Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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NOZZLE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING A BOLT IN A ROCK HOLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to rock bolting, for example within the mining
industry and
when performing tunnel construction. The invention particularly concerns a
nozzle, a
system and a method for securing a bolt in a rock hole.
BACKGROUND
In conjunction with tunneling or in mining the rock may weaken which in turn
may
lead to parts of the rock collapsing. A collapsed rock will not only delay the
work at the site
but is also very hazardous for personnel working on the site. There is thus a
need for
measures which reduces the risk of collapse. Such measures are usually called
rock
reinforcement. Wood pillars and wood beams were used for a long time but have
given
way to better solutions. A common method for rock reinforcement today is to
use bolts for
fixating a rock arc that will carry the ceiling in the tunnel. The bolt may
e.g. be fastened in
a pre-drilled hole or may be drilled into the rock during the fastening
procedure.
However, when the underground opening is large, bolts may not be long enough
to create the arc effect. Instead cable bolts may be used. The cable bolts may
e.g. be
steel cables. These cables are fastened in the rock hole by a grouting agent,
e.g. cement.
The cables may also be fastened by mechanical anchor, e.g. an expanding shell
in the
top of the cable for instant support. The cables fastened this way are
thereafter grouted in
order to achieve rust protection by encapsulation. Traditionally the cable
bolts were
placed in pre-drilled holes and the hole was thereafter filled with grout.
This is a method
which is still commonly used in mines, even though it carries a lot of risk
since it is a
manual operation requiring the presence of personnel close to parts of the
rock that are
not secured.
During the last decades a mechanized operation has been developed. The hole is
first drilled and thereafter filled with grout. The cable bolt is inserted
into the hole as the
final step. The mechanized method is not only faster compared to the previous
method,
but it is also much safer as the entire process is controlled from the cabin
where the
operator is protected. Typically, all of the operations, such as e.g.
drilling, mixing and
pumping of grout, cable insertion etc., is performed by one machine and one
operator.
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Unfortunately, the mechanized method of cable bolting has some limitations and
drawbacks of its own. The grouted cable cannot carry loads until the grout is
cured. The
grout which is usually cement takes a few hours to cure, but full load
carrying capability is
only achieved after approximately 48 hours. Thus, the method is good for
secondary
support, but not for primary support since the waiting time will delay the
work.
Furthermore, the grout need to be mixed by a mixing system, usually provided
on the rig.
One batch of grout will require around 15 minutes for mixing. Since many
customers
prefer to first drill all of the bolt holes in the tunnel and thereafter
perform the bolting, the
time required to mix the grout will limit the productivity considerably. In
addition, the grout
system requires a lot of cleaning in order to function satisfactorily. The rig
often has an
automatic cleaning program installed but the grout pump and mixer still needs
manual
cleaning to operate well. This cleaning may often require up to one hour per
work-shift,
thus reducing the overall productivity.
NO 319141 B1 discloses a method of reinforcing a rock by rock bolting. The
bolt is
secured in the rock hole by pumping a multi-component fast hardening resin
into a rock
hole. The components are mixed in a mixer before entering the rock hole.
WO 2017180042 Al discloses a method for rock reinforcement where a first and a
second component are injected into a rock hole through a first and a second
channel for
securing a bolt in the rock hole. A blocking agent is thereafter injected into
the second
channel.
In view of the existing prior art there is thus a need to improve the methods,
devices and systems used today when performing cable bolting in order to
achieve a fast
and reliable cable bolting procedure.
SUMMARY
An object of the present invention is therefore to improve the reliability and
efficiency of the operation when performing rock cable bolting. An object is
furthermore to
reduce the risks for personnel at the site during operation. Alternatively,
the object is to
achieve an alternative to known solutions within the technical field.
The object is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by a
nozzle for
injecting a multi-component mixture into a rock hole, wherein the mixture is
adapted for
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securing a bolt in the rock hole. The nozzle comprising a first channel
adapted to receive
a first component of the multi-component mixture, a second channel adapted to
receive a
second component of the multi-component mixture and a third channel adapted to
receive
a blocking agent. The third channel is connected to the first channel such
that the blocking
agent can be provided to the first channel via the third channel. Furthermore,
the nozzle
comprises a mixing member adapted to mix the first and the second component
prior to
injecting the mixture of the first and the second component into the rock
hole. The nozzle
further comprises an outlet at a first end of the nozzle adapted to inject the
mixture of the
first and the second component directly into the rock hole.
The bolt may e.g. be a cable bolt.
The nozzle may be adapted to be inserted into a rock hole and fill the hole
from
the bottom of the hole with the multi-component mixture. The nozzle may then
be moved
out of the hole as the hole is being filled with mixture thereby filling the
hole from the
bottom and out towards the hole entrance.
The third channel may be connected directly to the first channel.
By the nozzle comprising a first and a second channel adapted to receive a
respective component and a mixing member adapted to mix the first and the
second
component prior to injecting the mixture into the rock hole it is ensured that
the
components do not mix before the mixing member. Thereby the risk of blockage
in the
system is reduced. Furthermore, since the nozzle is adapted to inject the
mixture directly
into the rock hole the mixture will be mixed just before leaving the nozzle
and being
injected in the rock hole, e.g. into the bottom of the rock hole. Thereby
there is no risk of
the components curing before leaving the nozzle and entering the rock hole. At
the same
time a proper mixing of the components is ensured since the nozzle comprises a
mixing
member arranged to mix the components. The components thereby need not mix
inside
the hole, i.e. within the hole outside of the nozzle, which may result in
inadequate mixing
of the components resulting in a decreased quality of the mixture that is
intended to
secure the bolt in the rock. Furthermore, since the nozzle is adapted to
inject the mixture
directly into the rock hole the mixture may be injected into the bottom of the
hole, ensuring
that the hole is filled properly and evenly. Furthermore, the operation of
injecting the
mixture into the hole is much facilitated since the nozzle is adapted for
direct injection into
the rock hole, whereby no auxiliary equipment such as external mixers etc. are
needed. In
addition, since the nozzle comprises a third channel adapted to receive a
blocking agent
which is connected to the first channel such that the blocking agent can be
provided to the
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first channel via the third channel, a blocking agent may be provided to the
first channel.
The blocking agent may thereby extrude the first component from the first
channel and
replace the first component in the first channel with blocking agent. The
blocking agent
will provide a barrier in the first channel. The first channel will then be
blocked from
coming into contact with e.g. moisture and/or the second component. The first
component
is thereby held separate from moisture and/or the second component in the
first channel
thanks to the blocking agent constituting the barrier. Thereby the first
channel is protected
from e.g. coatings in the channel which may be created when the first
component cures
upon contact with for example moisture and/or upon contact with the second
component.
As a result thereof, the risk for a stop or blockage in the first channel is
reduced. Thus, the
risk for interruption during rock reinforcement operation is decreased and as
a
consequence the reliability and the efficiency of the rock reinforcement
process are
improved.
Consequently, a nozzle for injecting a multi-component mixture into a rock
hole is
provided that achieves the above mentioned object.
