameters can cause damage to the equipment.

You must know the meaning of the parameters exactly before you make changes. Consult the operating manual for the PMC-R to find out the meaning of the parameters.

Other instructions The signal word “IMPORTANT,” together with the associated symbol, is used as a structural aid for clarifying the significance of unusual circumstances.

Structure of other instructions Information symbol next to the text passage 1st line: signal word (IMPORTANT!) Following lines: description of the circumstances Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

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Important!

Text passages which are marked with this symbol provide you with useful tips and instructions in order to facilitate your work. This instruction is not to be understood as a warning!

Example: Important!

See the documentation of the PMC-R for further information about incremental plowing.

Items in lists are marked by bullets, points in sub-lists by long dashes.

Example: Columns with error messages follow for each value: – Sensor not configured!

– Short circuit!

Work steps or work sequences are indicated by the hand symbol.

Follow these instructions step-by-step in order to perform the work safely and quickly.

Example:

. Save all files you worked on last. . Close all running programs.

Menu call-ups are indicated by an arrow and the text of the menu entry in quotation marks. Menu levels are depicted by a dash.

Example:  "Control" - "Parameters..."

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1.5

Terms Terms Variables are differentiated according to their characteristics (generation of the assigned contents).

Parameters As a user, you can influence the size of parameters. You can set and modify the contents of parameters.

Example: pressure [bar], SEMI slip [%], oil level (reference) [cm] Status parameter A status parameter contains measured values of sensors and, if necessary, information concerning the quality of the measured value or the status of the sensor.

Examples of status parameters: runtime [min]/[%], mined out area [m²], mining rate [m²/min]

Examples of measured value status: Current or out of date, 0 or 1 Sensor status example: on/off or 1/ 0 Status messages These are control system messages regarding statuses of the control or of individual controlled components (in text form and/or as colored fields).

Examples: system messages concerning activity statuses (Activated, Ready, Waiting...). operating mode (Mode): fast travel, slow travel. communication: colored field black, yellow, green, red. errors / warnings / information with descriptions

Operation information section can be skipped

Users who are newcomers receive here information regarding the handling of the computer mouse, keyboard, buttons and printers.

In addition, they are given tips for handling windows and tables.

If you are familiar with programs used under Microsoft Windows®, please read the "Special buttons" section and skip the rest of this section. Afterwards, read chapter 2 "Your safety".

You can use the keyboard and the computer mouse (henceforth simply referred to as the "mouse") to work with the program. The keyboard can be used to call up menu commands and to change values in input fields. The mouse can be used to call up menu commands, to place the cursor in input fields and to activate buttons.

1.6

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Examples of measured values (for the status parameters listed above): 54 min, 1850 m², 10.5 m²/min

Operation information Keyboard Keys on the keyboard are marked with square brackets [ ].

Example: [Alt].

Key combinations are designated by a plus sign +.

Example: [Ctrl]+[c] Designations of buttons are set in quotation marks.

Mouse Left-click or click: Press the left mouse button Right-click: Press the right mouse button Double-click: Press the left mouse button twice in quick succession

Buttons in general Buttons are activated with the left-hand mouse button (left-click) Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

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OK: confirm entries and close the active window Cancel: close the active window without making any changes Close: closes the active window. This button is, as a rule, present only when no modifications are possible in the active window.

Accept: Saves the displayed settings. The window remains open for further editing.

Special buttons Reset error...: deletes the error list after subsequent acknowledgment with OK Send: transmits the data to the connected unit Export exports the selected data without closing the window Update: calls up new data and updates the display Print: calls up the Windows display for selecting the printer Debugger for ignored data: shows the "History of the messages on ignored data" Delete history of messages on ignored data: deletes the history Copy list to the clipboard: copies the data to the clipboard. You can insert the data in a text file or a spreadsheet program (e.g. using the key combination [Ctrl]+[V]) Delete error messages: deletes the list of error messages

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1.7

Operation information Tooltips VShield can display tooltips for many fields. They appear when the mouse pointer is moved to a field with tooltip support. Depending on the context, you will see supplementary information regarding the respective field or the current cursor position.

Fig. 1:

Tooltip for the field "Connection status"

Using windows A typical detail window is shown in Fig. 2. The title bar contains the title of the window (1), the System menu (16) and buttons on the right-hand edge (3 - 6).

Clicking on the "Maximize" button (4) causes the window to fill the entire amount of available space on the screen. The symbol in the button changes (from (4) to (5)).

To restore the original size, click on the button marked "Restore" (5) in the maximized window.

A click on the "Close" (6) button closes the window and may end an application. If you have modified data in the window before closing, a security query will appear as a rule to ask whether the changes are to be saved.

It is not possible to change the size of some windows. The only button to be found in the title bar of such windows is the "Close" button (6).

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Click on the left-hand button (3) to minimize the window.

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changing the window size

Operation information Example: Control elements in windows

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Fig. 2:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Window title Change column width Minimize window Maximize window Restore window size Close window Upward scrolling arrow Image scrolling slider, vertical Change window width

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Downward scrolling arrow Change diagonal window size Scrolling arrow to the right Button Image scrolling slider, horizontal Change window height Scrolling arrow to the left System menu

If you move the mouse pointer to the edge of the window, the mouse pointer turns into a double arrow.

. Move the mouse pointer in one of the arrow directions (9, 11, 15) with the left-hand mouse button pressed down.

The window changes in size.

. Release the mouse button once the size of the window is the one you need.

If the window is too small for the contents to be displayed, then image scrolling bars with scrolling arrows (7, 10, 12, 15) and image scrolling sliders (8, 14) will appear next to the content. The length of the sliders corresponds to the percentage share of the visible content to the contents as a whole.

. Click on a scrolling arrow (7, 10, 12, 15).

The contents of the window will be shifted one line at a time in the direction of the arrow.

. Click on an image scrolling slider, keep the mouse button pressed and move the slider in any direction.

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1.9

Operation information The contents of the window follow the movement of the slider. changing the column width

The width of the columns in tables can frequently be modified.

. Move the mouse pointer in the column header along to a column edge.

The image of the mouse pointer changes into a double arrow with a vertical line (2).

. Keep the left mouse button pressed at this position and move the mouse to the left or right.

The column which is marked will change in width.

Double-clicking a column header causes the width of the column to match the width of the contents of the column. moving windows

Moving windows

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Fig. 3:

If the window is inconveniently placed on the monitor screen, it can be shifted to a different position. There are two procedures for accomplishing this:

1 System menu 2 System menu button

3 "Shift" mouse pointer

. Click on the title bar of the window, hold the mouse button pressed down and move the window into the desired position. or

. Click on the button for the System menu (Fig. 3, (2)) and then on "shift" in the System menu (1). or

. Click with the right-hand mouse button on the title bar and then on "shift" in the System menu.

The mouse pointer will be placed automatically in the title bar and changes into double arrows intersecting at right angles (3). The edge of the window is now surrounded by colored cross-hatching (the cross-hatching is only slightly visible above the intersecting double arrow (3)).

1.10

VShield

Operation information . Hold the left-hand mouse button pressed down and use the mouse to move the window to the desired position.

The same functions which can be accessed with buttons on the right-hand side of the title bar can also be accessed through the system menu (1) (see Fig. 2 (3 - 6)).

Service

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If technical problems occur, please contact our after-sales service personnel or contact us directly (Homepage: https://mining.cat.com).

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1.11

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Operation information

1.12

VShield

General safety information

Your safety General safety information All safety information in this chapter applies to machines of all kinds. Safety instructions and requirements which apply specifically to individual machine parts, functional sequences or activities will be found in the respective chapters.

Important!

Safety instructions and rules of procedure warn against residual hazards on the machine or installation which could arise from the respective task or which are unavoidable from a technical point of view.

. Read this chapter with particular attention before beginning work.

. Observe the specified safety instructions and rules of procedure.

. Always work with great concentration, familiarize yourself with Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

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your working environment and use your own personal protective clothing and equipment.

. If additional separate instructions belong with this operating manual, then read those as well.

The complete table of contents for all documentation can be found in the folders in which this operating manual is filed. state of the art technology

residual hazards

The PMC system reflects state-of-the-art technology. It was manufactured in accordance with generally recognized safety standards and regulations.

Nevertheless, for example, hazards can arise as the result of environmental influences or operator errors. This is particularly the case in situations where utilization, operation and maintenance are not performed as intended or where unauthorized interventions have been made in the PMC system.

Intended use Intended use is: visualization of events at the face. remote parameterization of face equipment.

PMC system components may not be used for other control tasks except in consultation with the manufacturer!

Important!

Applications not explicitly listed as intended uses are not permitted with the PMC system and are therefore regarded as unauthorized uses.

Caterpillar will not accept any liability for damage resulting from any such unauthorized use.

Prerequisites for operation The PMC system must not be put into service and this software must not be used until it has been ascertained that the machine controlled by the system meets the European directive 94/9/EC*.

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2.3

Basic hazards This program is part of the PMC system. The operator must fulfill the stipulated safety requirements for any units and programs on hand which are not included in the scope of delivery for this system and for any others which are necessary for its operation.

The operation of a unit of Group I Category M2 is only allowed when the safety requirements according to DIN EN 1552 are met.

These include, for example: equipment for preventing unauthorized startup, startup warning systems, safe shutdown command systems, emergency stop systems

Basic hazards . Ensure regular maintenance and upkeep for the machine.

. Check the functional capability of the safety systems at regular intervals.

Warning!

Unauthorized changes Possible consequences are very serious injury or even death.

Never make any changes to the program code or to the configuration files!

Unauthorized changes lead to loss of warranty and to the end of CE conformity.

Warning!

Safety-relevant deficiencies/malfunction of VShield Possible consequences - very serious injury or death The machine must be locked-out at once in the event of safety-relevant deficiencies or malfunctions on the part of VShield! Report fault to the respective official! Do not operate the machine again until the cause of the deficiency has been eliminated.

. Actuate immediately the EMERGENCY STOP switch in the event of malfunctions, failure of safety equipment (e.g. firedamp protection) or irregularities in operation. Notify your supervisor of any peculiarity, so that necessary action will be taken immediately.

Caution!

Incorrect values for parameters Possible consequences - damage to machinery You should know exactly what the parameters mean before you make changes to them. Consult the operating manual for the PMC-R to find out the meaning of the parameters. * DIN EN 1710 also applies in Germany

2.4

VShield

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

Danger!

Removal/manipulation of safety systems Possible consequences are very serious injury or even death.

If safety systems such as EMERGENCY STOP switches are dismantled for repair or maintenance tasks, then these must be remounted in their original positions without fail following completion of these tasks.

Check safety systems for their functions prior to commissioning and document the check.

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Observe specified maintenance intervals.

Operative measures/operator Operative measures/operator . Inspect the working and hazard conditions at the place of operation of the PMC system at regular intervals.

This operating manual must be permanently stored for personnel use at the place of operation of the PMC system.

. Order a replacement copy of the operating manual without delay in the event of loss or damage.

. In addition to this manual, make sure you also observe the respectively valid legal provisions and regulations for accident prevention in your country.

In addition, observe the safety and accident prevention regulations the mining company, the mines inspectorate and of mining supervisory authorities where applicable.

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. Clarify any questions which may arise before starting work!

Important!

This operating manual is to be supplemented by the operator with any instructions, including oversight and registration requirements for taking into account unusual operational peculiarities, e.g. with respect to labor organizations, work procedures or the personnel utilized.

Personnel Only trained, instructed and authorized personnel may perform work on or with the PMC system!

Training

The training and education of the employees must meet the standards of Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH. If any personnel lack the necessary expertise, then they are to be trained and instructed.

Danger!

Unqualified personnel Possible consequences: very serious injury or death.

Death from operator error and/or ignorance.

No work may be performed on or with the PMC system except by personnel who: have received training in the special features of the PMC system. Reading the operating manual, especially the chapter on safety, must constitute part of this training. can document their ability to operate the PMC system of this machine. have sufficient expertise in mechanics, hydraulics and control and electronic technology. Special knowledge is required for installation and repair work.

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2.5

Remote parameterization Remote parameterization With this program, you can modify drive parameters at remote locations. This requires special attention and responsibility on your behalf.

Ambient conditions Ambient conditions, in particular hazards originating from firedamp or dusts, are to investigated by the operator in connection with the operation of PMC systems. The operator must implement corresponding preventive measures in order to prevent the danger of a firedamp or dust explosion.

Danger!

Damage to the firedamp protection systems Possible consequences: very serious injury or death If damage to firedamp protection systems is discovered, then the M2 unit must be shut down immediately and secured against restarting! restarting

Restarting may only be carried out by authorized personnel!

Special types of dangers Electrical energy Danger!

Electrical energy Possible consequences: death, very serious injuries Work on the electrical equipment of PMC system components may only be performed by an electrician or by persons who have received instruction, and then only under the supervision of an electrician, in accordance with electrotechnical regulations!

2.6

VShield

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Prior to remote parameterization, you must have read and understood the corresponding operating manuals and be familiar with the exact meaning of the parameters and the possible consequences of planned changes.

In addition, the following conditions must be met: there are no persons in the hazardous area; the safety systems are working correctly and have been activated; the employee on site is able to see and hear the respective component parts from a safe distance If the employee on site is not able to confirm compliance with these conditions, you may not carry out remote parameterization.

Explain to the employee on site which condition you want to establish with the modification of the parameters. You can assess the success of the modification of the parameters in combination with the status indications of this program and the assessment by the employee on site.

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Danger!

Damage to the conveyor, the shields, the hydraulic system or the electrical system.

Possible consequences are very serious injury or even death due to collisions and damaged hoses and cables.

Remote parameterization may only be performed in direct cooperation with a trained employee on site.

Special types of dangers . Inspect the electrical equipment of the PMC system at regular intervals. Have deficiencies, e.g. loose or scorched cables, eliminated immediately.

Important!

Work on electrical equipment may only be performed by Caterpillar Service technicians or by electricians employed by the mining company.

Explosion protection All PMC system components have been designed and manufactured in accordance with ATEX. Explosion protection is ensured as long as all of the components continue to be in an undamaged and unopened state.

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Danger!

Hazard from explosion Possible consequences - very serious injury or death In the event of repair or maintenance work for which the housing of PMC system components needs to be opened, the power supply must be switched off without fail before the housing is opened!

If your presence is required at the installation for maintenance or servicing purposes,

. first inform the supervisory personnel and the face crew of the kind and extent of work to be performed, as well as its probable duration.

. cordon off the working area extensively for monorail and floor conveying devices.

Inform your colleagues about

. your exact location, . the work you are carrying out. . how much time you will probably need.

Noise PMC systems control installations and machines which can generate considerable noise emissions.

Warning!

Noise/noise emissions Possible consequences: deafness, chronic illness Always wear ear protection. Depending on the machine type and the working environment, noise emissions could be experienced in excess of 85 dB(A).

Hazardous substances/operating media

. Observe manufacturer's instructions (safety data sheets) when handling hazardous substances or operating media.

. Dispose of auxiliary equipment which has been soiled with oil, grease or other chemical substances in an environmentally acceptable manner.

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2.7

Safety equipment Hydraulic system Machines and installation components which are hydraulically operated or which transport or store hydraulic fluid may be under pressure!

. Depressurize the respective component parts before beginning with maintenance and/or repair operations.

Safety equipment . Ensure the proper functioning of: – safety systems (e.g. EMERGENCY STOP button) – signaling and lighting systems and inspect them at regular intervals.

. Be aware of acoustic and/or optical start-up warnings, e.g. of mining machines or shield supports.

Important!

Within the framework of contract and delivery specifications, Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH provides a warranty for correct manufacture of every Caterpillar product shipped.

This warranty does not extend to such damages as are caused by normal wear-and-tear, incorrect handling, negligent use, the installation of non-original spare parts, insufficient servicing, or noncompliance with this operating manual.

2.8

VShield

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Warranty

General information for storage

Storage and transport This chapter contains important information on correct storage and transport of the PMC system components and the associated data storage media.

General information for storage . Comply with the prescribed storage periods and observe the following storage instructions.

Important!

As a basic rule, do not store PMC system components and associated data storage media outdoors!

Storage of data storage media

. Protect data storage media, such as CDs, DVDs or other exchangeable disk media, against: E

soiling, moisture and wetness, Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

high temperatures/direct exposure to sunlight, temperature fluctuations, strong magnetic fields and static discharges, vibrations.

. Do not fail to observe the accompanying user instructions provided by the manufacturers of your storage media.

Important!

Note that the service life of saved information on data storage media may vary, depending on the data medium and ambient conditions.

. Keep the original data storage media and their backup copies in different places.

General instructions for transport Transport of data storage media

. Transport your data storage media in the packaging provided for that purpose.

Transport of PMC system components

. In order to avoid damage to displays, keyboards, cables and plug-type connections, PMC system components should always be packaged individually and transported in a transport box.

. Never transport PMC system components together with heavy or sharp-edged objects.

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3.3

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General instructions for transport

3.4

VShield

System requirements

Installation System requirements The following system requirements must be fulfilled for the installation of the visualization program on a PC above ground:

Hardware Operating systems – Microsoft Windows® 7; 64-bit – Microsoft Windows® 10; 64-bit Intel Core i7 or compatible multi-core processor with higher than 3 GHz CPU clock 16 GB RAM Full 3D-capable graphics card with support for Direct X 10.0 and OpenGL ICD (ZBuffer at least 32-bit).

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For each visualization program, at least 50 MB free storage space on the hard drive. The required storage space is increased to at least 1 TB if log files (protocols) are written.

