What this equipment does
Armored face conveyors, commonly called AFCs, move coal from the longwall shearer to the stage loader while also providing the track for shearer haulage. AFC selection depends on face length, chain size, pan width, installed power, gearbox rating, and compatibility with roof supports. The AFC must withstand high impact loads, abrasive coal, and cyclic face movement while maintaining alignment through shield advance cycles.
At a Glance
- Equipment Type
- Armored face conveyor
- Material Handled
- Freshly cut coal and stone bands
- Capacity Range
- 500–5,000 tph
Common Applications
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Pan Width | 630–1,200 | mm |
| Chain Size | 30–52 | mm |
| Capacity | 500–5,000 | tph |
| Installed Power | 400–3,000 | kW |
| Face Length | 100–400 | m |
Selection Factors
- Face length and target production
- Chain size and breaking load
- Pan wear material and thickness
- Shearer haulage interface
- Stage loader connection
- Drive arrangement and overload protection
Maintenance and Wear Notes
AFC maintenance is dominated by chain wear, flight bar damage, pan wear, sprocket condition, and gearbox lubrication. Chain elongation and pan lip wear should be measured routinely to avoid sudden chain failures and lost face time.