According to some embodiments the third channel is connected to the second
channel such that blocking agent can be provided to the second channel via the
third
channel.
The third channel may be connected directly to the second channel.
Since the blocking agent can be provided to the second channel via the third
channel the blocking agent may be provided to the second channel. The blocking
agent
may thereby extrude the second component from the second channel and replace
the
second component in the second channel with blocking agent. The blocking agent
will
thereby provide a barrier in the second channel. The same advantages will then
be
achieved in the second channel as was achieved in the first channel above.
Specifically,
the second channel will then be blocked from coming into contact with e.g.
moisture
and/or the first component. The second channel will then be protected from any
coating
build up in the same way as the first channel. Additionally, by being able to
introduce
blocking agent into the second channel a redundancy is achieved whereby if the
blocking
agent for some reason does not reach the first channel, the second channel
will still be
blocked by the blocking agent preventing the first and second component from
coming
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into contact with each other. This increases the reliability of the nozzle
further, improving
the reliability and efficiency of the process of bolting.
According to some embodiments the nozzle comprises a fourth channel adapted
5 to receive the blocking agent, wherein the fourth channel is connected to
the second
channel such that the blocking agent can be provided to the second channel via
the fourth
channel.
The fourth channel may be connected directly to the second channel.
By having a fourth channel adapted to receive the blocking agent which is
connected to the second channel blocking agent may be provided to the second
channel
via the fourth channel. Thereby the blocking agent may be provided to the
first and the
second channel through separate channels. This adds redundancy to the nozzle
since if
the third or the fourth channel would malfunction, e.g. by being blocked,
blocking agent
will still reach one of the first or second channels and thereby ensure that
the components
wont mix with each other or with moisture in that channel.
According to some of these embodiments the third channel is connected to the
first channel upstream of the mixing member and wherein the fourth channel is
connected
to the second channel upstream of the mixing member. With upstream of is
herein meant
upstream relative to the intended flow direction of the components or the
blocking agent
within the channels.
Since the third and fourth channel is connected to the first and second
channel
upstream of the mixing member respectively, the blocking agent will be
provided into the
channels before the mixing member. Since the components are intended to be
mixed in
the mixing member there is a greater risk that the components or mixture of
the
components moves from the mixing member backwards through the nozzle into the
channels. By connecting the channels upstream of the mixing member, the
blocking agent
will extrude the components through the mixing member. Furthermore, the
blocking agent
will also provide a barrier for the mixture and the components in the mixing
member,
preventing them from moving towards and into the channels. Furthermore, the
blocking
agent may be provided into the mixing member via the channels, thereby
extruding the
components and any potential mixture still in the mixing member from the
mixing member.
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Thereby no mixture that could cure and block the mixing member will remain in
the mixing
member. Thus, the risk of blockage in the mixing member is reduced.
According to some embodiments herein the first and the second channel are
connected upstream of the mixing member.
By connecting the first and the second channel upstream of the mixing member,
the first and the second component will meet before entering the mixing
member. Thereby
they will mix somewhat before being mixed properly in the mixing member which
improves the mixing and thereby the final mixture providing a more reliable
final product.
According to some embodiments herein the nozzle comprises a non-return valve
in each channel.
Alternatively, only some of the channels comprise a non-return valve, such as
e.g.
one of the channels, two of the channels or three of the channels.
By providing a non-return valve in each channel it is ensured that no
component or
blocking agent flow backwards in the system. This reduces the risk that
blockages due to
coating or build-up of hardened components or blocking agent are created
within the
channels or the system. Thereby the risk of malfunction is reduced which
minimizes the
number of operational stops needed. Thereby the reliability and the efficiency
of the rock
reinforcement process are improved.
According to some embodiments herein the nozzle has an elongated shape.
Since the nozzle is elongate it is easy to move within a narrow rock hole.
Thereby
the nozzle is better suited to inject the multi-component mixture directly
into the rock hole
since the nozzle may be moved within the hole and e.g. placed in the bottom of
the rock
hole and thereby start filling the hole from the bottom. Thus, since the
nozzle is elongate it
may be placed in the bottom of the rock hole and thereafter be moved out of
the rock hole
as it is injecting mixture into the hole. The maneuverability is furthermore
much increased,
improving the efficiency of the process since the risk of the nozzle getting
stuck in the rock
hole is reduced.
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According to some embodiments the nozzle comprises a groove on the outer
surface of the nozzle arranged to receive a sealing package. The sealing
package may
have a size which is larger than the groove such that it sticks out beyond the
outer surface
of the nozzle.
By providing a sealing package in a groove in the outer surface of the nozzle
mixture and/or blocking agent is prevented from flowing over the nozzle during
injection of
the mixture into the rock hole. If the mixture flows over the nozzle the
nozzle will be
covered by the mixture which may make the disassembling process harder as the
mixture
may harden on top of the nozzle. Furthermore, component mixture on the nozzle
may
hinder the movement of the nozzle within the rock hole. The nozzle may even
get stuck in
the hole in this case. Thus, by providing the sealing package in a groove on
the outer
surface of the nozzle the process of injecting the mixture into the rock hole
is facilitated.
According to some embodiments the nozzle comprises a respective inlet for each
of the channels at a second end of the nozzle opposite the first end of the
nozzle and
where each of the inlets comprises a connection means for connecting a line to
the
respective inlet. Each of the inlets comprises a connection means for
connecting a line to
the respective inlet wherein the channels are completely arranged within the
outer walls of
the nozzle.
Since the nozzle comprises inlets for each of the channels at a second end
opposite of the first end, with connection means for connecting a line to the
respective
inlet the lines carrying the components and/or the blocking agent may extend
in the same
direction as the nozzle. Thereby the nozzle will not have any sections or
components
extending substantially in the transversal direction out of the nozzle which
could hinder
the movement of the nozzle within narrow rock holes. Thus, the inlets and the
connections
do not extend outside of the outer diameter of the nozzle, ensuring that the
nozzle is
adapted for injecting mixture directly into the rock hole by not being bulky
and taking up
much space in the transversal direction. The nozzle will thereby be further
adapted to
inject the mixture directly into the rock hole, specifically into the bottom
of the rock hole,
without the need of any auxiliary equipment for that purpose. Furthermore, the
maneuverability of the nozzle will be improved.
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According to some embodiments herein the nozzle is adapted to cooperate with a
feeding device capable of moving the nozzle in and out of the rock hole.
By being adapted to cooperate with a feeding device capable of moving the
nozzle
in and out of the rock hole the nozzle may be moved into the rock hole and out
again.
Thereby the nozzle may inject the mixture into the bottom of the rock hole and
while the
hole fills up steadily be moved out of the hole. Furthermore, by adapting the
nozzle to
cooperate with a feeding device the moving of the nozzle is much facilitated.