Network connection (fiber optic, for connection underground) USB port CD-ROM drive Important!

You will also need an application which unpacks zipped files with the file extension .zip.

Further information is available from our service staff.

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4.3

Installation of the software Installation of the software The visualization program is installed by our service personnel and configured to the local conditions.

For additional installations on more remote computers (intranet/Internet), please contact our service personnel.

Caution!

Changes to configuration files Possible consequences: Machine damage caused by a changed program configuration.

Never change the configuration of this program. Only the manufacturer's Service personnel is authorized to do so.

You are only authorized to modify display options and CST parameters using the user interface.

4.4

VShield

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You can regulate access to this program via a user administration.

Our service personnel can configure a user administration if needed.

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User Administration

General

Operation General The visualization program for the depiction of a face can be conveniently operated using keyboard and mouse, like conventional Windows applications, e.g. MS Word.

This program provides simultaneous visualization of the statuses of the mining equipment, conveyor(s) and all shields at the face. You are thus provided with a constant overview of various different parameters.

You can also change preset parameters and thus actively intervene in the control.

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Caution!

Malfunction caused by unsuitable parameters Possible consequences - damage to machinery Only trained personnel with knowledge of the controlled machines and the PMC control system are permitted to modify parameters.

Note the information given on remote parameterization in the chapter entitled "Your safety".

Important!

The following illustrations are snapshots. They were created on a German language Windows® 7 computer with variations from the standard design. The design of the program window on your PC will therefore differ from the one in this description. The content of the program windows is identical, however.

Important!

For the plow, the operating mode "Incremental plowing with autosequence" is the default mining mode in this manual, unless otherwise stated.

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5.3

Hierarchy of VShield installations Hierarchy of VShield installations The VShield visualization program can be installed and used simultaneously at different stations (see Fig. 4).

Computer underground (1 - 3) Computer aboveground (control center) (4,5) PC on the intranet of your company (2 - 5) Computer via Internet worldwide (6) Communication between VShield installations and PMC system

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Fig. 4:

1 Control master PC at the control center 2 Control client PCs underground 3 View client PCs underground 4 Control client PCs above ground

5.4

5 View client PCs above ground 6 View client PCs on the Internet 7 PMC-D/V system

VShield

Hierarchy of VShield installations The underground visualization PC (1) is connected directly (or via a PMC-P node) to the on-site PMC-R system (7) and receives the desired data from it. It logs this data, evaluates it, and visualizes the desired parameters and statuses of the PMC-R system. The visualization PC can establish a communication link with a control client PC (2), send data to it and receive data from it. The operators at the control PCs of both locations have the same options for using the program.

A control client PC (2, 4) can establish a communication link with another control client PC and provide view client PCs (3, 5, 6) with data.

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The view client PCs may be within the intranet (3, 5) of the mining company or at any location with an Internet connection (6).

Operators of a view client PC cannot intervene in the control system. They can only observe the visualization.

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5.5

Structure of the user interface Structure of the user interface The user interface is divided up into several areas.

Title bar Menu bar Toolbar left-hand data area right-hand data area (face view)

Title bar The title bar (Fig. 6, 7 (1)) contains the name of the program and the usual buttons for enlarging and reducing the size as well as closing the program window. Depending on the program status, the title bar may contain additional information. Handling the program windows is described in chapter 1.

All program functions can be accessed via the menu bar.

Toolbar Directly underneath the menu bar is the toolbar.

Fig. 5:

Toolbar

You can use the icons on the toolbar to change the graphical displays and open some windows directly (without using the menu bar). You can hide or show the toolbar via  "View" - "Standard Toolbar".

Tab. 1: Toolbar Buttons Symbol

Function Saving the current monitor settings Switches the automatic X function on or off. The display follows the travel of the mining equipment (when only a section of the face is visible). The function can also be switched over using the [Ins] key.

Switches the automatic Y function on or off. The display follows the conveyor in the direction of the coal face. The function can also be switched over using the [Del] key.

Shifts the screen range to the left and switches off the automatic X function.

Shifts the screen range up and switches off the automatic Y function.

Shifts the screen range down and switches off the automatic Y function.

Shifts the screen range to the right and switches off the automatic X function.

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VShield

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

The menu bar is located under the title bar (Fig. 6, 7 (2)). Click an item on the bar to open the menus. Alternatively, you can press the [Alt] key and then navigate through the menus with the arrow keys and the [Return] or [Enter] key.

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Menu bar

Structure of the user interface Enlarges the X range of the graphical display (more supports on the screen; zoom out).

Also possible with key combination: [Num]+[*] on the numeric keypad.

Reduces the X range of the graphical display (fewer supports on the screen; zoom in).

Also possible with key combination: [Num]+[/] on the numeric keypad.

Reduces the Y range of the graphical display for the coal face, conveyor and shields (Fig. 6, 7 (5)) (the row with the conveyor and supports becomes higher; zoom in).

Also possible with key combination: [Num]+[+] on the numeric keypad.

Enlarges the Y range of the graphical display for the coal face, conveyor and shields (Fig. 6, 7 (5)) (the row with the conveyor and supports becomes narrower; zoom out).

Also possible with key combination: [Num]+[-] on the numeric keypad.

Opens the window "Move Lines" Only with plow as mining equipment: opens the window "Incremental plowing."

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Opens the window "Select Module" Buttons which can be assigned to parameter modules of your choice from the "Select Module" window, for quick access. In this illustration, only button 1 is assigned.

Switch an additional scale on and off. This icon only becomes available once the additional scale is activated. Activate it via  "View" - "Graphic Options" - "Scale" (Offset > 0)

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5.7

Structure of the user interface Data area The data area (under the toolbar) consists of two columns of differing width. The narrow column on the left gives you a few items of information that you can read at a glance. The wide column on the right shows a face with numbered supports and the position of the mining equipment along the face. Blocks of rows show various visualizations of what is happening at the face. You can hide or show these blocks as desired via  "View" - "Graphic Options" "Views" (see also page 5.19). The program can visualize either a plow (Fig. 6) or a shearer (Fig. 7) as the mining equipment.

VShield with plow

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Fig. 6:

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9

5.8

Title bar of the program window Menu bar Icon bar Plow position, direction of movement, operating mode, automatic functions Coal face, conveyor, and shields Conveyor position relative to the cut line Operating mode of the plow Relay bar assemblies Voltage, debug values, PMC status

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Function modules Connection status Active function modules Counter of received datasets Network status Network Status bar Position of the mining equipment PMC error messages Status Plow horizon control Prop pressure

VShield

Structure of the user interface VShield with shearer

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Fig. 7:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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Title bar of the program window Menu bar Icon bar Shearer position, direction of movement, speed Coal face, conveyor, and shields Conveyor area (separate row for the mining equipment) Flipper Relay bar assemblies Rear ramstrokes Voltage, debug values, PMC status

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11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Function modules Connection status Active function modules Counter of received datasets Network status Network Position of the mining equipment PMC error messages Status Caving shield and caving slide Prop pressure

5.9

Standard views Standard views The following are the views provided as standard. Optional views can be found further on, starting on page 5.50. Additional views for the shearer can be found starting on page 5.61

Position and speed The numbers displayed in a green field under the CAT logo (Fig. 8 (1)) give the shield number (1) at the current position of the mining equipment. Below that, you can see the direction of travel and the speed of the mining equipment (2). The background and foreground colors of the display vary depending on the status of the mining equipment.

Fig. 8:

Position, speed

Plow

5.10

1 Mining equipment position (shield position) 2 Direction of travel and speed

5 Height, left/right cutting drum 6 Shearer operating mode (cutting method)

3 Travel distance 4 Travel speed

7 Plow operating mode

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Shearer

8 Options

VShield

Standard views The following table shows the possible statuses of the mining equipment relative to the face position and the corresponding displays.

Tab. 2: Display of direction of travel and speed

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Characters

Meaning

-

Mining equipment is stationary, last direction of travel is unknown.

<

Mining equipment is stationary, last direction of travel was to the operator's left or to the specified drive

>

Mining equipment is stationary, last direction of travel was to the operator's right or to the specified drive

<=

Slow travel to the left or as specified by the drive

=>

Slow travel to the right or as specified by the drive

<==

Fast travel to the left or as specified by the drive

==>

Fast travel to the right or as specified by the drive

n.m

Timeout

n.m

Communication interrupted, last known position

n.m

For shearer only: communication interrupted briefly, position still valid

A tooltip indicates the direction to the head gate or tail gate, depending on their positions. shearer

Whether the shearer moves directly to the other drive or to the reversal point, or from the reversal point to the drive is specified in the next field (3). The following options are possible: HG to TG HG to reversal point reversal point to HG TG to HG TG to reversal point reversal point to TG Underneath it (4), you will find the travel speed of the mining equipment in meters per minute for the shearer and in meters per second for the plow.

This is followed by the height of the left and right cutting drums (5).

Information on the selected operating mode (6) of the shearer is to be found below. You can select one of the cutting methods as the operating mode at  "Control" - "Parameters" - "SRB PARAMETERS" - "MODE". The following cutting methods are possible: BIDI = full cutting method, HALF = half cutting method, BKWD = partial cutting method with backward tail gate, FRWD = partial cutting method with forward tail gate,

plow

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If a plow is being used as the mining equipment, the program displays the operating mode (7) with a number of options (8) below the shield position and direction of travel/speed.

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5.11

Standard views Under  "Control" - "Incremental Plowing", you can select a plowing mode and activate or deactivate additional functions.

For more information about this, see "Incremental plowing" on page 5.24.

Communication In the lower left-hand corner, the program displays the status of the communication links. In the following example, the display originates from a control client PC (server) linked on-site with the installation. See also Fig. 4.

1 Connected to client on the Intranet/ Internet 2 Connected to VShield on site (control master PC)

3 No connection to 2nd client on the Intranet/Internet 4 not configured

The status of the communication link is color-coded.

Tab. 3: Color coding of the communication link Display

Meaning

Yellow

J

Initialization, link being set up

Green

J

Link is set up

Red

J

No link

Black

J

Interface not configured

The affected field appears yellow when a link is being set up. The color changes to green in the event of an error-free link.

Missing communication links are marked in red (no link at present) or black (the interface is not configured).

In the case of a control client PC, the lower left-hand field (Fig. 9 (2)) shows the communication status between the VShield on the control client PC and the VShield on site (control master PC). In the case of onsite installation, it displays the communication status with a PMC-R/P. The lower right-hand field (4) shows the communication status between the VShield program and the next linked control client PC in the on-site installation (control master PC). Since there is no second central control in this example, there is no communication link either.

The upper field is subdivided into 8 additional fields (1, 3)...

They are intended for external links via Intranet/Internet. In this example, only 1 client (1) is connected. There is currently no link to any other clients.

An external communication link is displayed for control client PCs which receive data from a program installation on site (control master PC).

5.12

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Example: Communication links on the VShield server

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Fig. 9:

VShield

Standard views communication details

By double-clicking on a display field, a table appears with details concerning the communication status. It is important for Service personnel in the event of communications problems.

Details concerning the communication status

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Fig. 10:

Important!

This table is only available in english.

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5.13

Standard views Pooled system messages When system errors occur, the first row of the window area, directly above the prop pressures displayed (Fig. 6 (21) or Fig. 7 (21)), shows pooled messages indicating all affected shields or shield ranges.

Fig. 11:

Pooled system messages (example)

1 Timeout at position 142.

2 Network interruption at position no. 502 and from 140 to 69 and other positions (...).

3 Emergency stop at currently unknown position

The following messages can appear in this row: Tab. 4: Pooled system messages

5.14

Message

Meaning

J

Data old (shield no. from/to)

Timeout.

J

No Bidi connection (shield no.)

Communication to the neighboring shield interrupted.

J

E-STOP: ~~~

Emergency Stop outside the face.

J

E-STOP: (shield no.)

Control disabled by own emergency stop switch.

J

E-STOP External: (shield no.)

Emergency stop communication interrupted or external emergency stop switch triggered.

J

BSL Stop

BSL (beam stage loader) stop switch activated.

J

BSL Stop Ign

The stop of the BSL is ignored.

J

BootEnd Stop

BootEnd stop switch is active.

J

BootEnd Stop Ign

The bootend stop is ignored.

J

Supply Pressure (shield no.)

The supply pressure is outside the allowed range.

J

Return Pressure (shield no.)

The return pressure is outside the allowed range.

J

High Pressure (shield no.)

The high pressure is outside the allowed range.

J

Disabled: (shield no. from/to))

Control was disabled by own software.

J

Disabled Externally: (shield no. from/to)

Lock-out switch on the neighboring shield was triggered (with 3:1 configuration).

J

No Valve Strip (shield no.)

No valve strip or valve strip error.

J

Diff.Prg.Version (shield no.) Different program versions.

Diff.Glob.Para (shield no.)

Different global parameters.

J

Travel Zone: (shield no. from/to)

A safety zone area (tunnel zone).

J

Rear Afc COLLISION

Warning of a collision with the rear conveyor.

VShield

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Background

Standard views J

PPD Warning: (shield no. from/to)

Warning about an unregistered person or a lost person in the shield

J

PPD Zone: (shield no. from/to)

Safety zone from shield x-n to shield x+n, due to a person in shield x. The number n can be parameterized (parameter: "Pzone size").

The displayed messages disappear once the error or status ceases to apply.

General information about the face views To the right of the CAT logo and under the row for system messages, the program provides a graphical display of the sensor data, calculation results, and messages received from the PMC-R/P (Fig. 6, 7 (5-11, 13-21)). The data is displayed for each support in fields of alternating sizes, positions and colors, supported by text and numbers in tooltips. The tooltips appear at the position of the mouse pointer in every row for every support.

Tab. 5: Example: tooltip for prop pressure

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Prop pressure Support no.: 85 Pressure <

[C1]

Pressure >

[C2]

Supply pressure

[F2]

Return pressure

[B2]

J J J J

305 bar 305 bar 380 bar 0 bar

In the tooltips (and in this description), you will find designations such as A1, A2, B1, B2, C1... inside square brackets. These designations indicate communication ports on the PMC-R. Example from Tab. 5: Pressure < [C1] means: the pressure sensor on the left-hand prop is connected to port C1.

Supply pressure [F2] means: the pressure sensor for supply pressure is connected to port F2.

Patterns in the Face Views sensors

If the display shows patterns as in Table 6, these indicate unexpected sensor statuses. These statuses have a range of different meanings.

Caution!

Malfunction caused by missing sensor data.

Possible consequences - damage to machinery Be aware of messages regarding unexpected sensor statuses and check the corresponding sensors. Find out the cause of these statuses and replace defective sensors as soon as possible.

Tab. 6: Status Patterns in the Background and Foreground

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Background

Foreground

Meaning

XXX

XXX

Sensor value is currently faulty and is being ignored

XXX

XXX

Sensor value is currently faulty but is not being ignored

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5.15

Standard views Background

XXX

Foreground

Meaning

XXX

Sensor value was faulty and has not yet been reset. The sensor is currently working normally, but is being ignored.

XXX

Sensor value was faulty and has not yet been reset. The sensor is currently working normally and is not being ignored.

XXX

The sensor values are being ignored, but there is no error present.

XXX

No sensor values received in the time window (timeout)

If you move the mouse onto a pattern, you will see further information in a tooltip.

Position of the Mining Equipment at the Face

Important!

You can switch on the automatic X and Y functions (Table 1, page 5.6) in order to keep the mining equipment in view at all times.

Fig. 12:

Area of the mining equipment (here: shearer)

1 No. of the supports/shields 2 Conveyor area 3 Flippers 4 Conveyor with shearer 5 Center of the mining equipment

6 7 8 9

Relay bar assemblies Rear relay bar assemblies Caving shield and slide Working area of the mining equipment 10 Scale

The individual shields can be identified by the numbers of the supports/shields shown between the blocks of rows (1). scale

A scale is provided in the left and right margins for the applicable blocks. The values can be displayed in the following units of measurement: voltage in volts [V]. face position in meters [m] or feet [ft].

5.16

VShield

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The working area of the mining equipment is shown in a lighter shade in the graphics down the entire height of the display (Fig. 12 (9)). The center of the mining equipment is marked by a red line (5).

This makes it easy for you to follow the movements of the mining equipment in all rows.

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position of mining equipment

Standard views pressure in bars [bar] or PSI [psi]. movement of relay bar rams in millimeters [mm], inches [in], and %.

You can change these settings via  "View" - "Graphic Options" "Scale" (see Fig. 13).

The following combinations of units are possible: Changing the axis scale via Graphic Options - Scale

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Fig. 13:

additional scale

If you use a coordinate system of your own, or work with a retraction instead of an advance, you can specify an adjusted additional scale. It causes the position of the conveyor to be advanced or retracted by the specified offset. The mining progress statistics continue to be calculated using the standard scale. In some cases it might seem as though moving the lines would be an alternative to the additional scale, but that would lead to incorrect mining results.

If activated, the additional scale is displayed on the Y axis in a reddish brown color. You can switch a pre-defined additional scale on and off using the icon at the right-hand end of the toolbar.

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5.17

Standard views Selecting a face view In the window  "View" - "Graphic Options" - "Face View" you can define sections of the face to be displayed.

Selecting face views

1 Show left face shields, all face shields, or right face shields.

2 Show left shields, all shields, or right shields (including special shields).

3 Show subsection settings.

4 Section specifications for the subsection settings.

5 Show all datasets (up to shield 512).

6 Information for mining progress.

You can use the buttons in the first row (1) to show the face shields in the left-hand section (the left half), all face shields, or the face shields in the right-hand section (the right half).

