Electrical Technology in Mining: The Dawn of a New Age(No. 15 IEE History of Technology)

A consideration of the early development of electricity in a major British coalfield and an investigation into how such a well-established, labour-intensive industry upon which the prosperity of the local community depended was able to respond to the challenge of new technology. The book spans the history of uses for electricity in mining, starting with early developments and their applications for winding, hauling, lighting and ventilation. The text goes on to cover early applications arising from the limitations imposed by the traditional safety helmet, continues with early electrical and distribution systems (the La Perroniere system and the Trafalgar Colliery installation) and drive considerations, and next investigates coal face mechanisms in terms of electrically-driven cutting tools and conveyors. The book further looks at winding and haulage and how electrical techniques were developed in Britain in terms of locomotives. Safety legislation and education are also covered, including the two enquiries of 1902 and 1909. The matter of private generation is discussed and a number of examples are quoted.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Genesis of a new industry: exploiting a national asset; difficulties of working; the Association of Mining Electrical Engineers; the developing need for technical innovation; early developments; working; water problems; winding; haulage; gas; lighting; ventilation; the challenge of electricity. Part 2 Early applications of electric lighting: limitations of the traditional safety lamp; mains-fed lighting installation; early battery-operated lamps. Part 3 Early electrical and distribution systems: early aspirations; the La Perroniere system; Trafalgar Colliery installation; subsequent developments; distribution systems; DC systems; AC systems; drives and driving power. Part 4 Recognition of the hazards of electricity: outlining the problem; initial attempts at solutions; introduction of flameproof equipment; the wider view of testing and development. Part 5 Coal face mechanization: mechanization and the demand for greater output; early forms of coal- cutting machine; introduction of electrically powered coal cutting machines; the gradual increased use of coal-cutting machines in Britain; introduction of coal face conveyors. Part 6 Winders and haulage locomotives: electric windows; underground locomotives. Part 7 Safety, legislation and education: introduction; the 1902 Inquiry; a time for consolidation; the 1909 Inquiry; cables and earthing; electrical fatalities; Senghenydd - an avoidable tragedy?; training and education. Part 8 Private generation: the way forward?; a very difficult decision; fuel costs; electricity and legislation; power companies; NESCo and the North East; load factors and load curves; the Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Company - a "model" system. Part 9 Colliery electrification - in retrospect: the dawn of a new era; a false security; safety considerations; breaking down the barriers; AC and DC installations; continuing safety concerns; a firm base.