The above mentioned object is also achieved according to a second aspect of
the
invention by a system for injecting a multi-component mixture into a rock
hole, wherein the
mixture is adapted for securing a bolt in the rock hole. The system comprises
a nozzle for
injecting a multi-component mixture into a rock hole, wherein the mixture is
adapted for
securing a bolt in the rock hole. The nozzle comprising a first channel
adapted to receive
a first component of the multi-component mixture, a second channel adapted to
receive a
second component of the multi-component mixture and a third channel adapted to
receive
a blocking agent. The third channel is connected to the first channel such
that the blocking
agent can be provided to the first channel via the third channel. Furthermore,
the nozzle
comprises a mixing member adapted to mix the first and the second component
prior to
injecting the mixture of the first and the second component into the rock
hole. The nozzle
further comprises an outlet at a first end of the nozzle adapted to inject the
mixture of the
first and the second component directly into the rock hole. The system further
comprises a
feeding device capable of moving the nozzle relative to the system.
By the system comprising the nozzle having all the advantages that have been
described above and a feeding device capable of moving the nozzle relative to
the
system, a system is achieved that can perform rock bolting in an efficient and
reliable
manner. Furthermore, since the system performs the bolting, the process is
mechanized.
Thereby no personnel need to be in areas under the rock that are not secured.
Thus, the
risk for personnel is reduced.
Consequently, a system for securing a bolt in a rock hole is provided that
achieves
the above mentioned object.
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According to some embodiments herein, the feeding device may be adapted to
move the nozzle by interacting with at least one line connected to the nozzle.
The at least one line may be arranged within an outer package. The feeding
device is then arranged to interact with the outer package in order to move
the nozzle.
The feeding device may comprise four feed rollers adapted to move the nozzle.
Since the feeding device is adapted to move the nozzle by interacting with at
least
one line connected to the nozzle, and by implication the nozzle being adapted
to be
moved by the feeding device in such a way, no extra equipment is needed to
move the
nozzle. Thus, a simple and robust way of moving the nozzle is achieved with
few
components which may break down. Furthermore, the cost of the nozzle is
reduced since
the lines providing the components and the blocking agent can be reused for
the purpose
of moving the nozzle.
By arranging the at least one line within an outer package several advantages
are
achieved. First, the outer package may be made of a tough material which
protects the
lines during operation which increases the reliability of the system and
decreases the risk
of failure during operation. Furthermore, the outer package may exhibit
characteristics
which facilitate the movement of the nozzle by the feeding device. For
example, the outer
package may be made of a material which is flexible enough to bend somewhat
but still
rigid enough to support the weight of the nozzle when being moved into a rock
hole. An
additional advantage is that the lines may be collected and do not hang
loosely
independently of each other with the risk of entangling. Thus, the risk of
tangling of hoses
is decreased which also decreases the risk of operational stops. Thus, the
efficiency of
the rock bolting process is improved, as well as the reliability of the
process.
Since the feeding device comprises four feed rollers adapted to move the
nozzle a
robust movement of the feeding device is achieved. Since the nozzle may be
relatively
heavy it is advantageous to use several feed rollers. Furthermore, by using
four feed
rollers a stable configuration is achieved which is advantageous when moving
the nozzle
via the lines connected to the nozzle.
According to some embodiments herein, the system comprises a first line
connected to a source of a first component and a second line connected to a
source of a
second component.
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According to some embodiments the third channel of the nozzle is connected to
the second channel of the nozzle such that blocking agent can be provided to
the second
channel via the third channel.
Alternatively, according to some embodiments the nozzle may comprise a fourth
5 channel adapted to receive the blocking agent. The fourth channel is then
connected to
the second channel such that the blocking agent can be provided to the second
channel
via the fourth channel.
According to some embodiments the system furthermore comprises a third and a
fourth line connected to a source of a blocking agent. The first, second,
third and fourth
10 lines are further connected to the first, second, third and fourth channel
of the nozzle
respectively.
In this case the lines connecting the nozzle and the sources may be arranged
within the outer package described above.
The system may further comprise a winding member for supporting the lines in a
winding manner and which winding member allow the lines to unwind as the
nozzle is
moved relative to the system.
The lines may e.g. be hoses, tubes, flexible pipes, a multichannel hose
containing
several lines etc.
Since each channel in the nozzle is connected to a source of a respective
component or blocking agent via a respective line, the components of the
mixture as well
as the blocking agent may be arranged at a distance from the nozzle.
Furthermore, by
using lines the movement of the nozzle relative to the system and the sources
of the fluids
is much facilitated. Thereby the nozzle may in an easy and reliable manner be
moved into
the rock hole while still being connected to the sources of the mixture
components and the
blocking agent. The need to move the system is thus decreased since the nozzle
will be
connected to the sources of the mixture component and the blocking agent even
when
moved quite far from the system itself. Thus, the reliability and
maneuverability of the
system and nozzle is improved.
By arranging the lines connecting the nozzle with the sources of components
and/or blocking agent within an outer package all of the advantages described
above in
conjunction with the at least one line are achieved.
Since the system comprises a winding member which supports the lines and
allows the lines to unwind the risk of the lines getting stuck in equipment,
the rock hole or
each other is reduced. Furthermore, by being able to wind the lines on the
winding
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member the feeding device is assisted when moving the nozzle out of the rock
hole since
there will be no line build-up behind the feeding device. Thus, the movement
of the nozzle
relative to the system is much facilitated by the winding member.
The above mentioned object is also achieved according to a third aspect of the
invention by a method for injecting a multi-component mixture into a rock
hole, wherein
the mixture is adapted for securing a bolt in the rock hole.
The method comprises to place a nozzle into the bottom of a rock hole. The
nozzle
comprises a first channel adapted to receive a first component of the multi-
component
mixture, a second channel adapted to receive a second component of the multi-
component mixture and a third channel adapted to receive a blocking agent. The
third
channel is connected to the first channel such that the blocking agent can be
provided to
the first channel via the third channel. Furthermore, the nozzle comprises a
mixing
member adapted to mix the first and the second component prior to injecting
the mixture
of the first and the second component into the rock hole. The nozzle further
comprises an
outlet at a first end of the nozzle adapted to inject the mixture of the first
and the second
component directly into the rock hole.
The method further comprises to inject a multi-component mixture into the rock
hole by providing a first and a second component of the multi-component
mixture into the
first and the second channel of the nozzle respectively.
The method further comprises to provide a blocking agent into the first and/or
second channel of the nozzle.
Furthermore, the method comprises to, while injecting the multi-component
mixture into the rock hole, continuously move the nozzle out of the rock hole
by retracting
the nozzle from the bottom of the hole towards the entry of the hole.
By performing this method, using the nozzle with all of the advantages
described
above, an efficient and reliable method of securing a bolt in a rock hole is
achieved. The
method may e.g. be performed by the system described above. By placing the
nozzle in
the bottom of the rock hole and continuously moving the nozzle out of the rock
hole as the
rock hole is being filled with the multi-component mixture it is ensured that
the rock hole is
filled with well-mixed mixture from the bottom in a homogenous manner. Thus,
there is no
risk that the mixture is not well-mixed or that the rock hole is filled
heterogeneously which
could lead to an inadequate fastening of the bolt. Furthermore, the process
can be
performed rapidly and in a mechanized manner which reduces the risk of
personnel.