You can use the buttons in the second row (2) to show all shields present (face shields and special shields) and the server. The sections are divided the same way as in (1).

You can use the left-hand button in the third row (3) to set the size of a subsection. You can use this to limit the display to a small number of shields, for example. If you activate the "Following subsection" checkbox, the subsection display follows the movement of the mining equipment.

You can use the right-hand button in the third row (5) to show the entire theoretically possible width of the face (up to shield 512).

This is useful in situations such as when movement is being carried out with divided supports and the supports now have to be brought together again.

Under "Mining progress" (6) you can specify the size of the range to be displayed in the direction of face advance and the start value in meters (m) or feet [ft]. Alternatively, you can use the "Automatic start value" checkbox so that the display follows the progress of the mining advance.

5.18

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Fig. 14:

Standard views Selecting automatic functions In the dialog box  "View" - "Graphic Options" - "Select Automatic" you can define which function modules you want the program to display (see also page 5.31).

Graphic options (example: plow): Selecting automatic functions to view

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Fig. 15:

Placing a check mark in a checkbox activates the display of that function module.

Selecting views You can choose which information from the face you want to see displayed graphically in the program. You can use  "View" "Graphic Options" - "Views" to open a window in which you can select and deselect the available views.

Fig. 16:

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Selecting views (example: plow)

5.19

Standard views The following views are always visible: prop pressure face position (coal face with conveyor and shields) shield status function modules with activity display and the network status Views available for optional selection*: show ram strokes separately (for relay bar assemblies) show conveyor load show separate plow/shearer row highlight plow/shearer position in the graphics show counter of received datasets for PMC status show PMC error messages E

PMC status messages (possibly with person detection) Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

show virtual/real PMCs show debug values show voltage show support advance time show conveyor push time show prop pressures overlapping show horizon control (plow only) show shield height detection show conveyor position corrections Additional views for the shearer prop pressure change rate (P / T) time-weighted average pressure (T.W.A.P.) show flippers show rear ramstrokes show caving shield/slide show other function modules The following sections describe each view in detail.

* This list is not complete. Which views are available depends on the configuration of your system. The views have to be supported by your PMC-R.

5.20

VShield

Standard views Prop pressure The pressure of the shield support props is graphically displayed underneath the toolbar.

The height of the columns corresponds to the current pressure of the props. Using the scale you can estimate the change in pressure over time. A tooltip for each support displays the current pressures (in [bar] or [psi]) for both props of the support. You are also given information about the status of the props (Set/NOT set).

The columns are color-coded according to pressure. Unless the display is overlapping (see "Show prop pressures overlapping", page 5.55) you will see both props of the support. The colors for the columns of the right-hand prop (C2) are somewhat brighter than those of the left-hand prop (C1).

The colors of the prop display have the following meanings:

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Tab. 7: Colors of the props Paint

Prop

Meaning

J

C1

Prop pressure >= setting pressure

J

C2

Prop pressure >= setting pressure

J

C1

Prop pressure <= transfer pressure; prop not set

J

C2

Prop pressure <= transfer pressure; prop not set

J

C1

Prop pressure > maximum hydraulic pressure

J

C2

Prop pressure > maximum hydraulic pressure

J

C1

Prop pressure < setting pressure (below normal working pressure)

J

C2

Prop pressure < setting pressure (below normal working pressure)

Tab. 8: Example: tooltip for prop pressure Prop pressure Support no.: 85 Pressure <

[C1]

Pressure >

[C2]

Supply pressure

[F2]

Return pressure

[B2]

J J J J

305 bar

J J

85 bar NOT set

305 bar 380 bar 0 bar

Prop pressure Support no.: 120 Pressure <

[C1]

Pressure >

[C2]

83 bar NOT set

The parameters relevant to prop pressure (AP0 lower, AP1 trans and AP2 set) can be found under  "Control" - "Parameters" "Autosequence Parameters".

If configured accordingly, VShield also displays the supply pressure and return pressure for selected shields.

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5.21

Standard views Tab. 9: High pressure Color

Meaning

J

Pressure in the normal range.

J

The pressure value is ignored because an error has occurred.

J

The value is below the minimum pressure.

Tab. 10: Supply pressure Color

Meaning

J

Pressure in the normal range

J

The pressure value is ignored because an error has occurred.

J

The value is below the minimum pressure. The automatic system is switched off. Manual operation of the support is possible if the residual pressure is still sufficient.

Tab. 11: Return pressure Meaning

J

Pressure in the normal range

J

The pressure value is ignored because an error has occurred.

J

The value is above the maximum pressure. The automatic system is switched off. Manual operation of the support is possible.

See the documentation of your system's PMC-R for further information.

The program displays the setting status of the shields in a narrow row under the prop pressure. The following two statuses are possible: Tab. 12: Setting status of the shields

5.22

Color

Message/meaning

J

Shield is set

J

Shield is not set

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Color

Standard views Face position Below the prop pressure you can see a display of the conveyor position. The following figure (Fig. 17) shows a conveyor with plow.

The plow has reversed for the second time after the cut section between shields 140 and 150. It is currently in fast travel between shields 140/141 and is traveling in the direction of shield 1.

Detail: Face end with plow position

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Fig. 17:

1 Position in direction of face advance 2 End position 3 Cut depth 4 Coal face 5 Cut line 6 Current mining area 7 Center of the mining equipment 8 Reversal position

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Coal line and conveyor line Conveyor Relay bar assembly (piston rod) Relay bar assembly (cylinder tube) Mined out area Tooltip Direction of travel of the plow Shield number

Position in direction of face advance The scale to the left and right of the display (Fig. 17 (1)) shows you the position of the conveyor in the direction of face advance. The position is given in meters [m] or feet [ft].

The white line (3) marks the cut depth defined for that position. The cut line (5) runs along the upper edge of the green area. The conveyor line (9) lies on the lower edge of the green area. It lies on the coal line before and after the mining area.

You can change the display of the conveyor at the face via  "View" - "Graphic Options" - "Face View" - "Mining progress".

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5.23

Standard views Tab. 13: Menu "View" - "Graphic Options" - "Face View" Mining progress Range

6

Start value



7 Automatic start value

Under "Range" you can adjust the resolution of the height of the display. The "Start value" specifies the starting point of the range.

Alternatively, the program itself can select a start value. The vertical display is then adapted automatically according to the position of the conveyor.

End position (MinPlowPos) and reversal position for incremental plowing

After changing direction at the face end (2), the plow first travels "diagonally" (15) to the calculated reversal position (7) and reaches the advanced cut line there. There the plow reverses direction again in order to mine all the way to the cut line in the section up to the face end (16). Now the plow is lying directly on the cut line at the face end as well. It reverses its direction again and travels along the cut line (17) all the way to the other face end. where the procedure is repeated.

Fig. 18:

Reversal of direction during incremental plowing

2 End position (MinPlowPos) 7 Reversal position 14 Travel to the end position

5.24

15 Travel to the reversal position 16 Repeated travel to the end position 17 Travel to the other face end

VShield

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The plow mines coal up to the end position (MinHopPos) (Fig. 18 (2)) (14). Then the target line is advanced. However, the plow first has to leave that area before the conveyor can be pushed the distance of the cut depth up to the newly advanced cut line.

E

End position (MinHopPos) and reversal position (Doub.cut.pt. HA/ HI) are plow positions in VShield and in the PMC-R. They are used for calculating the cut line and representing the double cut for the incremental plowing.

Standard views Important!

The positions listed here do not affect the control of the plow.

They are used only for the representation of the plow path and the program-based calculation of the cut line and automatic advancing of the conveyor. The reversal position for the automatic double cut is determined by the parameters "Plow.Dist", "Reversal point HA/HI" and "Doub.cut.pt. HA/HI".

Rule of thumb: "Doub.cut.pt. HA/HI" = "ReversPt HA/HI" + 2 x "Plow.Dist".

The value should be adjusted to your conditions.

To configure the control of the plow, position parameters must still be entered or changed in the VPlow program or at the PMC-V. The reversals of travel direction for incremental plowing with double cut are presented in VShield as follows: Reversing the direction of travel

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Fig. 19:

Plow at the end point after long cut.

Plow travel from the end point to the reversal point.

Plow travel from the reversal point to the end point.

Plow travel from the end point to the other side.

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5.25

Standard views The cutting at the face end between the reversal position and the end position is generally only performed in slow travel mode. select module

The parameters for incremental plowing can be changed under  "Control" - "Incremental plowing..." - "Parameters" button or  "Control" - "Parameters..." - "INCREMENTAL PLOWING".

Alternatively you can click the "Select Module" icon on the toolbar and select "INCREMENTAL PLOWING." Important!

See the documentation of the PMC-R and VPlow for further information about incremental plowing with double cut.

In the above illustrations, the conveyor is displayed in purple with a pattern of wavy white lines. This signifies the plow mode "Incremental plowing with autosequence" with the option "Sawtooth" (see  "Control" - "Incremental plowing..."). The following table shows you how the possible plow modes are color coded.

Meaning

J

Not plowing

J

Conventional plowing (no longer supported by VShield)

J

Incremental plowing (IncPlow)

J

Incremental plowing with autosequence Incremental plowing with autosequence and "Sawtooth" option

If the "Sawtooth" option is selected for a plow mode, a pattern of wavy white lines appears on the color as well.

Lines You can "set," "move," "save," and "load" lines for the advancing face via  "Control". Detailed information about this can be found starting on page 5.77.

The purpose of the cut line cut line

The purpose of the cut line is to cut evenly along the entire face, thus maintaining the defined straight line or curve. If the cut depth defined in the parameters remains below the maximum possible cut depth of the plow, you can specify an additional stroke for individual sections along the face. This is useful in situations such as when some shields are unable to advance far enough. The additional stroke makes it possible for those sections to catch up to the desired position later.

Example: The possible cut depth of the plow is 180 mm.

The set cut depth is 80 mm.

That gives a cut line of likewise 80 mm.

For some reason, shields 50 to 55 are able to advance only 60 mm following a cutting pass.

5.26

VShield

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Paint

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Tab. 14: Plow modes

Standard views You define an additional stroke of 20 mm for this section.

On the next cutting pass, the plow cuts 100 mm in this section (instead of 80 mm).

This means the desired position (the cut line) is reached once again in the face formation.

The cut line (Fig. 20 (3)) represents the target for the next advance of the conveyor. It is the cutting target for the next mining pass and is usually the same as the set cut depth of the mining equipment.

When the plow reaches the end position after a cut, the cut line is moved forward by the distance of the cut depth. Only then can the shields advance the conveyor.

The additional stroke should be used only if you are not plowing with maximum cut depth. The set cut depth plus additional stroke should not exceed the maximum stroke. Otherwise, the plow could be blocking.

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Important!

Cut lines exist only for "Incremental plowing".

coal line

The coal line (4) represents the coal face. In front of the mining equipment, it diverts sharply from the cut line to the conveyor line and is then identical to the conveyor line all the way to the face end. In the space between that and the cut line, there is still coal to be mined out, to the cut depth.

conveyor line

The conveyor line (5) lies on the coal line (4) except in the currently active mining area and immediately after it.

target line

The target line (not shown in illustration) defines the end of the mining area. When the mining equipment reaches the target line, the conveyor stops advancing in that section.

stroke line

The stroke of the advancing rams in the relay bar assemblies is represented by a white line. This line usually corresponds to the defined cut depth. If there are different strokes for left and right travel, you will be able to see two stroke lines if you zoom far enough into the display. For more information, see also Fig. 62 on page 5.67.

You can set all lines either as a straight line offset to a distance of your choice from one or two shield(s), or as a curve offset to different distances from a number of different shields. You will usually receive the necessary data for this from your mine's surveyor.

Fig. 20:

Shape of the lines (idealized)

1 Direction of travel of the plow 2 Cut depth/ram stroke 3 Cut line

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4 Coal line 5 Conveyor line

5.27

Standard views Important!

Via  "Control" you can access a number of options for manipulating lines. For more information, see page 5.79.

Conveyor After the mining equipment passes by, the relay bar assembly (see next section) push the conveyor (Fig. 21 (1)) forward in the direction of face advance by the distance of the cut depth. In this illustration, the conveyor is shown in purple with wavy white lines.

The wavy white lines on a plow face show that the "Sawtooth" option was selected (see  "Control" - "Incremental plowing..." "Options"). The sawtooth formation of the shields is indicated by the relay bar assemblies (2, 3) displayed in Fig. 21.

Important!

For more information about conveyor advance with sawtooth, see the documentation for the PMC-R under "PMC-R automatic plowing function" Detail: Conveyor with relay bar assembly

1 Conveyor 2 Relay bar assembly (piston rod)

3 Relay bar assembly (in the support) 4 Direction of travel of the plow

Relay bar assembly The relay bar assembly (Fig. 21 (2, 3)) consists of hydraulic cylinders which push the conveyor up to the coal face in a defined sequence. A tooltip (Fig. 17 (13)) in the bottom row shows the current stroke of the relay bar assembly. The piston rods are also color-coded according to their status. These colors have the following meanings: Tab. 15: Relay bar assembly statuses Paint

Meaning with shearer

Meaning with plow

J

Cylinder "fully" extended (> 95 %).

Stroke in normal range.

J

Cylinder extended (between 12 % and 95 %).

The advance stroke for the autosequence has been reached or exceeded.

The cylinder is extended fully and could break off.

Danger of breaking off: the cylinder cannot reach the full stroke. ("Advance conveyor" is aborted for some of the neighboring shields to the left and right).

J

You can also display the relay bar assemblies separately.

See "Show ram strokes separately" on page 5.50.

For a detailed explanation of the advancing procedures, see the operating manual for the relevant PMC-R.

5.28

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Fig. 21:

Standard views PPD

If the person detection (PPD) is used, the colors of the shifting rams (Fig. 21 (3)) are used to indicate a "person in the face".

Tab. 16: Colors of the shifting rams by the PPD module Paint

Meaning

J

Registered person detected in the shield

J

Non-registered person detected in the shield

J

Missing person (last known location of the person)

Fig. 22:

Indication of persons at the shifting ram

1 Registered person in the shield

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1

Further information on person detection can be found in this document under "Optional views".

Shield numbers The numbers of the shields are given along the lower edge of the "face position" display. Usually, the shields are numbered from the head gate drive unit of the conveyor to the tail gate drive unit. The order of the shields and their formation into groups for various functions is managed by the "Numerator" in the PMC system.

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5.29

Standard views Shield status, function modules, network status The display at the bottom shows the function modules, their current activity, and the network status. shield status

The top (white) row in this block shows status messages for the shields. They help you to analyze errors. This row is also used for the optional person detection (PPD).

A tooltip tells you about the resulting status. The following messages may appear, displayed with corresponding colors and patterns: Tab. 17: Status (of the shields) Paint

Message/meaning

J

EMERGENCY STOP (internal or external)

J

Disabled (internally or externally)

J

Software lock (A1 or F1) No valve strip responding Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

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Master (mode) = person in the displayed shield Slave (mode) = shield is being controlled from a different position

J

BIDI error (A1, F1)

J

Manual functions disabled

J

Tunnel lock (safety zone)

J

PPD: registered person detected in the shield

J

PPD: non-registered person detected in the shield

J

PPD: safety zone around the person in the shield

J

PPD: missing person (last known location of the person)

See also page 5.90 "PMC-R Network" Information on the status messages for person detection (PPD) can be found further on in this document under "Optional views". function modules

5.30

The next rows are color-coded to show the selected function modules. If errors occur in a function module for one or more shields, red crosshatching (XXXXXXXX) appears on the line of the function module for the affected shields.

VShield

Standard views Fig. 23:

Rows for the function modules

1 Autosequence function module 2 Autosequence function module (Waiting)

5 IncPlow function module (Waiting) 6 Direction of travel

3 IncPlow function module

7 List of the function modules that are switched on

4 Advance function module

8 Active function modules

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When you right-click on these lines, the window  "View" "Graphic Options" - "Select Automatic" appears.

There you can define which function modules you want the program to display. You can also see how the colors are assigned to the function modules.

Fig. 24:

Graphic options: Select automatic

The function modules can have a number of different statuses. The possible statuses vary according to type of function module and the configuration of your system. Some function modules are switched on continuously; you can disable or enable (switch on) other function modules for the entire face or for sections of the face; and there are function modules that you can switch on or off globally or locally.

The function modules that you can switch on or off can be found under  "Control" - "Function Modules..." (see Fig. 25).

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5.31

Standard views

In this example, you can use the "Enable" and "Disable" buttons to disable or enable the "Autosequence" function module for the entire face or a section of the face (see Fig. 26).

Fig. 26:

Disabling a section for function modules

A similar dialog window appears for the "Local ON" and "Local OFF" buttons if the function module allows that option.

When you move the mouse pointer to the function module lines, a tooltip appears with information about the function modules. It shows you which function modules are switched on and off for the support in question, the status of the function modules that are switched off, error messages, and assigned colors.

5.32

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Example: Function modules that can be switched on and off for a plow

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Fig. 25:

Standard views Fig. 27:

Tooltips for function modules (examples) Shearer

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Plow

1 Shield position of the mouse pointer 2 List of the function modules that are switched on 3 List of the function modules that are switched off

activity statuses

4 Error messages for active function modules 5 Status messages (additional functions) for active function modules

These details apply only to the support specified in the tooltip.

At other positions along the face, other function modules could be switched on or off or active, with other error messages and additional functions.

For a description of the functions and faults, see the parameter description of your face control (document no. 4010 XXX 010 PA 00).

