SIMULATION OF DRILLING OPERATIONS

and the site observations [15] . Modeler can assign values for each operation related variables.

EVALUATION OF MODEL An interactive simulation software was developed to implement the model described in the previous sections. The simulation software, in fact, was constructed as part of a complete production system modeling software of the sublevel stoping mining method. It was developed using C programming language. Since a discrete event time simulation modeling is used in the simulation, the major variables defining the activity in each event are identifie d by a statistical distribution model. The modeler can define values and statistical distributions (or related statistical parameters) for the event variables. As default, the model performs simulations employing uniform distributions. The model produces various data to be used to calculate performance or productivity data. This group of data is related to the duration of the special events, or processes, in the operation. In Figure 4, a screen capture shoving the data kept during simulation routine has been illustrated. Figure 4. The major operating variables generated for the drilling operation. A hypothetical model was used to assess the model. Below given are the major drilling pattern and equipment variables. Drilling Pattern: Parallel Cut Length of Holes (cut/stoping/empty): 4400 mm. Number of Stoping Holes: 27 Diameter of Stoping Holes: 38 mm. Number of Cut Holes: 16 Diameter of Cut Holes: 38 SGEM 200 6 - Section I 59 Diameter of Empty Hole: 102 mm Rock Drillability Index: 70 Road Rolling Resistance: 3% Grade of Road: Tree segment road, one segment has 12o down grade Drilling Units: One 1 x 16 kW Jumbo, one 2 x16 kW jumbo The results obtained using different drilling units have been illustrated on Table 2. The values given in columns 1 and 2 are obtained by the same machi nes, but different round numbers. Given in 3rd column are the results obtained by a 2 drill machine. Table 2. Simulation results using different drilling units. Drill Number x Drill Power

x 16 kW 1 x 16 kW 2 x 16 kW Round Simulated 15 50 15 Tram ming Distance 4139.920, sec. 14071.167, sec. 4139.920, m. Tramming Time 3486.251, sec. 10749.143, sec. 3528.424, sec. Machine -Face Prepare Time

705, sec. 15630.383, sec. 4690.820, sec. Drilling Time Ordinary* Holes

797,sec. 402968.062,sec. 60451.891, sec. Drilling Time of Empty Holes

195, sec. 121993.086 sec. 36600.938, sec. Ordinary* Hole Meters

000, m. 8800.000, m. 2640.000, m. Empty Hole Meters 660.000, m. 2200.000, m. 660.000, m. Hole Drilling Time 157600.984,sec. 524961.12 5,sec. 97052.828, sec. Machine Stowing Time

852, sec. 7815.711, sec. 2331.410, sec. Total Round Time 168178.969,sec. 559156.312,sec. 107617.477,sec. * includes the total of cut and stoping holes The statistics given in above table can also be used in cost estimation process. A cost estimation module was developed and to be integrated in the total simulation package intended.

RESULTS Simulation can be seen as a tool to experiment with the design of an engineer. It can be a valuable tool in the design work of the mining engineers, since he/she faces some difficulties in estimating performance of the possible system. Using a simulation model/software alternative operating scenarios can be developed for the system to be designed. Having identified the conditions to affect the system, suitable operating variables and the flexibilities in case of adverse conditions can be identified. The drilling simulation model developed can be used to model drilling operations in drifting. The model and therefore the software can be used for two purposes as modeling of the drilling operation and selection of the drilling machine. When using for the operation model generating aim, it can generate detailed statistics to estimate both 6th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM2006 www.sgem.org Int er nat ional Confer ence SGEM 200 6 60 productivity and cost. On the other hand, the drilling machine selection can be done using the software. It is capable of simulating 1 to 4 drill jumbos. REFERENCES

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CBI, 1999, Site observations was made in 1998 and 1999. 6th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM2006 www.sgem.org