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Consequently, a method for securing a bolt in a rock hole is provided that
achieves
the above mentioned object.
According to some embodiments the method further comprises to insert a bolt
into
the rock hole.
The step of inserting the bolt into the rock hole may be performed after the
nozzle
has been completely removed from the rock hole.
By inserting a bolt into the rock hole the rock hole is reinforced. By
inserting the
bolt after the nozzle has been completely removed from the rock hole it is
ensured that
the nozzle will not obstruct the bolt when inserting the bolt. Furthermore, by
ensuring that
the nozzle has been completely removed it is also ensured that the rock hole
has been
adequately filled before inserting the bolt. Thus, a more reliable method of
securing a bolt
is achieved.
According to some embodiments the step of providing the blocking agent is
performed just before the nozzle has been completely removed from the rock
hole.
By pumping the blocking agent into the nozzle to extrude unmixed component
just
before the nozzle has been completely removed from the rock hole it is ensured
that no
blocking agent and/or unmixed component ends up on the ground outside the
hole. This
is advantageous since unmixed component may be a health hazard. By avoiding
that the
component ends up on the ground outside the rock hole the risk of any
personnel being
affected by potentially hazardous agents is minimized. Thus, a more reliable
method of
securing a bolt in a rock hole is achieved.
According to some embodiments the method further comprises, after the step of
inserting the bolt into the rock hole, performing a post insertion treatment
of the bolt,
wherein the post insertion treatment comprises one or more out of vibrating
the bolt,
pulsating the bolt and rotating the bolt.
By causing the bolt to rotate, pulsate and/or vibrate inside the rock hole a
better
adherence of mixture to the bolt is achieved since the mixture inside the rock
hole may fill
out any nooks or crannies of the bolt. This advantageous effect may be even
more
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pronounced when the bolt is a cable bolt. If the bolt comprises bulbs these
may be filled
by the mixture during this procedure, thereby increasing the adherence of
mixture to the
cable. Thus, thereby a more reliable and efficient method of securing a bolt
in a rock hole
is achieved.
The vibration may be performed in the axial direction of the bolt. The process
of
vibrating the bolt may comprise to continuously move the bolt back and forth
in the axial
direction of the bolt over a distance of 1-10 mm, preferably 1-5 mm, most
preferably 1-2
mm.
The pulsation may be performed in the axial direction of the bolt. The process
of
pulsating the bolt may comprise to continuously move the bolt back and forth
in the axial
direction of the bolt over a distance of 50-200 mm, preferably 50-150 mm, most
preferably
80-120 mm. A typical distance may e.g. be 100 mm.
The rotation may be performed by rotating the bolt around an axis of rotation
which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the bolt.
The above mentioned object is also achieved according to a fourth aspect of
the
invention by a rig adapted to secure a bolt in a rock hole comprising a system
where the
system comprises a nozzle for injecting a multi-component mixture into a rock
hole, and
the mixture is adapted for securing a bolt in the rock hole. The nozzle
comprises a first
channel adapted to receive a first component of the multi-component mixture, a
second
channel adapted to receive a second component of the multi-component mixture
and a
third channel adapted to receive a blocking agent. The third channel is
connected to the
first channel such that the blocking agent can be provided to the first
channel via the third
channel. Furthermore, the nozzle comprises a mixing member adapted to mix the
first and
the second component prior to injecting the mixture of the first and the
second component
into the rock hole. The nozzle further comprises an outlet at a first end of
the nozzle
adapted to inject the mixture of the first and the second component directly
into the rock
hole. The system further comprises a feeding device capable of moving the
nozzle
relative to the system.
The rig may be used in mining and/or construction application for rock
reinforcement purposes.
Since the rig has all the advantages that have been described above in
conjunction with the nozzle, system and method, a rig is achieved that can
perform rock
bolting in an efficient and reliable manner. Furthermore, since the rig is
adapted for
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securing a bolt in a rock hole the act of reinforcing the rock is facilitated
and improved
since the rig may move the system to new rock sites thus providing flexibility
and
efficiency to the process.
Consequently, a rig adapted for securing a bolt in a rock hole is provided
that
achieves the above mentioned object.
The above mentioned object is also achieved according to a fifth aspect of the
invention
by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on
at least
one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the method as was
described above.
The above mentioned object is also achieved according to a sixth aspect of the
invention
by a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program product
comprising
instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at
least one
processor to carry out the method as was described above.
The method for securing a bolt in the rock hole is mechanized and automatized
by means
of a computer program. Thereby no personnel need to be in areas under the rock
that are
not secured, which reduces or even eliminates the risk for personnel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional objects and advantages to, as well as features of, the invention
will be apparent
from the following detailed description of one or several embodiments provided
with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a system arranged on a rig,
Fig. 2a shows a nozzle in a perspective view,
Fig. 2b shows the nozzle in an exploded view,
Fig. 2c shows a connection plate from a top view,
Fig. 2d shows the connection plate in a perspective view,
Fig. 3a shows a third element of the nozzle in a perspective view,
Fig. 3b shows the third element of the nozzle from a top view,
Fig. 3c shows a cross-section of the third element of the nozzle,
Fig. 4a shows a second element of the nozzle in a perspective view,
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Fig. 4b shows the second element of the nozzle from a top view,
Fig. 4c shows the second element of the nozzle from a side view,
Fig. 4d shows a cross-section of the second element of the nozzle,
Fig. 5a shows a first element of the nozzle in two perspective views,
5 Fig. 5b shows a cross-section of the first element of the nozzle,
Fig. Sc shows a cross-section of the first element of the nozzle,
Fig. 5d shows the first element of the nozzle from a bottom view as seen in
the direction
of the inlets of the nozzle,
Fig. 5e shows the first element of the nozzle from a top view as seen in the
direction
10 opposite the inlets of the nozzle,
Fig. 6a shows the nozzle in an assembled state in a side view,
Fig. 6b shows a cross-section of the nozzle in an assembled state,
Fig. 7a shows a cross-section of the nozzle in an assembled state,
Fig. 7b shows the nozzle in an assembled state in a side view,
15 Fig. 8a shows a winding member, a feeding device and the nozzle in a
perspective view,
Fig. 8b shows the nozzle and an outer package containing lines connected to
the nozzle
in a perspective view,
Fig. 8c shows the outer package in an exploded view,
Fig. 9a shows the feeding device from a top view,
Fig. 9b shows a cross-section of the outer package containing four lines, and
Fig. 10 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for securing a cable bolt in
a rock hole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The invention
should not be construed as limited by the disclosed examples of embodiments;
instead it
is defined by the appended claims. Like numbers in the figures refer to like
elements
throughout.
Fig. 1 illustrates a system 1 for injecting a multi-component mixture into a
rock
hole, wherein the mixture is adapted for securing a bolt in the rock hole.