Table 18 shows you the possible activity statuses for function modules and what they mean.

Tab. 18: Statuses of the function modules Status

Meaning

Enabled

The function module is switched on.

Ready

The function module is switched on and ready to perform its function.

Waiting

The function module is switched on and ready to perform its function, but is waiting, for example for an enable signal from a neighboring shield. ("Waiting" function modules are marked by simple hatching from top left to bottom right)

Active

The function module is currently running.

Global

The function module has been switched on globally.

Local

The function module has been switched on locally.

Locked

The function module is disabled.

One function module can have more than one of these statuses at the same time.

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5.33

Standard views Active function modules are displayed by the program in a block directly below the lines (see Fig. 28, (8)). If more than one function module is active on a shield at the same time, they are shown stacked on top of each other at the shield position. In this example, these are function modules IncPlow (3) and Advance (4) for support 101.

Active function modules

1 Autosequence function module 2 Autosequence function module (Waiting) 3 IncPlow function module 4 Advance function module

5 IncPlow function module (Waiting) 6 Direction of travel 7 List of the function modules that are switched on 8 Active function modules

Some function modules are marked as "Waiting" with simple hatching (2, 5). In such cases the function module can run immediately; it is simply waiting for something, such as for the neighboring shield to complete a movement, for example.

The colors of the active function modules correspond to the colors of the individual rows of the activated function modules (see also Fig. 27 "Tooltips for function modules" and Fig. 24, 25). main text view

5.34

Selecting  "View" - "Main Text View" causes a window to appear showing a dynamic table with face information in text format (Fig. 29). In addition to values for prop pressure, advancing ram stroke, and positions in direction of face advance, the program can display some important statuses of the function modules. By right-clicking on the window, you can show or hide each function module. The statuses of the function modules are displayed in text form, supported by changes in the background color of the corresponding table cells.

VShield

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Fig. 28:

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active function modules

Standard views Main text view

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Fig. 29:

network status

Below the active function modules you will find a row for the network status. Here the program shows you errors in communication between the separate shield control systems.

The example (Fig. 30) shows a situation at the edge of the face.

Fig. 30:

1 2 3 4

Active function modules, network status, and network

Row for real/virtual PMCs Row for network status Row for active function modules Pull function module (Waiting)

5 Water spray function module 6 Connection fault at plug contact A1 or F1 of the PMC-R 7 Network interruption

The program displays the following messages for the network status: Tab. 19: Voltage on PMC Paint

Message/meaning Network interruption Error: bi-di A1 or F1, no connection in direction <<< or >>>.

The communication line to ports A1 or F1 of the PMC-R has no contact to the neighboring shield in the specified direction.

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5.35

Optional views Optional views To see where the optional views appear on the screen, refer to Fig. 6 on page 5.8 for the plow and Fig. 7 on page 5.9 for the shearer.

Optional views require appropriate support by the PMC-R. Which optional views you have depends on the configuration of your system.

Person detection (PPD) The system for person detection in the face consists of up to 25 battery-driven, mobile identification modules, called PPD TAGs, and any number of transmission/receiving units, called "PPD readers".

Depending on the strength or range of the low-frequency field, a PPD TAG can detect several adjacent PPD readers and register there. The PPD control software on the PPD server then decides to which PPD reader the PPD TAG is assigned.

A PPD TAG may contain the following information and send it to PPD readers: TAG ID four-digit identification number. It is on the name plate of the PPD TAG. name (optional) name of the assigned person role (optional) function of the assigned person (e.g. machine driver, face personnel, visitor...).

This information is managed by the "PPD TAG management software".

If a person enters the face with a PPD TAG via the specified access points, this person must register its PPD TAG at the access detection point at the start of the face. The PPD TAG is thus registered in the system. On exiting the face, the PPD TAG needs to be deregistered.

Important!

After a certain time, non-registered PPD TAGs result by default in a face-wide stop of automatic sequences and of the "conveyor pullback" function. The mining equipment is also stopped. The response of the control to non-registered PPD TAGs can be parameterized.

If a TAG is in the face, this is detected by the PPD control, which assigns the PPD TAG to the shield at which the greatest field intensity is measured. A zone (PZone = person in the shield) is generated in front of and behind the first or last shield whose PPD reader detects the TAG, in which the automatic sequences of the shields and the mining equipment are stopped.

5.36

VShield

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

Every PPD reader generates a specific low-frequency field, which is received by a PPD TAG if it is within the corresponding range. The PPD tag then transmits its identification detection to the PPD reader.

E

The PPD TAGs are to be found on persons (belt, clothes or safety helmet). The PPD readers are permanently installed in every shield and connected to the PMC-Rs of the face control.

Optional views Depending on the parameterization, the PPD control makes a decision on the size of this zone (number of shields in front of and behind shield "x", PZone = x - n to x + n).

Danger!

The PPD system is not a replacement for safety equipment in the face.

If you are working at the face, you must always press the shield locking switch on the PMC-R of the corresponding shield, otherwise you could be seriously injured or even killed.

Fig. 31:

Shield locking switch of PMC-R

1

1 Shield locking switch

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If a PPD TAG does not register at a PPD reader for longer than a few seconds, it is interpreted as missing. In this case, the control increases the size of the PZone. The time window and the size of the PZone can be parameterized.

The PPD TAGs in the face are displayed on the status bar above the block with the function modules.

Fig. 32:

Status bar with PPD indication

1 PPD message: TAG in the shield 2 PZone tooltip

3 Status bar 4 Function modules

A tooltip contains information on the ID and status of the TAGs and on the field intensity of the signal received by the PPD reader.

The following PPD messages may be displayed on the status bar (Fig. 32 (3)): Tab. 20: Signal colors of the PPD module on the status bar Color

Meaning

J

Registered PPD TAG detected in the shield

J

Non-registered PPD TAG detected in the shield

J

PZone around the PPD TAG in the shield

J

Missing PPD TAG (last known location of the PPD TAG. Defective PPD TAG or communication fault)

PPD parameters The PPD module can be parameterized comprehensively. Fig. 33 shows the dialog box for the parameterization of global (face-wide) settings.

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5.37

Optional views The meaning of the parameters can be found in the operating manual for the PMC-R face control (document 4010 xxx xxx BA 00) and in the corresponding parameter description (document 4010 xxx xxx PA 00).

Fig. 33:

3 4

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1 2

PPD parameters

Using parameter dialog boxes is described, starting on page 5.69.

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Optional views List of the PPD TAGs at the face Under  "View" - "PPD TAG status", you can open a list with all PPD TAGs detected at the face.

PPD TAG status

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Fig. 34:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Title bar of the window Vers. of PPD module in PMC-R Vers. of PPD server software Communication status Number of TAGs still possible Number of registered TAGs Identification of the TAG

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Name of the assigned person Function of the person Registration status of the TAG Received TAG signal intensity Position of the TAG Age of the telegram in seconds Update of the window size

The number of TAGs registered at the face is specified in the header of the window (Fig. 34 (1)). The first two fields give the version numbers of the PPD module of the PMC-R (2) and of the PPD server in the IS switch (3). They are followed by a field with the status of communication between PMC-R and PPD server (4) and the number of PPD TAGs still possible at the face (5).

Columns (6 - 12) of the following list provide information on the TAGs at the face that were transmitted in the last telegram from the PPD server to this visualization software. The rows are numbered in the first column (6) (number of registered TAGs). The second column (7) contains the four-digit identification code of the TAG. It is followed by the name (8) and the function (9) of the assigned person (the assignment is made in the PPD management software). The last column but one (11) gives the signal intensity used by the PPD TAG to register at the PPD reader. Finally, the last column (12) contains the number of the shield to which the PPD TAG was assigned.

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5.39

Optional views The last field (13) gives the age of the telegram in seconds last sent by the PPD server to this visualization software.

The "Change size" button (14) can be used to adjust the column width to the data included.

If a PPD TAG is not registered at the entrance to the face, it is displayed in the list as an unregistered PPD TAG (Fig. 35). After a certain time, unregistered PPD TAGs result in a face-wide stop of the automatic sequences, the "conveyor pullback" function is deactivated and the mining equipment is stopped.

Unregistered PPD TAG

The row with the corresponding PPD TAG is saved along with the color for unregistered PPD TAGs (see Fig. 20). missing PPD TAG

If a PPD TAG does not register at a PPD reader within a parameterizable period (e.g. 2 minutes), it is interpreted as being missed. In this case, the PPD control doubles the size of the PZone around the missing PPD TAG. "Lost" appears in the "Status" column, followed by the loss time in seconds.

Fig. 36:

Missing PPD TAG

The row with the corresponding PPD TAG is saved along with the color for missing PPD TAGs (see Fig. 20).

After determining the reason for the "Lost" message, you can delete the missing PPD TAG from the list of registered PPD TAGs. To do this, select  "Edit" - "PPD Setup". The window that appears contains a list of the missing PPD TAGs. After selecting a PPD TAG by clicking on the corresponding row, you can initiate the removal procedure using the "Remove lost TAG" button.

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Fig. 35:

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unregistered PPD TAG

Optional views Fig. 37:

1 2

Removing a PPD TAG

3 4

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After the following password query, you can use further self-explaining dialog boxes to deregister the PPD TAG at the PPD server.

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5.41

Optional views PMC-R keystroke recording Keystrokes entered on the control units (PMC-Rs) are recorded with this module. This will allow you to understand events on the face if the control was manually manipulated on site. You will recognize the displays and every single keystroke of the PMC-R in question.

You can call up this data for five minutes live or later when playing back an event log (log file).

Status bar If input was entered manually on a PMC-R on site, the "Master" ID (Fig. 38) will appear in the status line on the shield in question (see also page 5.30).

"Master" event in "status" line

1 "status" line 2 "master" event

Event window By double-clicking in the status line at this shield position, a window will open with a list of events (Fig. 39).

Fig. 39:

1 2 3 4 5

5.42

Keyboard data, shield 18

Window title with shield number Sequence of an event Time or time difference Type of event Info (display or key)

6 7 8 9

Resize window Show additional columns Copy data to clipboard Close window

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Fig. 38:

Optional views The shield number is specified in the window title (38 (1)). An index (2) indicates the order of the events. The time (3) of the event's occurrence is indicated in hundredths of a second. Specifications with a plus sign must be added to the last specified time. Under type (3), you will find the event types listed in the following table.

If there was an error, the cell of the event type remains empty.

Tab. 21: Event types and example information Event types

Info examples

Display

240 100 250 ~~~ PLC_STOP #501

Key Pressed

S

Key Released

S Missing data

The "Info" column (5) shows the displays of the PMC-R or the designation of the pressed key. If there is an error, the cell is highlighted in red.

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With the "Resize" button (6), the column width is adapted to the contents.

With the "Frame/Sub-Frame Info" button (7), you can show two additional columns. These are only used for diagnostics purposes for service personnel, however.

Using the "Copy list to clipboard" button (8), you can copy the table data to a file for further processing.

The window is closed by clicking on the "Close" button (9). other shields

If, with the event window open, you keep the left mouse button pressed and move the mouse pointer to another face position (shield number), the keystrokes of other PMC-Rs will appear, assuming keystrokes occurred there.

Searching for keystrokes Based on event logs, you can generate a list with the "Maintenance" module which contains the events involving manual PMC-R operation.

Under  "View" - "Maintenance", a window will open in which you can select a log file (see page 5.102).

Under the category "Events" - "System", select the "Master" element and read in the data.

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5.43

Optional views Fig. 40:

Element selection in "Maintenance" window

1 2

3 4

1 2

List with system event "Master"

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Fig. 41:

E

A list will appear with the system event "Master".

3 4

From the list, you can see the time at which keystrokes were made on a PMC-R. You can jump to this time when playing back an event log (see "Playback" starting on page 5.111).

5.44

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Optional views Shield height detection In the shield height detection, three shield heights are calculated from the data from incline sensors: H1: from floor to shield canopy tip H2: from floor to prop head H3: from floor to shield canopy end H4: from floor to waste shield Shield height measurement

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Fig. 42:

The program displays these values via the representation of the face position (Fig. 43) in form of blue columns.

Fig. 43:

Shield height detection

1 Height H1

4 Maximum value of shield height (100 %) 5 Height H4 6 Collision warning H3

2 Height H2 3 Height H3

For each shield, the selected heights are displayed in the order H1 (1), H2 (2), H3 (3) and H4 (5).

More detailed information can be found in a tooltip: Tab. 22: Example: Shield height detection tooltip at support no. 6 Shield height detection Support no.: 6 H1

[A2]

H3

[A2]

J J

1.500 m 1.458 m

Here, the heights "H2" and "H4" have been deselect at the graphic options.

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5.45

Optional views The colors of the columns change if a collision is possible (yellow = prewarning) or will occur (red = warning): H1: Collision of the shield canopy with the conveyor spill plate H2 and H3: Insufficient space in the shield can result in damage to control units and hoses H4: The waste shield can collide with the rear conveyor The limit values for prewarning and warning can be parameterized.

Tab. 23: Color messages for the height of the shield canopy (H1 and H3) Color

Meaning

J

Shield height OK. No risk of collision.

J

Collision prewarning (example: A collision with the spill plate is possible.)

J

Collision warning (example: The shield canopy collides with the spill plate.)

Fig. 44:

Options for the incline sensors

1 Setting the scaling of the representation (max. value = 100 % of the height) 2 Representation of the shield heights H1 - H3 (on/off).

3 Representation of the shield

5.46

height H4 (on/off).

4 Display of the expected convergence (on/off) (convergence is the roof approaching the floor).

5 Representation of the anti-collision line (on/off).

VShield

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

The area between the line above the columns (Fig. 43 (4)) and the column base (representation height) results from the settings for scaling in the "Graphic Options - Incline Sensors" window (Fig. 44).

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Since the parameterization is entirely up to you, the exact meaning of "prewarning" and "warning" can vary.

Optional views shield heights

In the input window  "View" - "Graphic Options" - "Incline Sensors" (Fig. 44) under "Shield Heights" (2,3), you can select or deselect the display of all three heights. You also have the option of specifying the maximum value and the minimum value of the representation under "Scaling" (1). The representation of the columns is done as a percentage to the difference of "Min" and "Max".

Example: With a spill plate height of 1000 mm and a face height of 1600 mm, you could enter the following under scaling, e.g.

Max: 1.7 m Min: 0.7 m.

The program represents the range from Min to Max (1.0 m) as 100 %. With these sample values, 10 % of the representation height remain clear above the columns, while the minimum height of a column is 30 %.

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Important!

Enter a value as maximum value that is significantly higher than the face height.

Enter a value as minimum value that is significantly lower than the lowest shield height in the face. convergence Distance

If this is supported by the PMC-R program, you can additionally or alternatively have the "Convergence Distance" (4) displayed for the shield heights. It refers to changes in the shield heights that occur without any actuation of valves (e.g. due to rock pressure, the roof approaching the floor). The columns for each shield are displayed in the same row as for the shield heights. However, to scale the values, you enter the maximum "Convergence Distance" to be expected here.

Tab. 24: Example: Convergence distance tooltip at support no. 6 Shield height detection Support no.: 6 Convergence Distance [A2]

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J

0.12 m

5.47

Optional views Canopy setting angle, stroke of stabilizing cylinder The setting angle of the shield canopy depends on the stroke of the stabilizing cylinder (Fig. 45) and on the height of the set support (see operating manual of shield support). If your system does not feature a shield height acquisition, you can enter the shield height H2 (see Fig. 42) as a local parameter.

Angle of ascent

E

+β +β

Canopy setting angle and stabilizing cylinder

Angle of inclination

VShield represents the stroke of the stabilizing cylinder in one line and warns about a stroke that is too large or too small at which the permissible setting angle would be exceeded.

Fig. 46:

Stroke of stabilizing cylinder

3 Stroke too large, α1 too large

1 Stroke in normal range 2 Stroke too small, α2 too large

More detailed information can be found in a tooltip: Tab. 25: Example: stabilizing cylinder stroke tooltip at support no. 14 Stabilizing cylinder Support no.: 14 Cylinder stroke [E2]

J

345 mm

The colors of the stabilizing cylinders change if the stroke leads to an angle of ascent + β or angle of inclination + β that is too large.

Tab. 26: Color messages for the height of the shield canopy (H1 and H3) Color

5.48

Meaning

J

The canopy setting angle is in the permissible range, stabilizing cylinder stroke OK.

J

The stabilizing cylinder stroke is too large (column (3)) and led to an excessive angle of ascent α1, or the stabilizing cylinder stroke is too small (column (2)) and led to an excessive angle of inclination α2.

VShield

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

Fig. 45:

Optional views Horizon control (plow only) See also Fig. 6 (20) on page 5.8.

The horizon control displays the horizontal position of the plow in the direction of face advance (the plow inclination angle). This means the plow can dip or climb in the direction of the coal face.

In a face, the mining equipment (conveyor and supports) can follow the horizontal course of the face. To do so, the conveyor climbs or dips by a defined angle. Inclinometers (inclination angle meters) acquire the horizontal location of the conveyor and pass the measured values on to the face control PMC-R. If the horizon control is activated for the graphic options, the program shows in one row (Fig. 47) at every support with inclinometer whether the current angle is in the permissible range (green) or not (red). Since an angle in the permissible range can frequently be achieved only after repeatedly advancing the conveyor, the next target angle can also still fall outside the permitted range (3).

