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INTERNATIONAL COAL NEWS

Improving coal mine rock durability

MINOVA International has designed a new polymer-modified gunite for coal mines which it says will...

Staff Reporter

88ֳ

Currently most coal mines use gunite for structural support, prevention of long term surface weathering, and fire proofing of coal ribs. According to Minova traditional dry spray gunite produces high dust levels and its poor adhesion results in high rebound material losses.

With this in mind the company developed the polymer-modified gunite which it says can be easily applied, with improved adhesion and reduced permeability.

Minova said the Tekflex PM high strength cement coating is especially suited for large remediation or preventative sealing. The non-shrinking cement dries to a durable off-white finish and has a pumping life of up to 30 minutes and sets in 5 to 8 hours.

Tekflex PM is an alternative to traditional gunite and can be used to prevent spalling from moisture ingress and to ensure the structural integrity of mine passages.

The product has been used in numerous coal mines in the eastern United States and according to Minova, has been effective in extending the stability of moisture sensitive coal measure rock in long term use slope, belt, and main entries.

It has also been successful in fire proofing battery charging and belt transfer stations.

Minova said Tekflex PM is as strong as conventional gunite, but is less permeable than conventional gunite and prevents water vapor from degrading the underlying coal measure rocks.

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