According to a
preferred embodiment, the bolt is a cable bolt. In Fig. 1 the system 1 is
arranged on a rig
3. The system 1 comprises a nozzle 5 adapted for injecting a multi-component
mixture
into a rock hole. In Fig. 1 the nozzle 5 is arranged on a front part of the
rig 3. The system
may further comprise a feeding device 7 capable of moving the nozzle 5
relative to the
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system 1 and/or the rig 3, e.g. in and out of a rock hole. The feeding device
7 is in Fig. 1
arranged on a crane 8. The feeding device 7 can thereby be positioned
independently
from any drilling unit (not shown in Fig. 1) arranged on the rig 3. A number
of lines 9 are
connected between the nozzle 5 and tanks 6A, 6B arranged on the rig 3 in order
to allow
a fluid medium to be transported from the tanks 6A, 6B to the nozzle 5. A
winding
member 10 is also arranged on the rig 3. The winding member is arranged to
support the
lines 9 in a winding manner and allows the lines 9 to unwind or wind up onto
the winding
member 10 as the nozzle 5 is moved relative to the system 1.
The nozzle 5 according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described
in
greater detail with reference to Fig. 2-7. Fig. 2a illustrates the nozzle 5 in
an assembled
state and Fig. 2b illustrates the nozzle 5 in a disassembled state or exploded
view. As
was described above, the nozzle 5 is adapted to inject a multi-component
mixture into a
rock hole. The nozzle 5 may comprise a first element 11, a second element 13
and a
third element 15. The first 11, second 13 and third 15 elements may be
arranged with
complementary features in order to easily be assembled into the complete
nozzle 5. The
nozzle 5 may have a cylindrical shape. The nozzle 5 may be elongate in order
to easily fit
into narrow rock holes.
Fig. 3a-c illustrates the third element 15 according to embodiments herein in
greater detail. The third element 15 may have a substantially cylindrical
shape and taper
towards a first end 22 of the nozzle 5. Thus, the third element 15 may
comprise a first
section 35 and a second section 36. The first section 35 may be cylindrical
and the
second section 36 may be frustoconical. The third element 15 may be adapted to
be
connected to the second element 13. For this purpose, the third element 15 may
comprise
a first inner space 31' and a second inner space 33'. The shape of the first
inner space
31' and the second inner space 33' may be adapted to interact with
complementary
shapes of the second element 13 such that part of the second element 13 may be
received in parts of the third element 15. To this end the first inner space
31' may be
adapted to receive a second part 42 of the second element 13 which can be seen
in Fig.
4a-d. Furthermore, the second inner space 33' may be adapted to receive a
first part 41
of the second element 13. The first inner space 31' may thus exhibit a
complementary
shape to the second part 42 of the second element 13 and the second inner
space 33'
may exhibit a complementary shape to the first part 41 of the second element
13. The first
inner space 31' and the second inner space 33' of the third element 15 may be
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cylindrically shaped. The second inner space 33' may have a larger diameter
than the first
inner space 31'.
The second element 13 is shown in Fig. 4a-d. As can be seen, the second
element 13 may comprise a first part 41, a second part 42, a third part 43 and
a fourth
part 44. The parts 41-44 may be cylindrically shaped as is shown in e.g. Fig.
4a. The first
part 41 and the second part 42 may be arranged to be received in the second
inner space
33' and the first inner space 31' of the third element 15 as has been
described above. The
parts 41-44 may exhibit a successively increasing size such that the second
element 13
exhibits a straight stair shape when viewed in a cross-section as seen in Fig.
4c. The first
part 41 may thus have a smaller size than the second part 42, the second part
have a
smaller size than the third part 43 and the third part have a smaller size
than the fourth
part 44. If the parts 41-44 are cylindrically shaped they will exhibit a
successively
increasing diameter from the first part 41 to the fourth part 44. The part
having the largest
size may have a size which corresponds to the size of the largest part of the
first element
11 and the size of the largest part of the third element 15. In this way, the
outermost
surface of the nozzle 5 when assembled will be defined by the largest parts of
the
elements 11, 13, 15. Furthermore, the nozzle Swill have a substantially
constant size
along its extension. In Fig. 4a-4d the fourth part 44 has the largest
diameter.
When connecting the second element 13 with the third element 15 the outer
surface of the assembled configuration will exhibit a groove since the third
part 43 of the
second element 13 has a smaller diameter than the outermost surface of the
third element
15 and the outermost surface of the second element 13, i.e. the fourth part
44. This
groove may be arranged to receive a sealing packet 62 that will be described
in greater
detail below. Other ways of achieving the groove in the nozzle 5 are also
contemplated,
e.g. a milled groove in the outer surface of the nozzle 5 etc.
The second element 13 may be arranged to interact with first element 11 such
that
the second element 13 may receive parts of the first element 11. Thus, the
second
element 13 may comprise a receiving compartment 45, 46 which is adapted to
receive a
complemental end part 51 of the first element 11 which is e.g. illustrated in
Fig. 5c. Thus,
the end part 51 of the first element 11 may be arranged with an outer surface
which at
least partially exhibit a shape that complements the shape of the receiving
compartment
45, 46 such that the end part 51 of the first element 11 can be inserted into
the receiving
compartment 45, 46 of the second element 13 in order to assemble the nozzle S.
The
receiving compartment 45, 46 may comprise a first section 45 and a second
section 46,
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the first section 45 having a cylindrical shape and the second section 46
having a
frustoconical shape. The end part 51 of the first element 11 may thus exhibit
a
corresponding form, e.g. by having a cylindrical part and a frustoconical
part. Thus, the
end part 51 fits snugly within the second section 46 so that when they are
assembled a
sealed connection between the end part 51 and the second section 46 is
achieved.
Fig. 5a-5e illustrate the first element 11 according to embodiments herein. As
has
been described above, the first element 11 may be arranged to be connected to
the
second element 13 by being adapted to be at least partially received within
the second
element 13. To this end the first element 11 may comprise an end part 51
having a
complementary shape to that of the receiving compartment 45, 46. The end part
51 may
thus comprise a first section which is cylindrical and a second section which
is
frustoconical. The length of the end part 51 may be somewhat smaller than the
length of
the receiving compartment 45, 46 such that when the end part 51 has been
inserted into
the receiving compartment 45, 46 a space is formed in the second section 46 of
the
second element 13 that is not occupied by the end part 51 (see Fig. 6). The
length of the
end part 51 may alternatively correspond to the length of the receiving
compartment 45,
46 such that no space is formed in the second section 46.
Thus, by inserting a part of the first element 11 into the second element 13
and
inserting a part of the second element 13 into the third element 15, the
nozzle 5 may be
assembled. The elements 11, 13, 15 may be arranged with threads such that they
may be
screwed together during assembly. Even though the nozzle 5 has hitherto been
described
as comprising three sections that may be assembled into the complete nozzle 5
it is also
contemplated that the nozzle 5 comprises fewer or more elements. The nozzle 5
may also
be produced as one integral piece, thus only consisting of one element.