Example: Every 4th shield with inclinometer

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Fig. 47:

1 Target angle in permitted range 2 Act. angle in permitted range

3 Target angle still in permitted range 4 Act. angle in non-permitted range

A tooltip can display the following data at the support number: Tab. 27: Example: horizon control tooltip at support no. 160 Horizon control Support no.: 160 Current angle [D2] Target angle [---]

J J

7.3° 5.8°

Meaning of tooltip information: Current angle is the currently measured setting angle of the conveyor.

Target angle is the attempted setting angle (desired angle) of the conveyor.

Show ram strokes separately See Fig.6/ 7/ (8).

If you select  "View" - "Graphic Options" - "Views" - "Show ram strokes separately" an additional dynamic chart of the relay bar assemblies appears below the face view (face position). A tooltip here tells you the shield position and the ram cylinder stroke. The coloring of the relay bar assemblies matches their display in the face view (Fig. 17 on page 5.23).

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5.49

Optional views Fig. 48:

Show relay bar assembly separately

Fig. 48 shows the "Show relay bar assembly separately" block.

The relay bar assemblies are in "sawtooth formation". On the outer edge you can see a scale for the ram strokes in millimeters.

The data can also be specified in percent and in inches.

See Table 15 on page 5.28 for the meaning of the various colors of the relay bar assemblies.

Show conveyor load In the area directly above the relay bar assemblies, the program can display how heavily loaded the conveyor is. Small columns appear in the row to indicate the degree of loading. A tooltip shows you some numeric values for the load.

If you have selected the "Show separate plow row" or "Show separate shearer row" view (see Fig. 6/7/ (6)), the "Show conveyor load" view appears inside that block.

Show separate plow/shearer row See Fig.6/7 (6).

This row shows the mining equipment as it moves along the face (Fig. 49 (4)). The scale allows you to estimate the cut depth (distance from conveyor to the cut line). You can see exact values in a tooltip.

Fig. 49:

Separate plow row (without conveyor load)

1 Cut line (above the green area) and cut depth (ram stroke)

3 Conveyor 4 Plow

2 Coal face

Highlight plow/shearer position in the graphics Shows the area of the mining equipment in a lighter shade over the entire height of the face display and indicates its center by means of a red line (see Fig. 49 (4)).

Show counter of received datasets for PMC status See Fig.6/7 (13/14).

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Important!

This display requires a connection to the VDrive program.

Optional views Shows a row with gray columns below the active function modules.

The tooltip displays the following data: received shield datasets percentage of the maximum value maximum value The height of the gray columns is a visual indicator of the number of received data telegrams as a percentage of the maximum value.

Show PMC error messages See Fig.6/7 (18).

Displays the error messages received from the relevant PMC-R in a row below the shield status. The displayed errors generally do not disappear until they are reset (see  "Control" - "Clear Error Msgs" on page 5.84).

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When you right-click on a message, the "Show Internal System Error Messages" window appears (Fig. 50). Alternatively you can reach the window via  "View" - "Graphic Options" - "Views" "PMC Error Messages".

There you can choose which messages you want to see displayed in the row by checking the corresponding checkboxes.

Fig. 50:

PMC system error messages

When an error occurs, a red marking appears at the corresponding shield position. It marks a new error that is less than 10 seconds old. The color darkens as the error message gets older. The following table shows you the relationship between the age of the PMC error message and the color of the marking.

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5.51

Optional views Tab. 28: Age of PMC error messages Paint

Age of the message

J

New (<= 10 seconds)

J

Older than 10 seconds

J

Older than 30 seconds

J

Older than 60 seconds

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A tooltip tells you the type and age of the error.

5.52

VShield

Optional views Show PMC status messages See Fig.6/7 (9/10, last row).

You can display the PMC status messages between the separate display for relay bar assemblies and the row for the shield status.

PMC status messages

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Fig. 51:

When you right-click on this row, the "Show Internal Status Messages" window appears (Fig. 51). Alternatively you can reach the window via  "View" - "Graphic Options" - "Views" - "PMC Status Messages".

There you can choose which messages you want to see displayed in the row by checking the corresponding checkboxes. When a chosen status occurs on a shield, a yellow marking appears at that position.

A tooltip tells you about the new status.

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5.53

Optional views Show virtual/real PMCs See Fig.6/7 (15/16), bottom row in the face view.

Virtual PMCs are "present" in situations such as when only one in three shields (3/1 control) has its own (real) PMC-R, for example.

That real PMC also controls the neighboring shields to the right and left and receives sensor data from them. The real and virtual PMC-Rs are grouped together in uneven and even network address groups (numbered by the shield numbers of the real PMC-Rs), with each group having one real and two virtual PMC-Rs. Virtual/real PMCs

1 Even network address group 2 Uneven network address group

3 Real PMC 4 Virtual PMC E

Show debug values See Fig.6/7 (9/10), second-last row in the block.

For use by service personnel; shows a row of internal information about possible malfunctions of the program.

Show voltage See Fig.6/7 (9/10).

Displays the voltage in volts on the PMC-Rs. Voltage which is too high or too low is highlighted in color.

Tab. 29: Voltage on PMC Paint

Message/meaning

J

Voltage is normal

J

Voltage is too high

J

Voltage is too low

Show support advance time See Fig.6/7 (21), last row in the block.

Displays color-coded messages regarding the support advance time, which appear below the prop pressures. The height of the column indicates the advance time. A tooltip gives the time of an advancing sequence in seconds.

The colors have the following meanings: Tab. 30: Messages regarding support advance time (time for an advancing sequence)

5.54

Paint

Message/meaning

Y

Sequence is running

Y

This color currently has no meaning

Y

This color currently has no meaning

VShield

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

Fig. 52:

Optional views Show conveyor push time See Fig.6/7 (8), last row in the block.

Displays the time for advancing the conveyor in a tooltip in a row below the separate display for relay bar assemblies.

Show prop pressures overlapping If you select this display option, the program displays the prop pressure display for each shield side by side (only for systems with a pressure sensor on each prop).

Downtimes In the event of long downtimes (downtimes of more than two minutes), a flashing warning signal appears at bottom left of the program window.

Flashing warning for long downtime

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Fig. 53:

When you click this warning signal, the "List of Downtimes" window appears, where all downtimes are listed.

Fig. 54:

Downtime list (simulated data)

New downtimes appear at the top of the list and are marked by a red circle with a white X. The first columns display the "Start" and "End" of the downtime and its consequent "Duration". That is followed by the "Number" of the reason and the "Reason" given, as well as a comment about the reason under "Details".

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5.55

Optional views If you double-click a new entry in the list, the "Downtime Entry" window appears, where you can select the reason for the downtime from a number of categories and associated subcategories.

Fig. 55:

Entering reasons for the downtime

The following table shows you the available categories (in bold) and subcategories.

Tab. 31: Reasons for long downtimes No.

5.56

Reason (category and subcategory)

0000

Unknown cause

1000

Gen. mining downtimes

1010

Securing work in the face

1020

Break up AFC chunks

1030

Empty AFC

1040

Prepare head gate for advancing

1050

Prepare tail gate for advancing

1060

Secure face seam head gate

1070

Secure face seam tail gate

1080

Head gate blocked

1090

Crusher inlet blocked

1100

Material transport in face

1120

Empty BSL

1130

Unscheduled maintenance

1140

Coal field not assigned as planned

1150

CH4 ventilation switch-off

2000

Gen. machine downtimes

2010

Change plow blade

2020

Plow control

2030

Rearrange plow

2040

Plow chain tear

2050

AFC control

2060

AFC chain tear

2070

BSL control

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Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

At "Reason" you can enter the number of a category directly, or you can select a category from the upper dropdown list. In the lower dropdown list, you can specify the reason in more detail by selecting a subcategory. In the "Details" field, you can add a comment to the reason for the downtime. This comment then appears in the "list of downtimes" (Fig. 54) and later in the "downtime report" (see page 5.101).

E

In the upper part of the window, you see the "Start" and "End" of the downtime with the date and time.

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Optional views 2080

BSL chain tear

2090

Plow is stuck

2100

AFC is stuck

2110

BSL is stuck

3000

Gen. electrical downtimes

3010

Head gate no voltage

3020

Tail gate no voltage

3030

AFC Emergency Stop

3040

Plow no voltage

3050

BSL no voltage

3060

BSL Emergency Stop

3070

Plow Emergency Stop

3080

Plow monitoring tripped electrically

3090

AFC monitoring tripped electrically

3100

BSL monitoring tripped electrically

3110

Crusher inlet Emergency Stop

4000

Gen. hydraulic downtimes

4010

Face support repair HP hoses

4020

Face support repair shield control

4030

Face support shield alignment

4040

Face support raise shield

4050

Face support pull shield ahead

4060

Hydraulic supply repair

5000

Gen. downtimes from transport

Alerts You can decide for yourself which events should cause the program to issue an alarm. When these events occur, a flashing alert signal appears at bottom left in the program window, above the display of the connection status (Fig. 56).

Fig. 56:

Flashing alarm message

When you click on the alert signal, the "Alerts" window appears with a list of the currently active alerts (Fig. 57).

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5.57

Optional views Alarm messages

In the first column, you see an icon indicating the type and status of the alarm and the name of the element that triggered the alarm.

That is followed in the "Support" column by the number of the support from which the alert was sent. The Number column tells you the number of elements affected. Under "Time" you see the time at which the alarm was reported.

The icons in front of the element have a white or colored background. New messages have a colored background. Sensor error messages already registered (seen) by you are given a white background the next time you open the window. The exclamation mark also disappears for "old" messages.

Tab. 32: Alarm icons and their meaning Symbol

Meaning The exclamation mark indicates that alarms are "new", or at least "not yet seen". It disappears as soon as the alert message is registered (seen).

The check mark marks an error that has been remedied. The situation that caused the alarm no longer exists. The message is "old".

The check mark marks an error that has been remedied. The situation that caused the alarm no longer exists. The message is "new".

An error has occurred on a sensor. The message is "old".

An error has occurred on a sensor. The message is "new".

A function module is faulty.

The fault status of the function module was remedied.

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Fig. 57:

Optional views Shield status error Shield status error remedied

You can use the "Copy List to Clipboard" button to save the alarm list to a text file or a spreadsheet program.

Clicking the "Reset" button clears the alarm list.

The "Set Interval" button opens the "Timeout" window (Fig. 58).

There you can enter a time after which the alarm messages are to be deleted. The value currently set for the timeout can be seen in the row between the buttons, under "Time interval".

Setting the timeout for alerts

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Fig. 58:

Using the "Select..." button, open the "Select alerts" window (Fig. 59). Here you can select various events for which you want the program to issue an alarm message.

Fig. 59:

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Selecting the alerts

5.59

Optional views The left side of the window shows you the categories for alarm messages. When you click the plus sign (+) in front of a category, subcategories appear, which can themselves contain subcategories in turn. When you click the text of a category/subcategory, the right side of the window shows the associated elements together with a description. selection

Click the checkbox of a category/subcategory to select (check mark in box) or deselect (box empty) all the associated elements.

You can also select or deselect individual elements by clicking the corresponding checkboxes. The checkbox of the associated category/subcategory then appears shaded in gray.

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In the case of sensors, you can change the lower limit ("value less than") and upper limit ("value greater than") for triggering an alarm message. When you right-click on that element, a small window appears for entering a threshold.

5.60

VShield

Additional views for the shearer Additional views for the shearer A view with a shearer is shown on page 5.9.

At a face where a shearer is used as the mining equipment, the face supports have a number of additional functions. Additional optional views are available for these functions. prop pressure change rate (P / T) time-weighted average pressure (T.W.A.P.) show flippers show rear ramstrokes show caving shield/slide

Prop pressure change rate (P / T)

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You can show the prop pressure change rate in the first row of the block for displaying the prop pressure (Fig. 7 (21). If the prop pressure rises or falls too quickly without corresponding valve control, forces may arise in the strata which you should investigate further regarding their exact cause. A tooltip provides information about current pressure changes per time unit in bar/min or psi/min.

The display contains a horizontal center line with the value 0 bar/min. With falling pressure, the indicator is below the center line, with rising pressure above the line.

The colors have the following meanings: Tab. 33: Messages for "leg pressure change rate" Paint

Message/meaning

J

Speed in the normal range.

J

Warning: speed is too high.

J

Warning: max. permissible speed exceeded.

Time-weighted average pressure (T.W.A.P.) The time-weighted average pressure is derived from a number of pressure measurements, with current measurements being given greater weighting. It is another indicator of activity in the strata.

A tooltip displays the calculated pressure.

The colors have the following meanings: Tab. 34: Messages for "time-weighted average pressure"

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Paint

Message/meaning

J

Pressure in the normal range

J

Pressure is too low

J

Pressure is too high

J

Pressure is somewhat below normal range

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5.61

Additional views for the shearer Flippers See Fig. 7 (7) The flipper is located at the top of the front point of the shield. It has to be retracted in the area where the shearer is cutting so that the shearer can move unobstructed. The status of the flippers is shown by a row as in Fig. 60 (2).

The following color-coded messages can appear: Tab. 35: Flippers: meaning of the colors Paint

Message/meaning

J

Flipper position between retracted and extended.

J

Flipper retracted.

J

Flipper extended to its limit.

Additional views for shearer

1 Position of the shearer 2 Flippers

3 Rear ramstrokes (rear relay bar assemblies) 4 Caving shield with caving slide

Rear ramstrokes See Fig. 7 (9) and Fig. 60 (3).

At a face where a shearer is used, there may be a second conveyor behind the shields. An additional relay bar assembly is required to advance this rear conveyor (the rear relay bar assembly). The actions of this relay bar assembly are shown in an additional row (Fig. 60 (3)).

The following color-coded messages can appear: Tab. 36: Statuses of rear advancing ram

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Paint

Message/meaning

Y

Cylinder extended (> 95 %).

Y

Cylinder moving or stationary between 8 % and 95 %.

Y

Cylinder retracted (< 8 % extended). Conveyor pulled up.

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Fig. 60:

Additional views for the shearer Caving shield/slide See Fig. 7 (20) and Fig. 60 (4).

Frequently, an additional caving shield with a caving slide is present in order to direct caving roof material onto the rear conveyor. The movement of the caving shield and slide is shown in a row like the one in Fig. 60 (4).

The following color-coded messages can appear: Tab. 37: Statuses of the caving shield Paint

Message/meaning

J

Caving shield above lower limit position

J

Lower limit position reached

J

Risk of imminent collision with rear conveyor. Lower limit position exceeded.

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Tab. 38: Statuses of the caving slide

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Paint

Message/meaning

J

Caving slide above lower limit position

J

Lower limit position reached

J

Risk of imminent collision with rear conveyor. Lower limit position exceeded.

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File menu File menu The items to choose from in the "File" menu have the following meanings: Tab. 39: Items in the "File" menu Menu item

Explanation

Reset Passwords

For some operations, a password is queried which can be reset with this command.

Save settings

Saves the current settings of the program. These settings are reloaded the next time the program is opened.

Save Program Snapshot/ Save Report

Saves the current state of the program (settings).

End

Closes the program.

Save settings You can use this option to save the current view settings for the program. The saved settings are reloaded the next time the program is started.

Save Snapshot/Save Report The "Save Report" command creates a zip-compressed folder in the path "C:\DBT\PmcR\LogFiles" with the name "VShield xx.yy (nnnn) Report". The name is made up of the program name "VShield" and the program version "xx.yy" with the revision number "(nnnn)".

The files in this folder contain the current program settings, the log files for the autosequences at the face, the configuration of the program, and other information. They make it easier for Caterpillar service personnel to diagnose faults.

Quit Depending on your program's configuration, you may be asked for a password when you select the "End" item. When the password is entered, the program is closed following a confirmation prompt.

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You can use passwords to control access to certain program functions. If you want to change something for a short time, such as parameters, the program can ask you for the password required to do this. After entering the password and changing the parameters, you can reset the password. This means that the password will need to be reentered in order to change the parameters again. For more information about passwords, please contact Caterpillar Service personnel.

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Reset Passwords

Control menu Control menu The Control menu contains the essential menu items required to enter settings for face control.

Tab. 40: Items in the "Control" menu Explanation

Incremental plowing

Settings for incremental plowing (grayed out for the shearer)

Parameters...

The program displays the applicable parameter menus in the "Select Module" subwindow.

PPD Setup

Deletes missing PPD TAGs.

Save Parameters from all PMC-Rs...

Saves the parameters of all PMC-R devices to a file.

Load Parameters into all PMC-Rs...

Loads a parameter file into all PMC-R devices.

Compare Saved Parameters

Compare saved parameters for differences

Set Lines...

In the "Set Lines..." dialog window, you can set the conveyor line, cut line, and target line. You can also define whether you want a straight line or a connecting curve to be established between different shields.

Move Lines...

In the "Move Lines" dialog window, you can move the target line and the cut line forward or backward or you can make them identical to the conveyor line.

Save Lines...

Saves line settings in order to be able to retrieve (load) them again later.

Load Lines...

Loads saved lines.

Clear Error Msgs...

The "Clear Error Msgs" command opens a window where you can delete all error messages, sensor errors, or automatic function errors (function module errors).

Function Modules...

In this dialog window, you can disable or enable all automatic functions, both globally and locally.

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Menu item

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5.65

Control menu Incremental plowing In this window, you can select different plow modes and options for the entire face or for sections of the face. The selected mode and associated options apply to the section of the face specified under "Plow section". You can define more than one section.

