All our controllers are developed to meet the following requirements:

• Maximized automation throughout the longwall
• Maximum production
• Maximum underground safety
• Optimum use of your equipment
• Overload protection for all components  
• Minimization of personnel in hazardous and contaminated areas
• User-friendliness

The PMC®-R is based on the highly successful PM4 controller. In addition to enhancing computing power and data transfer, Bucyrus was also able to take numerous suggestions and requests from customers into account. The result is a leading-edge electrohydraulic controller which will continue to meet the requirements of mining operations into the future.  

Each PMC®-R has the know-how to control the entire longwall – with a full version of the control software. This also includes all external factors such as position and speed of the plow or shearer, conveyor speed, and chain tension. Each PMC®-R installs itself ‘independently’ in the longwall and can communicate with external computers. This means that an operator can control the entire longwall from any roof support.

In combination with Bucyrus Controlled Start Transmission (CST) drives, the PMC®-D controller offers superior control of AFC drives. Measured values from the gearbox and clutch are balanced using established control algorithms, thus ensuring smooth and effective transmission of drive power. Not until the PMC®-D were no-load startup of motors, loaded start of the conveyor, accurate load sharing between the drives, effective overload protection and comprehensive data collection possible.

The PMC®-V is the user interface of the PMC®-Ds and allows all face conveyor parameters to be set. The PMC®-V can also display all parameters and error messages and undertakes communication with third parities, for example regarding power supply.

The PMC®-P is a node computer that facilitates communication between the individual components as well as other mine computer networks and third-party products. In this way, machine data – such as for the shearer, roof supports and conveyors – is collected, with any necessary corrective action, thus ensuring optimum interaction of the entire system.

The VCU (Visualization Control Unit) is an easy-to-learn program package that – depending on scope – may contain the following programs: VShield, VPlow, VShearer, VDrive, VLongwall and VTrend.  
This allows data on all components of a longwall to be collected and analyzed at a central computer, and controlled as required. The VCU can be installed in a longwall control center underground, in the vicinity of the longwall, or in a surface control room.

• Process visualization
• Parameter management
• Data recording
• Remote maintenance