Fig. 6a-b illustrate the nozzle 5 in an assembled state. Fig. 6b show the
nozzle 5
in a cross-section of Fig. 6a (section A-A). As can be seen, the nozzle 5
comprises an
outlet 21 (which is also seen in Fig. 2a-b, Fig. 3a-c and Fig. 4d) arranged at
the first end
22 of the nozzle 5. The outlet 21 may be arranged on the first part 41 of the
second
element 13 of the nozzle 5 (see Fig. 4a-4d). The first end 22 of the nozzle 5
may be
composed of a part of the second element 13 (see Fig. 4a and Fig. 6) and a
part of the
third element 15 (see Fig. 3a-c). When the first part 41 of the second element
13 is
inserted into the second inner space 33' of the third element 15 the outlet 21
will thus
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discharge out of the first end 22 of the nozzle 5. The outlet 21 is adapted to
inject the
multi-component mixture directly into a rock hole. As has been described
above, the third
element 15 may have a cylindrical shape which tapers towards the first end 22
and thus
also towards the outlet 21.
The multi-component mixture, also referred to herein as the mixture, is
adapted for
securing a bolt, e.g. a cable bolt, in the rock hole, i.e. the components in
the mixture may
be developed for this purpose. The multi-component mixture may e.g. consist of
two
components, a first and a second component. The first component may be
component A
containing a resin, such as for example methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI) or
similar.
The second component may be component B containing a hardener, such as for
example
sodium silicate, silicic acid, an alcohol, a polyol or similar, or a
combination thereof.
Alternatively, the first component may be component B and the second component
may
be component A. The components A, B are intended to be mixed into a mixture.
When the
components have been mixed a chemical reaction will initiate in the resin as
triggered by
the hardener whereby crosslinks are created in the resin. As a consequence,
the mixture
hardens. This process is quite fast. It is advantageous to perform the mixing
of the
components A, B as close to injection of the mixture into the rock-hole as
possible since
this minimizes the risk that the mixture hardens within the system 1 or the
nozzle 5 before
it has reached the rock hole. In addition, the amount of spillage during
injection is
reduced.
The components A, B of the multi-component mixture are therefore intended to
be
provided to the nozzle 5 unmixed, i.e. separately, and to be mixed within a
mixing
member 23 comprised in the nozzle 5. The mixing member 23 may e.g. be
comprised in
an inner compartment of the second element 13. It is important that the
components A, B
do not come into contact with each other before they are intended to be mixed,
since this
may initiate the chemical reaction within the resin whereby the components A,
B may
harden earlier within the system 1 which may lead to blockage and subsequent
malfunction of the system 1.
Therefore, the nozzle 5 comprises a first channel 31 for the first component A
and a second channel 33 for the second component B. The channels 31, 33 are
best
seen in Fig. 5b and Fig. 6. The channels 31, 33 may be arranged in the first
element 11 of
the nozzle S. The first element 11 is shown in detail in Fig. 5a-e. The nozzle
5 further
comprises a first inlet 24 to the first channel 31 and a second inlet 25 to
the second
channel 33. The inlets 24, 25 are arranged on a second end 26 of nozzle S. The
second
end 26 of the nozzle 5 may be opposite the first end 22 of the nozzle S. By
arranging the
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inlets 24, 25 of the components A, B opposite the outlet 21, the nozzle 5 can
be made
elongate, without any lines 9 or elements sticking out far in the transversal
direction.
Thereby the nozzle 5 can be used in narrow spaces such as narrow rock holes
without
hitting the walls of the rock hole and risk getting stuck. This improves the
manoeuvrability
5 of the nozzle 5. The inlets 24, 25 may comprise a number of connection means
27 (see
Fig. 6) for connecting a line 9 to each respective inlet 24, 25. The
connection means 27
may comprise a connection plate 28 and connectors 29 as shown in Fig. 2a-c and
Fig.
6. The connection plate 28 is shown from a top view in Fig. 2c and from a
perspective
view in Fig. 2d. As can be seen from these figures, the connection plate 28
may be
10 arranged with recessed portions 28a arranged to receive the connectors 29,
thereby
allowing for a snug fit as well as a compact design. The connection means 27
are not
shown in Fig. 5a-e.
The multi-component mixture is intended to be injected into the rock hole
through
15 the outlet 21. Thus, prior to being injected into the rock hole, the
components A and B are
mixed such that the mixture is formed. Thus, as has been described above, the
nozzle 5
therefore comprises the mixing member 23 adapted to mix the first A and the
second B
component. The mixing member 23 may be a static mixer. The mixing member 23
may
comprise a number of mixing elements. The mixing elements are arranged to
cause the
20 flow pattern of the components A, B to become turbulent in order to achieve
a good
mixing of the components A, B. The mixing elements may therefore consist of
lattice
structures or other geometrical shapes which obstructs and disturbs the
laminar flow
pattern of the components A, B. The mixing member 23 may be comprised in the
second
element 13 and be connected to the outlet 21 such that the mixture may flow
from the
mixing member 23 to the outlet 21. Furthermore, the first 31 and the second 33
channels
may be connected to the mixing member 23 such that the components A and B may
flow
from the respective channel 31, 33 to the mixing member 23. As the components
A, B
flow through the mixing member 23 the mixing elements cause the components A,
B to be
whipped into a thixotropic mix before leaving the nozzle 5 through the outlet
21. Prior to
entering the mixing member 23, the components A, B may be pre-mixed by the
first 31
and the second 33 channel being connected upstream of the mixing member 23,
e.g. by
the components A, B being discharged from their respective channel 31, 33 into
a
common space. The channels 31, 33 may be arranged in the first element 11 of
the
nozzle 5 wherein the channels 31, 33 may be arranged as a Y-cross, the first
element 11
may therefore be referred to as a Y-piece 11. With Y-cross is herein meant
that the
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channels 31, 33 converge at a certain angle into a common channel in the first
element 11
or e.g. discharge into a common space 46 formed when the end part 51 of the
first
element 11 has been inserted into the receiving compartment 45, 46 of the
second
element 13 as shown in Fig. 6. The components A, B may be mixed to a degree
before
entering the mixing member 23. Fig. 5e shows the first element 11 as viewed in
a
direction towards the outlets of the channels 31, 33, i.e. according to the
embodiment
when the channels 31, 33 discharge into a common space 46. However, as has
been
described, there may be no common space 46, instead the channels 31, 33 may
discharge directly into the mixing member 23.
The nozzle 5 is further adapted to receive a blocking agent S. The blocking
agent
S may be an agent with chemical characteristics that ensures that the blocking
agent S
does not mix or react chemically with either of the components A, B. In
addition, the
blocking agent S may have protecting characteristics that protects against
wear inside the
nozzle 5. The blocking agent S may be a fat and viscous agent such as e.g.
fat, silicone
or similar. The blocking agent S may be adapted to, when pumped into the
nozzle 5,
extrude or push out any remaining component A, B still inside the nozzle 5.
Furthermore,
the blocking agent S may in addition be adapted to block any channel or line
it occupies in
such a way that no component A, B may enter the channel or line after the
blocking agent
S has been introduced into the channel or line. Thus, the blocking agent S
will ensure that
the channels or lines in which it is provided are clear of any remaining
component A, B.