Incremental plowing

1 2 3 4 5

Plow mode Options for plow mode Plow section Plow mode applies to full face Plow mode applies from head gate to shield no. x 6 Plow mode applies from tail gate to shield no. x 7 Plow mode applies to face section from shield x to shield y 8 Select cut depths

9 Confirm settings (and send to PMC-Rs) 10 Stop incremental plowing (the conveyor stops advancing) 11 Specify face sections for which you do not want an autosequence to be performed 12 Reinitialize sawtooth formation 13 Close window without saving changes 14 Bring up the plow parameters

Mode (1) You can choose between four plow modes. "Conventional plowing" is one of these, but it is very rarely used now. "Incremental plowing" (IncPlow) and "Incremental plowing with autosequence" are described in detail in the operating manual for the PMC-R under "PMC-R automatic plowing function".

Options (2) Here you can select or deselect options in addition to the automatic plowing function.

Tab. 41: Options for plow mode

5.66

Option

Explanation

Auto feed

Automatic advancing of cut line.

Double cut

The plow cuts twice at the face ends before its long pass to the other face end, so that the conveyor can advance.

Sawtooth

The relay bar assemblies are in "sawtooth formation" (see Fig. 48 on page 5.50).

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Fig. 61:

Control menu Plow section (3) Here you can specify the section of the face where you want the selected plow mode and options to apply. You can select the entire face with "Full face" (4), or sections starting from the head gate (5), starting from the tail gate (6), or a subsection in the middle of the face (7).

Cut depths (8) Under "Cut Depths" you can define standard cut depths and special cut depths for plowing.

Cut depths for incremental plowing

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Fig. 62:

1 Special cut depths from shield no. x to shield no. y 2 Special advancing ram stroke to the right and left in direction of coal face 3 Checkboxes

4 Standard cut depth to the right and left in direction of coal face 5 Additional advancing ram stroke to the right and left in direction of coal face

With the standard cut depths, you specify the normal cut depth for both directions (Fig. 62 (4)). The additional stroke (5) advances the conveyor further up to the cut line, if that line was not reached with the last advance.

You need to define special cut depths (special advancing ram strokes) for the end shields (shield 481 at the head gate and shield 491 at the tail gate). If necessary, you can specify other special cut depths (2) for other face sections (from No., to No.) (1). You can define up to ten special cut depths and switch them on and off using the checkboxes (3).

Sections without autosequence (Fig. 61 (11)) In the case of incremental plowing with autosequence, you can also specify exceptions. This is needed especially when the geological conditions do not permit automatic advancement of the shields.

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Control menu Fig. 63:

Sections without autosequence

As for the special cut depths, you can enter in a table up to ten face sections where you do not want an autosequence to take place.

Reinitialize sawtooth (Fig. 61 (12)) If there are groups of shields at the face which are traveled with and without autosequence, the sawtooth formation of the relay bar assemblies will be lost. In this case, you can reinitialize the sawtooth formation for the active sections defined under "Incremental plowing" (Fig. 61 (4, 5, 6, 7)). The relay bar assemblies then realign themselves.

Fig. 64:

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Parameter examples for "Incremental plowing"

VShield

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

Here you can define the parameters for "Incremental plowing", apply them globally and locally, and query the current global and local parameters.

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Parameter... (Fig. 61 (14))

Control menu Occasionally data telegrams sent from a PMC-R to VShield can be lost during transmission. To make sure that you are working with the latest parameters saved in the PMC-Rs, you should always "Update Globally" or "Query Locally" first.

Important!

The meaning of the parameters is described in the operating manual for the PMC-R.

Parameter...

The parameters required for the control of a face are grouped together in various different modules. When you select  "Control" - "Parameters", the "Select Module" window appears.

Parameter modules of a plow system (example)

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Fig. 65:

You can use the buttons 1 to 5 in the "Select Module" window (Fig. 65) to assign frequently used parameter windows to the buttons on the toolbar (Fig. 66). First highlight a parameter group in the Select Module window, then click one of the buttons marked 1 to 5.

Fig. 66:

You can then open these frequently used modules directly via the toolbar.

A button to which a module is assigned is shown as active.

Non-assigned buttons are shown in gray. The following modules, among others, can appear in the "Select Module" window:

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Control menu Tab. 42: Frequently appearing modules for shearer and plow (G=global, L=local)

G

Service

G

System parameters

G

System parameters

G

Global parameters

G

Global parameters

G

Autosequence parameters

G, L

Autosequence parameters

G, L

Batch parameters (sequence control)

G

Batch parameters

G

PSA parameters (automatic positive setting)

G, L

PSA parameters (automatic positive setting)

G, L

Advance conveyor

G

Advance conveyor

G

Conveyor pullback

G

Conveyor pullback

G

Roof timbering water spraying system

G

Roof timbering water spraying system

G

SRB parameters

G

Incremental plowing

G, L

Position water spraying

G

Position water spraying

G

Block anchorage (BLK)

G, L

Block anchorage (BLK)

G, L

WSP parameters (water spray parameters)

G

PWC water spray parameters (plow water curtain)

G

SRB parameters (automatic shearer)

G

Anti-Collision

G

Flipper parameters

G, L

Line parameters

G, L

Line parameters

G, L

Local Parameters

L

Local Parameters

L

Hydraulics backflush parameters

G

Hydraulics backflush parameters

G

Water backflush parameters

G

Water backflush parameters

G

Tunnel parameters

G

Tunnel parameters

G

TCC parameters (top coal caving) G RCP parameters (rear conveyor pull)

G

Important!

The parameters shown depend on the PMC-R program to which the VShield program is linked. Which parameters and modules appear in your version depends on the configuration of your system.

The descriptions and explanations of the individual parameters can be found in the operating manual for the PMC-R and in the corresponding parameter description (document 4010 xxx xxx PA xx...).

In the module windows, you can enter numeric values for the parameters and switch on and off automatic functions.

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Plow

shearer

Control menu Global Parameters

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Fig. 67:

Begin by clicking "Update Globally" to retrieve the current settings.

Then you can click the arrow of a dropdown list field and choose between "OFF" and "ON" to switch an automatic function off or on.

You can modify the numeric values in the data fields.

Caution!

Incorrect values for parameters can cause damage to the equipment.

You need to know exactly what the parameters mean before you make changes to them. Consult the operating manual for the PMC-R to find out the meaning of the parameters.

You can then click "Send Globally" to send the new parameter values to all PMC-Rs. You can follow the same steps for local parameters. After using "Query Locally" to retrieve the latest value for the shield in question, you can modify the value and use "Send Locally" to send it to the selected shield.

Some frequently appearing modules are listed in Table 43 along with the type of parameters they contain. The center column indicates whether the parameters are global (G), local (L), or whether local parameters are included as well as global ones (G, L). Modules that appear only when a plow is used as the mining equipment are marked with (P). Modules for a shearer are marked with (S).

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5.71

Control menu Tab. 43: Some frequently appearing modules and the type of parameters in them.

(S) = only with shearer, (P) = only for plow G = global parameters, L = local parameters

G

Width of the conveyor, spill plate height, face height, coal density, max. hydr. pressure.

New sys para (system parameters)

G

Basic data for the face. Positions of drive units and shields.

Global parameters

G

Switching automatic functions (function modules) on/off.

Autosequence parameters

G, L

Times and hydr. pressures for lowering, pulling, and setting.

Batch parameters (sequence control)

G

Group formation, modes, and autosequence ordering.

PSA parameters (automatic positive setting)

G, L

Group formation and required hydr. pressures.

Advance conveyor

G

Group formation, times, cylinder strokes, advancing distances, etc.

Conveyor pullback

G

Group formation, times, cylinder strokes, pullback distances, etc.

Roof timbering water spraying system

G

Group formation, times (spraying intervals).

SRB shearer parameters (W)

G

Cutting procedure, offset distances, start and entry points, etc.

Incremental plowing

G, L

Positions, offset distances, cylinder strokes, cutting procedure, group formation (sawtooth)

Position water spraying

G

Group formation, times (spraying intervals).

Block anchorage

G, L

Max. advancing ram stroke in block shields, wait time until autosequence abort.

WSP parameters (water spray parameters) (S)

G

Group formation, times (spraying intervals).

Water spray parameters (plow water curtain) (P)

G

Group formation, times (spraying intervals).

Anticollision (S)

G

Safety zones (groups), cylinder strokes, times.

Flipper parameters (S)

5.72

Group formation, target strokes, times, speeds

Line parameters

G, L

Max. travel difference between two pans, limit pressure, relay bar play (L).

Local Parameters

L

Switching automatic functions (function modules) ON/OFF locally.

Hydraulics backflush parameters

G

Times (intervals), pressures.

Water backflush parameters

G

Times (intervals), pressures.

Tunnel parameters

G

Group size, timeout time for resumption of an interrupted autosequence

RCP parameters (rear conveyor pull) (S)

G

Group formation, times, cylinder strokes, pullback distances, etc.

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Type of parameters

Module

Control menu Save Parameters from all PMC-Rs...

This item in the "Control" menu opens a window in which you can click "Save" to open a dialog box for saving the parameters. There you can enter a file name and confirm the save action.

Saving the parameters

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Fig. 68:

1 2

1 Save the parameters currently applied in VShield

2 Retrieve and save all parameters currently applied in the PMC-Rs

The "Save Options" window appears. You can now choose whether you want to save the parameters currently applied in VShield or first retrieve once again the parameters saved in the PMC-Rs, which are then saved in the specified file. After you confirm the option chosen, the program displays a progress bar and a percentage value (%) indicating the progress of the saving of the data. When 100 % is reached, you can close the window.

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5.73

Control menu Load Parameters into all PMC-Rs...

You can use this item to open a file with saved parameters and send the parameters to all PMC-Rs. The procedure is essentially the same as for saving the parameters.

Fig. 69:

3 4

After the corresponding parameter files has been selected, a window appears where you have to option to view the parameters or save the parameter list in a PDF file.

Fig. 70:

1 2

View parameter list or save in PDF file

3 4

After you click "Finish", a window with a progress bar appears.

It shows how much of the data has been transferred to the PMC-Rs.

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1 2

Select saved parameter list

Control menu Fig. 71:

Transmission progress

You can close the window after 100 % is displayed.

Compare saved parameters...

Using this function, you can check whether the parameter values currently loaded in the PMC-Rs or in VShield differ from the saved parameter values.

Parameter comparison

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Fig. 72:

1 Index (counter) 2 Module (group to which parameter belongs) 3 Name of parameter 4 Select the parameter to send 5 Range (shield x to shield y). For global parameters, a minus sign (–).

6 Parameter value from saved file 7 Value from PMC-R, if differing from file value 8 Select all global parameters

9 Invert selection of global parameters 10 Deselect all global parameters 11 Select all local parameters 12 Invert selection of local parameters 13 Deselect all local parameters 14 Adjust window size to contents 15 Copy list to clipboard <Ctrl+C> 16 Select file for comparison 17 Send values of selected parameters to PMC-Rs 18 Cancel comparison

Parameter values that differ from the saved file are shown in the "Differences (PMCR)" column (Fig. 72 (7)). A minus sign "-" means that there is no difference for this parameter. The parameter values are identical. Differing parameter values are shown as a number of as text.

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5.75

Control menu You can send all, individual or groups of parameter value(s) to the PMC-Rs. The six buttons under the list (Fig. 72 (8 - 13)) simplify selection. Only the parameter values selected (checkmark) in the "Send" column (3) are transmitted. After selecting the parameters to be transmitted, you can send them to the PMC-Rs by pressing the "Send" button (17). The process may take a while, depending on the number of parameters, length of the face and network topology. The "Loading parameters..." window that appears (Fig.73) show the transmission progress.

Fig. 73:

Transmission progress

1 2 3

3 4

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1 2

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You can close the window after 100 % is displayed.

VShield

Control menu Set Lines...

Using lines, you can align the conveyor along the face and specify targets for removal from the face*. conveyor line

cut line

target line

The conveyor line is the front edge of the conveyor, where the mining equipment travels.

The cut line is the line up to which the mining equipment should cut.

This line can be automatically advanced by the set cut depth in the program and, in the case of automatic operation, should not lie any further forward than that one cut depth. The cut line is present only for incremental plowing.

The target line, in principle, has the same function as the cut line, but can also be used to advance the conveyor to a certain position.

You can use that for side-to-side working, for example.

By clicking  "Control" - "Set Lines...", you open a window where you can define various different lines (see Fig. 74).

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Before you set any lines, you should adjust the display of the face so that the entire face is visible (from the first face shield to the last) and only the height necessary for setting lines is displayed (just a few meters).

After selecting the face section (1) for which you want to define a line, select the type (2) and the shape (3) of the line. Now you can enter a line position (4) for every shield.

Fig. 74:

Defining lines

1 Section for line definition.

2 Line type 3 Curve or straight line for the selected line type.

4 Support number for a point on the line and the position of the point.

5 List of the defined points.

6 Move the position 1 cm forward (up arrow) or backward (down arrow).

7 Move the position 10 cm forward (double up arrow) or back (double down arrow).

8 Select the next shield (right arrow) or the previous shield (left arrow).

9 Go 10 shields forward (double right arrow) or 10 shields back (double left arrow).

10 Transfer line point to list (5).

11 Delete the highlighted line point from the list (5).

12 Send line definition to PMC-Rs. 13 Send line definition to PMC-Rs and close the window.

14 Cancel line definition without sending.

*For the meaning of the lines, see also page 5.27

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5.77

Control menu You can enter the "Position" directly in the field of that name, or you can use the arrow keys to move a position already entered. Clicking the single arrow moves the position 1 centimeter in the direction of the arrow. Clicking the double arrow moves it 10 centimeters.

Important!

The decimal separator in the "Position" field is a period!

You can enter additional shield numbers directly in the "Support no." field, or use the horizontal arrows (1 shield) and double arrows (10 shields) to select the next shield in the direction of the arrow that you want to define a position for.

You need to use the "Accept +" button (10) to accept every defined point into the point list (5). You can use the "Delete -" button to remove individual highlighted points from the list.

As an alternative to entering line points with the keyboard, you can also define them using the mouse. This is especially useful when defining curves.

. Use the mouse to click the desired position on the face above a The point thus defined is displayed with a light-colored vertical line above the shield and is entered in the point list.

. You can remove the points again with the minus key (-) after first clicking the light-colored line and holding down the mouse button.

However, this only works as long as you have not yet sent the line to the PMC-Rs and the "Set Lines..." window is still open.

Once you have defined all required points, you can transmit the curve or straight line to the PMC-Rs by clicking the buttons "Send" (12) or "OK + Send" (13). "OK + Send" also closes the window, as does the "Cancel" button (14).

Move Lines...

By clicking  "Control" - "Move Lines...", you open a window where you can move the target line and the cut line. You can use the buttons labeled in yellow (Fig. 75) to move the target line by the set standard cut depth forward (1, 2) or back (3, 4). If the standard cut depths for the cut from the head gate to tail gate and the cut from the tail gate to head gate are different, you can move the line forward or back using the corresponding buttons marked with the relevant direction of travel.

You can enter the standard cut depths for the plow under  "Control" - "Incremental plowing.." - "Cut depths..." (see also page 5.67).

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shield and then press the plus key (+).

Control menu Move Lines...

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Fig. 75:

1 Move target line forward with direction of travel to the left 2 Move target line forward with direction of travel to the right 3 Move target line backward with direction of travel to the left 4 Move target line backward with direction of travel to the right 5 Convert target curve into straight line 6 Place the target line on the conveyor line

7 Delete the target line 8 Move cut line forward with direction of travel to the left 9 Move cut line forward with direction of travel to the right 10 Move cut line backward with direction of travel to the left 11 Move cut line backward with direction of travel to the right 12 Place the cut line on the conveyor line.

13 Reset coal line

The buttons labeled in green (8, 9) and (10, 11) perform the same functions for the cut line.

The "=Conveyor Line" buttons (6, 12) place the target line (6) or the cut line (12) onto the conveyor line.

You can use the "Delete" button (7) to remove the target line.

Following a mine surveyor's assessment, you can balance out tolerances by resetting the coal line to the conveyor position (13).

When you click on the arrow buttons (1-4 and 8-11), the "Send Line Command" window appears (Fig. 76).

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Control menu Fig. 76:

Sending lines to PMC-Rs

Here you can choose whether you want to move the line along the entire face or just in a certain section. Click "OK" to send the command to the selected PMC-Rs.

Save Lines...

Load Lines...

Every hour, VShield writes all lines to a file and saves it. The lines you save manually are saved in the same location. You can reload those lines, modify them, and transmit them to the PMC-Rs again.

Selecting  "Control" - "Load Lines.." opens a window like that in Fig. 77. There you can begin by specifying which files you want the program to offer you for possible loading (1). You can have the program offer you the following files: all saved lines lines saved before changes lines saved automatically (hourly) lines saved via the menu "Save Lines..."

When you click the "Load from " button (2), your operating system's "Open File" dialog box appears so that you can select a file. There you can select the desired file and open it.

When you open the file, a table appears with the saved line points (3).

In the lower section of the window, you can choose which lines (5) you want to send to which PMC-Rs (4).

Clicking "Send Lines" (6) sends the data to the selected PMC-Rs. "Cancel" (7) closes the window without sending the data.

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Selecting  "Control" - "Save Lines.." saves the existing lines in a file.

Control menu Load Lines.../Loaded Line

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Fig. 77:

1 Selection options for saved lines 2 Open the "Open File" dialog box 3 Table with line positions 4 Select a face section (PMC-Rs)

5 Select line(s) 6 Send line(s) to PMC-Rs 7 Cancel the procedure and close the window

Important!

The setting of the coal line is not supported by all PMC-R programs.

