Friends of Coal for over 60 Years - RACO Electric Actuators

Coal Mining Operations and Electric Actuators

Longwall mining, continuous miners, shuttle cars, and miles of conveyor belt systems start the coal mining process. Then getting that coal to the coal preparation plants, onto trains and barges, and finally to power plants involves even more material handling and more conveyor systems. RACO electric actuators can be found on many applications along the way: Diverter gates, clam gates, bucket elevators, bin hopper slide gates, rotary railroad car dumper locking pins, barge loaders and unloaders, just to name a few.

Today’s mining is more automated and much safer, while feeding a world of power plants to keep the lights on or to heat homes. This means that all this equipment must run continuously and reliably.

Electric actuators on applications within the Coal Mining Process must operate 24/7, consistently and reliably. These actuators need to be manufactured to very high standards in order to last many years. The world’s needs to produce enormous amounts of energy are growing exponentially every year. Actuator applications are only getting more demanding and RACO is ready for the challenge.

 RACO Electric Linear Actuators have been used as locking pin actuators for rotary car dumpers, barge loaders and unloaders, and other processes that have been automated over the years. These electric actuators reduce the need for manual operation, thereby speeding up operations and minimizing downtime. 

RACO electric actuators have been providing optimum and safe control of this equipment used in the coal mining industry for decades. Long-lasting performance and reducing wear and tear is critical in this high production, energy sector business.

RACO Electric Linear Actuator Facts:

• Largest installed base in the world – Over 60 years of experience globally

• Thrust capabilities from 110 lbs. – 314,700 lbs. (1400kN)

• Stroke lengths up to 236 inches (6000 mm) *on certain sizes

• Ball screw and ACME screws available

• Complete line of standard controls, feedback devices, and other options

• ISO 9001 Manufacturing Standard

• Environmentally friendly – No oils or fluids that will leak

• Energy efficient – Only using electricity when moving

• Linear motion without pneumatic or hydraulic system disadvantages

• Easily handles high frequency cycling

• Explosion Proof / Intrinsically Safe Packages available

• Power screw accuracy of 0.002 thousandths of an inch, for every 12 inches of travel

• Virtually maintenance free

• Built-in anti-rotation design

• Accommodates many input voltages

• Complete line of industry standard accessories

• Complete line of optional controls

• All metric & standard dimension ratings for world-wide unit availability

   

 Improving Safety Standards in Coal Mining 

Safety is a major concern in coal mining, especially underground, and electric actuators play a crucial role in enhancing safety standards. These devices can be used to automate hazardous tasks, thus reducing the risk of accidents and injuries to workers.

RACO electric actuators can be equipped with advanced monitoring and diagnostic features that can detect potential issues before they become critical. Additionally, explosion-proof motors and intrinsically safe connections are very important add-ons. This proactive approach to maintenance and safety helps in preventing accidents and ensuring a safer working environment for mining employees.

The Future of Electric Actuators in Coal Mining

With Robotic and Artificial Intelligence emphasis ongoing in the mining industry today, RACO electric actuators will always be an integral part of these mechanical systems. Automation still ultimately needs robust and reliable hardware to do the work. Operating coal facilities, both above ground and below ground, with minimal human involvement, will save lives. Environmentally, coal mining has become a cleaner process. The coal burning process is bound by emissions controls where actuators can now be found on filters, dampers for flow control, and scrubbing systems.

Compared to 60 years ago, the industry is much safer and environmental impacts are much better. RACO has been evolving with the coal industry in all aspects and will continue furnishing electric actuators, as Friends of Coal! It is what we do best and who we are.