The blocking agent S may be provided to the nozzle 5 via a third inlet 52 and
a fourth
inlet 53 as can be seen in Fig. Sc and Fig. 7. The third inlet 52 may be
connected to a
third channel 55 adapted to receive a blocking agent S and the fourth inlet 52
may be
connected to a fourth channel 56 adapted to receive a blocking agent S. The
third
channel 55 may alternatively be connected to the first channel 31 and the
second channel
33 such that blocking agent S may be provided to the first 31 and second 33
channel via
the third channel 55. In this case there is no need for a fourth inlet 53 of
the blocking
agent S. Alternatively, as is shown in Fig. 5b-c the third channel 55 is
connected to the
first channel 31 and the fourth channel 56 is connected to the second channel
33. In this
way the blocking agent S may be provided to the first channel 31 via the third
channel 55
and to the second channel 33 via the fourth channel 56. Fig 5d shows the first
element 11
as viewed in direction towards the inlets 24, 25, 52, 53. From Fig. 5d it can
be seen that
the inlets are provided symmetrically around the centre point of the
cylindrical first
element 11. By providing blocking agent S separately to each channel it is
ensured that
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the blocking agent S flows through both channels and thereby cleans and blocks
both
channels. If the blocking agent S is provided from a common channel to both
channels,
there is a risk that the blocking agent S will only flow through one of the
channels if the
channels exhibit different pressure drops. The blocking agent S may thus be
provided to
the nozzle 5 through the inlets 52, 53 and extrude any component A, B still
remaining in
the channels 31, 33 and/or the mixer 23.
As can be seen from Fig. 2, 6 and 7 the channels 31, 33, 55, 56 may comprise a
valve 61. Each channel 31, 33, 55, 56 may have a dedicated valve 61.
Alternatively, only
one or some of the channels 31, 33, 55, 56 comprise a valve 61. The valves 61
may e.g.
be non-return valves such as check valves. By providing valves 61 in the
channels it is
ensured that no component A, B or blocking agent S flows in the opposite
direction, i.e.
towards the inlets 24, 25, 53, 54. Thereby there is no risk that the
components A, B mix in
the lines 9, blocking the intended flow. Furthermore, there is no risk that
the blocking
agent S forms a blockage where it is not intended to block the flow of fluid.
The blocking
agent S may be provided just after the valves 61 in the channels 31, 33. This
is
advantageous since this will guarantee that there will be a distance to the
position in the
nozzle 5 where the components A and B meet. It is thereby guaranteed that the
blocking
agent S will form a barrier within the channels 31, 33, preventing the
components from
meeting within the channels 31, 33.
As is illustrated in e.g. Fig. 2a, 2b, 6 and 7 the nozzle 5 may comprise a
groove for
the sealing packet 62. The groove may e.g. be milled into the outer surface of
the nozzle
5. Alternatively, the elements 11, 13, 15 may be shaped such that when they
are
assembled into the nozzle 5, a groove is formed in the outer surface of the
nozzle 5. An
embodiment where this is the case has been discussed in conjunction with the
discussion
of the second 13 and third element 15 above. The sealing packet 62 may have a
size
which is a bit bigger than the groove, such that the sealing packet 62 sticks
out of the
outer surface of the nozzle 5 in order to prevent the component mixture or the
blocking
agent S from flowing over the nozzle 5 during injection of the mixture into
the rock hole.
As was mentioned above in conjunction with Fig. 1, the first component A and
the
second component B may be stored in respective tanks 6A, 6B or reservoirs 6A,
6B
arranged on the rig 3. The tanks 6A, 6B may be arranged with breather filters
in order to
ensure that no air comes into contact with the components A, B in the tanks
6A, 6B. The
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blocking agent S may also be stored in one or several tanks or reservoirs (not
shown)
arranged on the rig 3.
The components A, B may be pumped from the tanks 6A, 6B to the nozzle 5 and
further into the rock hole by pumps (not shown). There may be one pump
arranged for
each component A, B, such that the component A and B are pumped by a
respective
dedicated pump. The pumps pumping the components A, B may e.g. be
hydraulically
powered gear pumps. Flow meters (not shown) may be arranged before or after
each
pump in order to measure the flow of the components A, B. The measurements may
be
used to ensure that the right flow and mix ratio is achieved between the
components A, B.
Furthermore, filling pumps for filling the tanks 6A, 6B with component A, B
may be
arranged on the rig 3. These filling pumps may be arranged with filters.
Similarly, the blocking agent S may be pumped from the tank containing the
blocking agent S to the nozzle 5 by pumps. The pump or pumps may e.g. be
piston
pumps. In the case where two lines 9 are used for the blocking agent a twin
pump, having
two channels or lines connected to the two lines 9 may be used. The piston
pumps may
be refilled with blocking agent S using an air pump, e.g. an air powered
grease drum
pump. The air pump may also push the piston pump back to its starting
position.
The pumps and sensor data may be monitored by a rig control system. The
pumping may thereby be synchronized with the injection of components A, B and
blocking
agent S as well as the movement of the nozzle 5 performed by the feeding
device 7.
As was described above a number of lines 9 may be connected between the
storage of the components A, B and the blocking agent S and the nozzle 5.
Thus, some of
the lines 9 may run from the tanks 6A, 6B to the nozzle 5 and some of the
lines 9 may run
from the tank or tanks storing the blocking agent S and the nozzle 5. VVith
lines 9 is herein
meant a number of tubes, hoses or similar that provide a fluid communication
between the
storage of the components A, B as well as the blocking agent S and the nozzle
5. Thereby
the components A, B and the blocking agent S may flow from the storage to the
nozzle 5
in order to be injected into the rock hole. The blocking agent S may be pumped
through
more than one line 9, e.g. two lines 9, in order to block each channel 31, 33
where
components A, B flow in the nozzle 5. Alternatively, one line 9 may be used
for the
blocking agent S, which line 9 connects to both channels 31, 33 as has been
described
above. According to a preferred embodiment four lines 9 are used; a first line
for the first
component A, a second line for the second component B, and a third and a
fourth line for
the blocking agent S. For clarity reasons the invention will be explained
below in
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accordance with this embodiment, but with the understanding that fewer or more
than four
lines 9 may be used.
The system 1 may further comprise a winding member 10 capable of supporting
the lines 9 in a winding manner, i.e. such that the lines are wound around a
centre point of
the winding member 10. The winding member 10 according to some embodiments
herein
is shown in greater detail in Fig. 8a. The winding member 10 may e.g. be a
hose reel. The
winding member 10 stores the extra length of the lines 9 when the entire
length of the line
9 is not used. When the nozzle 5 is moved into the hole by the feeding device
7 the
feeding device 7 is pulling the lines 9 from the winding member 10. When the
nozzle 5 is
retracted from the hole, the winding member 10 may be turned by a motor (not
shown)
which winds the lines 9 on the winding member. The motor may e.g. be a
hydraulic motor.
The winding member 10 may have a swivel 81 arranged in the centre. The swivel
may
have connecting means for each of the lines 9, e.g. one connection means for
each line 9
leading the components A, B and one connection means for each line 9 leading
the
blocking agent S. Lines 9 may then lead from the swivel 81 to the sources of
the
components and/or the blocking agent. Thereby there is no risk of the lines
tangling in the
winding member 10 during operation.