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5.81

Control menu Line corrections (conveyor line) The program can display corrections of the conveyor line above the block consisting of coal face, conveyor and shields. In the following example, the represented conveyor line does no longer correspond to the real position of the conveyor.

The program receives the position data from the PMC-R face control. The face control could reject some actions (e.g. advance conveyor) in case of incorrect position data. For this reason, you should evaluate the actual situation on-site and correct the incorrect position data. This can be done via  "Control" "Set Lines...".

Notice!

Changes to position data should be made only upon consultation with the face crew. Incorrect position data can block automatic functions.

Example: Correction of conveyor line

1 Line corrections 2 Desired line path 3 Conveyor

Apparently, the operator made a Down correction here (Fig. 78) at support 10 and an Up correction at support 20 (1). It was intended to move the conveyor pans back to an even position (2) to each other. The representation of the conveyor position will then correspond more accurately to the real situation.

After a correction has been entered (see below), the program shows the correction values in schematic form above and below a zero line (1). Shortly afterwards, the program updates the line representation. After a minute, the display of the correction entry is considered old and the color brightens. It is retained until the restart of the program.

Depending on the origin of the line correction, the program shows the correction in other colors: Tab. 44: Origin of line correction

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Current correction

Old correction

Origin

J

J

Manual correction

J

J

Load correction from file

J

J

Correction by LongwallNavigator

J

J

Correction by LongwallNavigator (display only)

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Fig. 78:

Control menu Correcting the conveyor line The following procedural instructions show the procedure for a correction of the conveyor line using Fig. 78 as an example.

The tooltips at the supports 8 and 24 show, among other things, the following information about the conveyor position: Tab. 45: Conveyor positions for Fig. 78 Support no.: Conveyor position

8

24

1687.42 m

1690.03 m

For the correction of the zig-zag line between supports 8 and 24, the definition of a straight line (2) from the conveyor position at support 8 to the conveyor position at support 24 suggests itself.

To do so, proceed as follows:

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Notice!

Before making a line correction, you should save the existing lines. In case of an incorrect entry, you will then be able to restore the previous line.

Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Lünen 2017

. Select  "Control" - "Set Lines..." to open the input window (Fig. 74).

. Under "Range", enable the "Select Range" option and specify the range from 8 to 24.

. Under "Line Type", enable the options "Conveyor Line" and "Straight Connections".

. Under "New Point", enter the support number 8, and position 1687.42 (see table), or point to this position with the mouse pointer and click.

The support number and the position appear in the list of points (Fig. 74, (5)).

. Save this point with the "Accept +" button. . Under "New Point", enter the support number 24, and position 1690.03, or point to this position with the mouse pointer and click.

The support number and the position appear in the list of points (Fig. 74, (5)).

. Save this point with the "Accept +" button. . With the "OK + Send" button, transmit the line section to the PMC-Rs of the specified range.

The program then adjusts the representation of the conveyor line to the specified values.

The face control now has realistic position data for automatic program flows.

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Control menu Clear Error Msgs...

When you select  "Control" - "Clear Error Msgs", a window appears with buttons for selecting the error messages to be deleted (Fig. 79).

When you click on one of the buttons presented for selection, another window appears (similar to the one in Fig. 76) for selecting the section for which the messages are to be cleared (all PMC-Rs or the PMC-Rs in the section from shield x to shield y).

Function modules Function modules are described on pages 5.31 to 5.34.

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Clear Error Msgs...

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Fig. 79:

View menu View menu The View menu contains the menu items that you can use to adapt the views made available by the program to suit your specific needs.

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Tab. 46: Items in the "View" menu

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Menu Item

Explanation

Standard Toolbar

Shows (check mark) or hides the standard toolbar below the menu bar.

status bar

Shows (check mark) or hides the status bar for Windows applications at the bottom edge of the window.

Graphic Options

Opens a window for adjusting the face view. Allows you to select optional view blocks and automatic functions for display, and to make changes to the scale and units of measurement for views.

Shield angle

Opens a window with the graphic representation of the skid setting angle Alpha and the canopy setting angle Beta.

Face history

Shows how the conveyor line changed over time

PMCR runtimes/diagnosis

For developers and service engineers only.

Main Text View

Displays face statuses in text form.

PMCR Network

Displays a window with all interconnected PMC-Rs.

Trends, VShieldTrend...

Generates graphical trend analyses from log data.

Start new shift...

Allows you to define times for shifts and to start a shift manually.

View Hour Statistics

Generates a table with analyses of log data per hour.

View Shift Statistics

Generates a table with analyses of log data per shift.

View Day Statistics

Generates a table with analyses of log data per day.

Report Settings

Allows automatic and manual generation of various reports.

Show List of Downtimes...

Shows a list of downtimes that were longer than two minutes.

Select Alarms...

Opens a window for selecting which statuses should trigger an alarm.

Maintenance

Allows the behavior of specific face components to be assessed after the fact.

Defective sensors

Shows sensors that are defective and ignored by the control.

Parameter Change Notifications...

Table with information on parameter changes

PPD TAG Status

Table with information on person detection TAGs

Service, ShieldDataDriver...

Contains a number of windows with information for Caterpillar service personnel.

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View menu Toolbar Clicking  "View" - "Toolbar" causes this bar to appear (check mark in front of menu item) or disappear (no check mark), alternately.

The toolbar is described starting on page 5.6.

Status Bar You can show a status bar at the bottom edge of the window for messages from the operating system.

Clicking  "View" - "Status Bar" causes this bar to appear (check mark in front of menu item) or disappear (no check mark), alternately.

Graphic Options The graphic options are described starting on page 5.17.

Fig. 80:

Shield angle

1 Skid angle of ascent + α1 2 Skid angle of inclination - α1

3 Canopy angle of ascent + β 4 Canopy angle of inclination - β

In this case, all skid angles in the region depicted are positive (+ α1), the canopy angles are neutral (0°), positive (+ β) or negative (- β).

The general rules for displaying sensor states apply to the sensors (see tab. 6, page 5.15).

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If your shields have sensors for position detection, VShield can graphically display the setting angle of the canopy (β) and skid (α).

The following window shows these angles in one section of the face.

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Shield angle

View menu Face history The "Face history" window shows how the conveyor line changed over time. The curve for the current position of the conveyor line is added at an interval of one hour or one day. This provides you with an overview of mining progress as a whole and in sections of the face.

The conveyor position at one-hour intervals

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Fig. 81:

For better contrast, the colors of the line change in a fixed order (see color circle in Fig. 81).

A tootip appears when you move the mouse over the window. For each shield, it provides information on the time and position of the associated conveyor pan.

Tooltip in the "Face history" window

Conveyor position (hour) Support no.: 91

Fr Sep 30 2016 20:00

407.36 m

Fr Sep 30 2016 19:00

406.48 m

Fr Sep 30 2016 18:00

406.02 m

You can move the window contents by holding down the left mouse button while simultaneously moving the mouse up or down.

The scroll wheel on the mouse allows you to zoom in or out of the diagram.

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View menu The following window appears when you click the right mouse button: Fig. 82:

Graphic options for face history

1 2 3

You can specify a starting value for "Day" and/or "Hour" here along with a range to be viewed (Y-axis) in meters. When you click the "Calculate value" and "Apply" buttons, VShield shows the current position of the conveyor line.

When you select "Day" and "Hour", the window height is cut in half.

The advancing conveyor line for the day appears in the upper half; the lines for the position at the end of every hour appear in the lower half.

PMCR runtimes/diagnosis This function is only of interest for developers and service engineers. VShield evaluates the response times of the PMC-Rs and displays this graphically.

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1 2

View menu Main Text View See also page 5.35 for information about the main text view.

Main text view with face shields 1 to 5

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Fig. 83:

The main text view shows important status parameters for all available shields in the form of a dynamic table. If you right-click in the main text view, a list appears with the displays available to choose from.

Important!

Which displays are offered in this list depends on the configuration of your system.

The first row contains the numbers of the shields. The display begins with shield 501 and 481 or with 491, depending on the location of the head and tail gates. Next come face shields 1 to n or n to1 (n = total number of face shields). They are followed by columns with the negative numbers -10 to -1. These numbers are intended for later expansions of the face if the existing shields were physically labeled with their numbers. The numbers n+1 to 480 (shields not present previously) follow on from these. The range of numbers from 481 to 511 is reserved for face end shields (head and tail gate, server).

Different types of shield are defined according to their tasks and properties. Type 1 is the standard face shield, type 7 is the server at the head gate (shield no. 501) or tail gate (shield no. 502). The assignment of the other types varies depending on the configuration of your system. See the documentation of your PMC-R for information about this.

The shield type is followed by rows with the number of data telegrams received from the PMC-R and the age of the most recent telegram in seconds.

The next section shows you the prop and cylinder pressures and some positions in the direction of face advance.

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5.89

View menu The bottom rows comprise the area for the function modules.

Information about the various sections and rows can be found in other places in this document: Tab. 47: Cross references to pages with more information Topic Prop pressure Relay bar assembly Lines Function modules

Page(s) 5.21 ff 5.50 5.26, 5.77 onward 5.31 ff

PMC-R Network When you select  "View" - "PMC-R Network", the "Network" window appears with a display of linked PMC-Rs. Fig. 84:

PMC-R network (3/1)

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Network

Here the program displays the same messages as in the row for status messages (see page 5.30). A tooltip provides more detailed information on the status of the PMC-Rs. In Fig. 84 you can also see the 3/1 grouping of real and virtual PMC-Rs.

Trends, VShieldTrend ...

Selecting  "View" - "Trends, VShieldTrend ..." opens the VShieldTrend program. This program is optional and has its own operating manual. It is not described in any further detail here.

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View menu Start New Shift...

Clicking  "View" - "Start new shift ..." opens the "Beginning of shift" window. There you can choose whether you want to use "Manual shift changeover" or "Automatic shift changeover".

You must define these shifts if you want to make use of statistical analysis based on shifts. For more details, see the information provided for  "View" - "Shift Statistics" on the following pages. man. shift changeover

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autom. shift changeover

With manual shift changeover, you click the "Start New Shift" button to start a new shift. Then you need to confirm the start of the shift once more. The "Shift Start" window remains open. You can now use the "Cancel" button to close this window without losing any existing times entered for "Automatic shift changeover". If you close the window using the "OK" button, the program saves the defined shifts. In the case of a manual shift changeover, the times entered for automatic shift changeover are lost. This is done to ensure that the next shift does not begin 15 minutes (for example) after the start of a shift that was brought forward manually.

With automatic shift changeover, you can define up to six shifts with their start times. The shifts then start automatically at the specified time. The program's clock takes its time from the time set at the central control aboveground.

Fig. 85:

Defining and starting shifts

To define a shift, first click the checkbox next to the "Time" column to define a start time. The same procedure applies for the "Maintenance [min]" column as well.

To the right of the start times of the shifts, you can enter maintenance times in minutes. These maintenance times apply to the shift starting at the time given to the left. They are taken into account for statistics of mining rates and conveyor output.

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5.91

View menu Statistics (Hourly, Shift, Daily) VShield uses the automatically saved log data for statistical analyses. Three analyses are produced: view Hour Statistics view Shift Statistics view Day Statistics The statistical analyses are identical in structure. They differ only in the time period displayed per row.

The following table describes the data displayed in the columns: Tab. 48: Table columns in statistical analyses

Start date

Date of the day on which the mining equipment starts.

Format: M-DD-YY

Start time

Time at which the mining equipment starts.

Format: h:mm

Duration

Time from "Start time" up to the next highest "Start time".

Format: h:mm:ss

Runtime (% active)

"Active" time (when the mining equipment is moving).

Format: h:mm:ss Also in % ("Runtime" proportion of "Duration")

Downtimes > 2 minutes

Number of downtimes lasting longer than 2 minutes.

Unit: n Format: #

Fast %

Time at "Fast travel" as a proportion of "Duration" (this column for plow only).

Slow %

Time at "Slow travel" as a proportion of "Duration" (this column for plow only).

m²

Mined out area (face length * sum of the cut depths, i.e. face advance) Format: #

m²/min

Mining rate during the "Runtime" Format: #.#

tons

Weight of the mined coal.

Mined out area * face height * spec. gravity of the coal Unit: metric tons [t] Format: #

Average cut depth

Quotient of face advance in the traveled area divided by the number of passes.

Unit: millimeters [mm] Format: #

Section progress

Face advance in meters in one of five face sections.

The size of the sections is based on one eighth of the total number of face shields. Each face section contains a rounded multiple of one eighth.

The five face sections (from left to right): -HG (head gate) (1st eighth approx.)

-Near HG (2nd and 3rd eighth approx.)

-Center (4th and 5th eighth approx.)

-Near TG (6th and 7th eighth approx.)

-TG (tail gate) (8th eighth approx.)

Unit: meters [m]

The following illustration shows you excerpts from different statistical analyses. The data comes from a simulation.

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Meaning

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Columns

View menu Hourly statistics (example)

Fig. 87:

Shift statistics (example)

Fig. 88:

Daily statistics (example)

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Fig. 86:

If you activate the "Show face sections" checkbox, the table is expanded to include five more columns. These display the face advance in meters for different face sections (see Table 48, page 5.92, "Section progress").

You can use the "Copy List to Clipboard" button to copy the data via the clipboard for your own analyses, in a spreadsheet program for example.

Reports (optional component) With  "View" - "Report Settings", you can have the program automatically generate a number of different reports. The reports are saved in PDF file format. You can have the following reports generated: monthly report 24 hr report report of the last shift shifts report defective sensors long downtimes

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View menu Defining and generating reports

1 Name of the mining company or mine 2 3 4 5 6 7

Name of the seam Panel in the seam Report header Monthly report with generation time 24 hr report with generation time Report of the last shift

8 Shifts report daily/after each shift 9 Number of shifts in the shifts report 10 Defective sensors with generation time 11 Long downtimes with generation time 12 Generate now 13 Show last report

In the details for the report header (Fig. 89, (4)) enter the name of your mining company or mine (1), the name of the seam (2), and the panel within the seam (3).

Under "Production reports" you can specify the time for automatic generation of the monthly report (5) and the 24 hr report (6). With the shift report (7) you can choose to have the report generated daily or after each shift. In both cases, you can specify the number of shifts included in it (9).

Under "Other reports" you can specify the time for automatic generation for "Defective sensors" (9) and "Long downtimes" (10).

You can use "Generate Now" (12) to generate a report immediately, which is then also displayed to you immediately. "Show Last Report" (13) causes the last report generated to be displayed.

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Fig. 89:

View menu Report header The header is identical in structure for all reports. Different data is displayed according to requirements. You will always find the same information in the same position.

Fig. 90:

Report header

1 Title of the report 2 Additional information (e.g. time period of the report)

6 Specific gravity of the coal 7 Panel in the seam 8 Face length

3 Date and time of generation 4 Page numbers

9 Name of the seam

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5 Seam thickness (height)

10 Name of the mining company or mine

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After the title of the report (1) comes the name of the mining company or mine (10), the name of the seam (9), the face length (8), and the panel (7). The mine name, seam name, and panel are identical to those entered in the "Report Settings" window (see Fig. 89). The face length (8) is calculated by the program. The page number (4) is given in the header at top right (if required).

Under that you will find the date and time when the report was generated (3). The two items on the lower right-hand side tell you the seam thickness (height) (5) and the specific gravity (6) of the coal at that site.

The seam thickness or face height (5) and the coal density (6) are parameter values (see  "Control" - "Parameters" - "Service"). monthly report graph

The monthly report contains a chart and a table with the data for every day in the month. The chart shows the values for the "mined out area" and the mining rate in graph form.

The mined out area axis [m²] is located on the right-hand side of the chart. The corresponding values are shown as a green histogram.

The mining rate axis [m²/min] is located on the left-hand side of the chart. The corresponding values are shown as yellow columns with a black outline.

The time axis lists the days of the month from right to left.

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View menu

1 Mining rate axis 2 Histogram of the mined out area with values at top of bars 3 Columns for mining rate with values at the base 4 Key 5 Symbol for "mined out area" table

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Diagram in the monthly report (real data)

6 Symbol for "mining rate" 7 "Mined out area" axis 8 First day of the report period 9 Mining rate value 10 Day in the report period 11 Last day in the report period

The columns in the table for the monthly report largely correspond to the columns described in Table 48 on page 5.92.

Tab. 49: Table columns in the monthly report Columns

5.96

Meaning

Day

Date of the day on which the mining equipment starts.

Format: M-DD-YY

Duration

Operating time.

Format: h:mm:ss

Runtime (% active)

"Active" time (when the mining equipment is moving).

Format: h:mm:ss Also in % ("Runtime" proportion of "Duration")

Downtimes > 2 minutes

Number of downtimes lasting longer than 2 minutes.

Unit: n Format: #

Fast %

Time at "Fast travel" as a proportion of "Duration" (this column for plow only).

Slow %

Time at "Slow travel" as a proportion of "Duration" (this column for plow only).

m²

Mined out area (face length * sum of the cut depths, i.e. face advance) Format: (###)#.#

m²/min

Mining rate during the "Runtime" Format: (#)#.#

tons

Weight of the mined coal.

Mined out area * face height * spec. gravity of the coal Unit: metric tons [t] Format: (###)#.#

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Fig. 91:

View menu  Depth of cut

Quotient of face advance in the traveled area divided by the number of passes.

Unit: millimeters [mm] Format: (##)#

Section progress

Face advance in meters in one of five face sections.

The size of the sections is based on one eighth of the total number of face shields. Each face section contains a rounded multiple of one eighth.

The five face sections (from left to right): -HG (head gate) (1st eighth approx.)

-Near HG (2nd and 3rd eighth approx.)

-Center (4th and 5th eighth approx.)

-Near TG (6th and 7th eighth approx.)

-TG (tail gate) (8th eighth approx.)

Unit: meters [m] Format: (#)#.#

The table footer shows you the totals of all data rows.

24 hr report

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The hourly report (24 hr) differs from the monthly report only in the time axis of the chart and the "Duration" column of the table. Here, the time axis gives the last 24 hours instead of the days of the month. The "Duration" column refers to the times when there was an intact communication link.

The table footer shows you the totals of all data rows. shifts report The chart in the shifts report differs from the monthly report only in its time axis. Here, the start times of the shifts are given instead of the days of the month.

The table has a "Shift" column with the start times of the shifts instead of the "Duration" column (as in the monthly report).

The table footer shows you the totals of all data rows.

Shift report The shift report contains a number of charts and tables. The terms in the "Shift data" table (top right) have the following meanings: Tab. 50: Shift data Designation

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Meaning

Shift

Start time and end time of a shift (see also  "View" - "Start New Shift") Format: hh:mm - hh:mm

Time of shift

Duration of the shift Format: hh:mm:ss

Time of maintenance

Duration of time spent on maintenance.

Format: h:mm:ss

Time of operating

Duration of operating time (time of shift - time of maintenance).

Runtime

"Active" time (when the mining equipment is moving) and its % proportion of the time of operation (T.O.).

Format: hh:mm:ss ((#)#% BZ)

Runtime fast

"Active" time (when the mining equipment is moving) at fast travel and its % proportion of the time of operation (T.O.) (this column for plow only).

Format: hh:mm:ss ((#)#% BZ)

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"Active" time (when the mining equipment is moving) at slow travel and its % proportion of the time of operation (T.O.).

Format: hh:mm:ss ((#)#% BZ)

Downtimes > 2 minutes

Number of downtimes lasting longer than 2 minutes.

Unit: n Format: #

Downtimes < 2 minutes

Number of downtimes lasting less than 2 minutes.

Unit: n Format: #

Mined out area

Mined out area (face length * sum of the cut depths, i.e. face advance) Unit: m² Format: (##)##

m²/Runtime

Mining rate during runtime Unit: m²/min (#)#.#

m²/Time of shift

Mining rate for the shift Unit: m²/min (#)#.#

m²/Time of operating

Mining rate during operating time Unit: m²/min (#)#.#

 Depth of cut

Average cut depth Quotient of face advance in the traveled area divided by the number of passes.

Unit: millimeters [mm] Format: (##)#

 Tons

Weight of the mined coal.

Mined out area * face height * spec. gravity of the coal Unit: metric tons [t] Format: (###)#

To the left of the "Shift data" table (Fig. 92), there is a chart similar to that in the "Monthly report". Here, the time axis is divided into individual hours. To the right of that, there is an additional chart displaying the mining rate during the runtime for the entire shift.

The start and end of the shift are given under the column.

Fig. 92 shows the upper section of the shift report. The red and purple arrows indicate the table data from which the charts above are derived.

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Runtime slow

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View menu

View menu Detail of shift report (real data)

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Fig. 92:

The structure of the "hourly accounted" table is essentially the same as the "daily statistics" in the monthly report. Only the first two columns are different. The "h" column gives the start of the hour, where the hour 8 means the time from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., for example. The "Duration" column shows the time during the hour when there was an intact network link. For example, a duration of 00:52:00 means that communication was interrupted for 8 minutes in that hour.

The lower section of the page contains a "List of defective and ignored sensors" and a display in percentage form of the reasons for "Long downtimes (> 2 minutes)" ("List of downtimes").

The "List of defective and ignored sensors" has the same content as the sensors report (see further below).

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View menu

The "List of downtimes (> 2 minutes)" has a small table specifying for each reason the number of downtimes and their duration. In addition, you are shown the percentage proportion of the total downtime allocated to each reason. This proportion is also displayed in a pie chart above the list.

The reasons for long downtimes are predefined in the program. If a downtime lasts longer than two minutes, the "List of Downtimes" window appears. You can also access this window via  "View" - "Show List of Downtimes..." .

New downtimes are marked in red at the top of the list in this window (see Fig. 54 on page 5.55). If you double-click this row, a window appears allowing you to select a downtime reason and to classify the downtime in more detail. You also have the option under "Details" of adding a comment regarding the downtime.

These comments then appear in the "Downtime report" in "Details" column. See also the section about long downtimes (> 2 minutes) starting on page 5.55.

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Shift report - Sensors and long downtimes (real data)

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Fig. 93:

View menu Defective sensors The "Sensors report" lists the sensors that are currently defective and ignored. It specifies the "Support no.", the designation of the sensors in the "Sensors" column, and the reported status in the "Status" column.

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Fig. 94:

Sensor report

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1 Support no./shield no.

2 Designation of the sensors

3 Sum total of sensors listed 4 Status of the sensors

The report gives the following statuses for the sensors: Tab. 51: Statuses of sensors Status

Meaning

Defective

The sensor is not sending any data.

Ignored (manually set to ignored)

The sensor was set to "Ignored" on the PMC-R.

Defective + ignored

The sensor is sending contradictory data and was set to "Ignored" on the PMC-R.

For more information about sensor statuses, see page 5.15.

Downtimes The downtime report lists the downtimes that last longer than two minutes, which are also known as "long downtimes". The period in which the listed long downtimes occurred is given above the table (date and time).

Fig. 95:

Downtime report

The listed downtimes are the same as those displayed under  "View" - "Show List of Downtimes ..." (see pages 5.55 and 5.100).

Show List of Downtimes Downtimes are described starting on page 5.55. See also the section about downtime reports on page 5.101.

Select Alarms Alarms are described starting on page 5.57. The "Select alarms" dialog box can be found on page 5.59.

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5.101

View menu Maintenance You can use the "Maintenance" menu item when you want to concentrate your attention on certain elements for maintenance purposes.

When you select  "View" - "Maintenance", the "Maintenance" window appears, which is at first empty. Once you select a log file, the window appears as shown in Fig. 96.

Maintenance

1 Categories and subcategories 2 Name of the element 3 Description of the elements 4 Section from shield x to shield y

5 Time period from start time to end time 6 Selection of the log file 7 Loading of the selected data 8 Cancellation of the selection

The left part of the window shows you the categories (1) assigned to the observed elements (2). When you click the plus sign (+) in front of a category, subcategories appear, which can themselves contain subcategories in turn. When you click the text of a category/subcategory, the right side of the window shows the associated elements together with a description (3). selection

Click the checkbox of a category/subcategory to select (check mark in box) or deselect (box empty) all the associated elements.

You can also select or deselect individual elements by clicking the corresponding checkboxes. The checkbox of the associated category/subcategory then appears shaded in gray.

This window lists considerably more elements than you will require for maintenance. Many elements are of interest to Caterpillar service personnel only.

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Fig. 96:

View menu Once you have selected the elements of interest, you can then limit the face section (4) and the time period (5) for your investigation.

You can use "Cancel" (8) to close this window without any further actions being taken. When you click "Read" (7), the program begins the desired analysis of the log file. A window appears with the results (Fig. 97).

Results

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Fig. 97:

The window contains tabs with tables for each category. All tables include the columns "Support no.,""Quantity", and "Time". The other columns vary depending on the category's data type. If the same event occurs on a support more than once, "Quantity" tells you the number of times it occurred. The corresponding time data refers to the last occurrence of the event. In such cases, you can doubleclick the row in question to view an additional window listing all the events separately.

You can use the "Print List" button (below the window title) to print the currently visible table.

You can use the "Copy List to Clipboard" button to save the currently visible table to a text file or a spreadsheet program.

Defective sensors You have access to the "List of defective and ignored sensors" outside the "Reports" module as well (Fig. 89 (10), page 5.94).

Fig. 98:

1

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List of defective and ignored sensors

2

3

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View menu The number of the support (shield) is shown in the first column. The sensor designation with its connection port on the PMC-R control unit follows, e.g. [C1], or the port on the solenoid driver module (SD) if the sensor is not connected directly to the PMC-R control unit. The designation [###] means that sensor is not a real sensor, but rather a value calculated from sensor data.

The third and fourth columns show the status of the sensor. The following statuses are possible: 3rd column (defective) – "Defective", – not defective, – "Defect: open circuit" – "Defect: short circuit" – "Defect: toggle values" 4th column (Ignored) – not ignored, – "Ignored (manually set to ignored)".

For more information about sensor statuses, see table 6 on page 5.15.

Using the list You can then use the "Copy list to clipboard" button (Fig. 98 (1) to insert the list in a spreadsheet or word processing program.

"Print" (2) opens a Windows printing dialog.

Fig. 99:

Selection of sensors and statuses

1 2 3

1 2

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– "Ignored (all causes)",

View menu

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Clicking "Select" (3) opens a dialog box where the list of defective and ignored sensors can be limited. You can select or deselect the sensor groups and collective statuses "Defective" and "Ignored" that can be evaluated to form a list.

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View menu Parameter change notifications The changes to parameters can be logged. You can use the "Parameter Change Notifications" window (Fig. 100) to have the logged changes displayed.

1 2 3 4 5

Notification counter Transmission date Transmission time Type of notification Symbol or additional information on type 6 Sender (shield, software) 7 Parameter change from shield x

8 9 10 11

Parameter change up to shield y Designation of the module Designation of the parameter Sent value

12 Adjust column width 13 Copy table to clipboard 14 Close window

The columns of the table have the following meaning: index (1) consecutive number of the change, starting with the recording. date (2) of the change time (3) of the change type (4) and type symbol (5) of the change Tab. 52: Meaning of the Type column (4, 5) in Fig. 100 Type

Symbol

Password validity expired Login

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Meaning The time window for the validity of the password has expired

Name

An employee has logged in for changing parameters.

Logoff

An employee has logged off for changing parameters.

Set value

Parameter change at a PC

Src.Rec

-->S

Parameter change received from the face direction

Next.Rec

N<--

Parameter change received from the next central control

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Fig. 100: Parameter change notifications

View menu Type

Symbol

Meaning

???.Rec

?<--

Parameter change received from a source other than Src.Rec

Src.Send

<--S

Parameter change sent in the face direction

Next.Send

N-->

Parameter change sent to next central control

???.Send

?-->

Parameter change sent to another destination (e.g. View Client)

sender (6) – shield number of the transmitting PMC-R. – designation of the transmitting software (VShield).

– parameter change via PMC-P section 1 (7) in the event of local changes: shield number of the first shield to which the change applies. in the event of global (face-wide) changes: 501.

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section 2 (8) in the event of local changes: shield number of the last shield to which the change applies. in the event of global (face-wide) changes: 501. module name (9) designation of the parameter module that contains the modified parameter. parameter name (10) designation of the parameter that was changed. value (11) new value of the changed parameter.

Meaning of the buttons: "Change size" (12) Adapts the corresponding column width to the largest visible entry.

"Copy list to clipboard" (13) Copies the table to the clipboard. You can then copy the content of the clipboard for subsequent editing to a spreadsheet program (e.g. MS Excel).

"Close" (14) Closes the window.

PPD TAG Status The description was already given on page 5.39.

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View menu Service, ShieldDataDriver...

The "ShieldDataDriver" menu item is intended mainly for Caterpillar service personnel. It is described here in a brief outline only.

When you select  "View" - "Service, ShieldDataDriver" the following window appears (Fig. 101): Fig. 101: ShildDataDriver

1 "Data Tables" button 2 "Communication Status" button

5 "Close" button

3 "Setup Info" button

7 Transmitted data (six transmission logs)

Data tables By clicking the "Data Tables" button (Fig. 101 (1)), you open a window containing data packets from the connected peripherals.

In the default settings, the window contains columns with "Name," "Age," "OKs," "Data size," and "Raw data" (Fig. 102).

Fig. 102: Data tables

The name indicates the allocation of the data to the connected control system.

The age of the data shows, among other things, whether or not the data communication is OK. The format of this column is mm:ss.n (n=1/10 s). Any data with age 99:99.9 is outdated.

OKs is a counter for the number of received confirmations of receipt.

Data size indicates the size of the data packets in bytes.

Raw data displays the data as it was received without interpretation.

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4 "Telegram Display" button

6 Received data (six reception logs)

View menu If you right-click on the data area, a window appears where you can select additional columns for viewing (Date, Time, Errors).

Clicking the row of a control system opens a window with additional information (not shown here).

The "Debugger for ignored data" button opens an additional window with data from sensors which were ignored by the control (this window also not shown here). The list can be cleared with the "Delete history of setup error messages" button.

Communication status ("Com.Status" button) By double-clicking on a display field, a table appears with details concerning the communication status. It is important for Service personnel in the event of communications problems. See also Fig. 10 on page 5.13.

Setup Info Clicking on the "Setup Info" button (Fig. 101 (3) opens a window with setup information for the program (Fig. 103).

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The program version is given (1) followed by the version of your PMC control (2). XXXXX stands for the name of the face as was defined in the configuration. This is followed by the version number of the PMC-D/V control.

The number of the face (3) can be found in the third line.

This is followed by a block with path information for the system files and for the log files (4).

Fig. 103: setup info

1 Program version number 2 Version designation of the PMC control 3 Face no.

4 5 6 7

Paths of the system files List of setup error messages Last setup error message Clear error messages

A list with setup error messages (5) is shown below this block.

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External Programs menu The program displays the last error message in a separate row (6).

The setup error messages can be acknowledged and removed with the "Delete error messages" button (7).

Telegram display The "Telegram Display" window is only of interest to programmers.

Here you can analyze the data telegrams sent to and from individual elements (this window not shown here).

Initialized (n) The two "Initialized (n)" blocks on the left (Fig. 101 (6)) and the right (7) each show six different windows with statistics for communication links and the handling of the data telegrams of individual elements (using hexadecimal numbers). These is only of relevance to programmers when analyzing errors.

Help menu In the Help menu, you can: access information about the program version, and open this document as a PDF file (optional).

Languages menu In the Languages menu, you can switch between different languages. The languages available for you to choose from will vary depending on the version you ordered.

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This menu contains the callup of the VShieldPasswords password program. It provides the option for a complex and secure user administration. The user administration is described in chapter 4.

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External Programs menu

Playback (replay log files) Playback (replay log files) You have the option of playing saved log files so that you can observe at a later stage the performance of the system at a particular point in time. These log files contain the log data that was monitored by the system. The program depicts the logged status parameters as though the system were running. You see all of the parameters, status parameters, and error and status messages which were recorded. This permits you to analyze the behavior of the system after the fact.

You will require an additional installation of the program for this purpose. Bucyrus Service personnel can set up a playback version for you upon request.

After the start of the program with playback function, an additional window appears with control elements for playing back log files.

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When you click the "Open File" button (Fig. 104 (2)), the "Open" dialog box appears with the preconfigured file folder and the list of log files. Here, you can select and open the desired log file for playback. recorded time

Under "Recorded Time" (14), you can see the progress for reading in the log file. Once the file is uploaded completely, the program displays here the entire logged time period. The control elements and displays previously dimmed are now activated.

Fig. 104: playback program for replaying log data

1 Time bar with messages 2 Buttons for opening a log file 3 Jump to the next telegram 4 Jump one second forward 5 Jump ten seconds forward 6 Play/pause 7 Slider for speed of playback time bar

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8 Display of playback speed 9 Tooltip for the time bar 10 Name of window and name of log file 11 Enter timestamp 12 Set timestamp 13 Current playback point in time 14 Total log period

A tool tip (9) will appear when you move the mouse pointer into the time bar (1). It displays the log time at the position of the mouse pointer and the type of data traffic between the control (PMC-R/D/V) and the program.

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Playback (replay log files)

Message/meaning

J

Defective data. The message indicates a defective data storage device or a failed write procedure.

J

Startup data, information about the configuration.

J

Information about local time (UTC).

J

Data received by the control; mining equipment is traveling.

J

Data received by the control; mining equipment is stationary.

J

Data sent to the control (program is sending to PMC system).

J

Other data (data that does not fall into any of the above categories).

current time

Double-clicking somewhere on the time bar causes the point of time displayed in the tool tip to become the current playback time.

The program displays the selected point in time in the "Current time" field. Hours, minutes and seconds, separated by a colon, are followed by hundredths of seconds.

play/pause

The "Play/Pause" button (6) shows ">" to indicate that the program is ready for playback. Clicking on ">" starts the playback at the selected time. The symbol on the button changes to "||" for Pause.

Clicking "||" causes the playback to stop at the current position in time.

jump to telegram

jump 1 or 10 seconds

You can use the ">||" button to jump to the next received/ transmitted data telegram. This is usually a jump of less than one second.

You can use the buttons ">|+1" (4) and ">|+10" (5) (jump one/ ten second(s)) to have the playback jump forward by one or ten seconds, respectively.

speed

The playback speed can be determined with the slide controller (7).

Both slow motion (0.1x speed) and fast motion (100x speed) are possible. The program displays the selected speed to the right of the slider (8).

timestamp (jump destination)

If you click a point on the time bar, the time at the mouse pointer is copied into the "Set time" field (11). Clicking on the "Set" button (12) causes the program to save that time as the jump destination.

Now, whenever you click on "Set", the program jumps to the set time. You can then restart the playback from that point in time by clicking "Play/Pause" (6).

Naturally, no parameters can be modified in the playback version.

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Tab. 53: Color organization in the time bar and the "Available data" tool tip