The lines 9 may be arranged within an outer package 12 holding the lines 9
together as shown in Fig 8a, Fig. 8b, Fig. 8c and Fig. 9b. This outer package
12 may
comprise a tubular section 95 made out of a material that is flexible but
preserves enough
rigidity to be able to hold the weight of the nozzle 5 without bending. The
material may
e.g. be rubber, plastic, PEX tube, shrink tube etc. Fig. 8c illustrates how
three lines 9 may
be arranged within the outer package 12. Fig. 9b illustrates how four lines 9
may be
arranged within the outer package 12. The outer package 12 may be referred to
as a
transfer hose 12 and serves the purpose of supplying the components A, B and
the
blocking agent S to the nozzle 5. The outer package 12 further serves the
purpose of
simplifying the manoeuvring of the nozzle 5 up and down in the rock hole,
since it
facilitates the gripping and feeding of the lines 9 and the nozzle 5.
Furthermore, the outer
package 12 improves the stability of the nozzle 5 by being able to support the
weight of
the nozzle 5 as explained above, making it easier for the feed device 7 to
make the nozzle
5 enter the rock hole. In addition, the outer package 12 protects the lines 9
from damage
during operation. The outer package 12 may comprise a number of first
connectors 82
arranged to connect the lines 9 in the outer package 12 to the nozzle 5. The
outer
package 12 may further comprise a number of second connectors (not shown)
arranged
to connect the lines 9 in outer package 12 to the swivel 81 in the winding
member 10. The
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outer package 12 may alternatively be connected directly to the nozzle 5 and
the swivel
81. When the lines 9 are arranged in an outer package 12, the outer package 12
is wound
on the winding member 10. The outer package 12 may comprise a two-piece tube
arranged to encapsulate the connection complex arranged between the nozzle 5
and the
5 lines 9, which connection complex comprises the connectors 29, the first
connectors 82
and a portion of the lines 9. The two-piece tube comprises two tube halves 92
that are
joined together by at least one clamping member 93. The two-piece tube
provides extra
protection to the connection complex during operation. The outer package 12
may further
comprise a coupling member 94 arranged to connect the tubular section 95 to
the nozzle
10 5 directly or indirectly.
The feeding device 7 according to an embodiment herein is illustrated in
greater
detail in Fig. 9a. The feeding device 7 is adapted to move the nozzle 5 by
interacting with
at least one line 9 connected to the nozzle 5. In Fig. 9a the feeding device 7
interacts with
the outer package 12 in order to move the nozzle 5 relative to the system 1
and/or the rig
15 3. Thus, the feeding device 7 may interact indirectly with the lines 9
through the outer
package 12. The feeding device 7 may comprise a number of feed rollers 91
adapted to
move the nozzle 5 relative to the system 1. The feeding device 7 may e.g.
comprise two
or four feed rollers 91. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 9a four
feed rollers 91
are used. Thereby a stable feeding device 7 is achieved which may move the
nozzle 9 in
20 a precise and robust manner. A sensor may be arranged to monitor the
position of the
nozzle 5 as well as the feeding speed. The sensor may e.g. be a sensor wheel.
The
feeding device 7 may also be arranged to inject a cable bolt into the rock
hole after the
hole has been filled with the component mixture. For this purpose, the feeding
device 7
may comprise separate feed rollers for the cable in order to feed the cable
into the hole. A
25 sensor may be used in the same manner as for the nozzle 5. Furthermore, a
cable
bending mechanism, a cable cutter as well as a push cylinder adapted to push
the cable
into the hole after being cut may be arranged on the feeding device 7 for this
purpose.
The system 1 may furthermore comprise a means for performing a post insertion
treatment on the bolt. The post insertion treatment may perform one or more
out of:
vibrating the bolt, pulsating the bolt or rotating the bolt.
The post insertion means may thus e.g. comprise vibration means. The vibration
means may be arranged on the system 1. The vibration means causes the bolt to
vibrate
after it has been inserted into the rock hole. By causing the bolt to vibrate
is herein meant
that the bolt is caused to move continuously back and forth in the axial
direction of the bolt
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over a distance of 1-10 mm, preferably 1-5 mm, most preferably 1-2 mm. The
vibration
means may e.g. be arranged in conjunction with the feeding device 7. The
vibration
means may e.g. be the feed rollers 91 whereby the feed rollers 91 cause the
bolt to
vibrate after having inserted the bolt into the rock hole. Alternatively, the
vibration means
is a dedicated vibration means solely designed to cause the vibration of the
bolt.
The post insertion means may alternatively or additionally comprise pulsating
means. The pulsating means may be arranged on the system 1, e.g. in
conjunction with
the feeding device 7. The pulsating means causes the bolt to pulse after it
has been
inserted into the rock hole. By causing the bolt to pulse is herein meant that
he bolt is
caused to move continuously back and forth in the axial direction of the bolt
over a
distance of 50-200 mm, preferably 50-150 mm, most preferably 80-120 mm. A
typical
pulsating value may e.g. be 100 mm. Similarly to the vibrating case the feed
rollers 91
may be used to cause the bolt to pulse. Alternatively, a dedicated pulsating
means may
be used.
The post insertion means may alternatively or additionally comprise a rotating
means which may be arranged on the system 1, e.g. in conjunction with the
feeding
device 7. The rotating means causes the bolt to rotate. The rotation may
exhibit an axis of
rotation which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bolt. The rotating
means may
comprise a gripping means capable of gripping the bolt. After having gripped
the bolt the
entire rotating means may rotate in such a manner that the bolt is rotated.
Alternatively,
only the gripping means of the rotating means is rotated in order to cause the
bolt to
rotate within the rock hole.
By rotating, vibrating and/or pulsating the bolt after it has been inserted
into the
rock hole a better adherence of the mixture to the bolt may be achieved since
the mixture
may reach all small holes and bends on the cable and thereby stick to the
entire surface
area of the bolt. This improves the attachment of the bolt to the rock and
thereby the rock
reinforcement.
A method for injecting a multi-component mixture into a rock hole, wherein the
mixture is adapted for securing a bolt in the rock hole, will now be described
in
conjunction with Fig. 10. The method steps that are optional are marked with
dashed lines
in the figures. The bolt may e.g. be a cable bolt.
The method steps that are described below may e.g. be performed by a control
unit in a known manner. The method may e.g. be performed by the system 1
described
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above. The system 1 may then be arranged on a rig 3 and comprise the control
unit. The
control unit may comprise at least one processor, at least one memory and at
least one
data port. The at least one processor is usually an electronic processing
circuitry that
processes input data and provide appropriate output.
Fig. 10 illustrates an exemplifying method for injecting a multi-component
mixture
into a rock hole, wherein the mixture is adapted for securing a bolt in the
rock hole. The
method comprises: to place 1001 a nozzle 5 into the bottom of a rock hole,
where the
nozzle 5 is adapted for injecting the multi-component mixture into the rock
hole. The
mixture is adapted for securing a bolt in the rock hole. The nozzle 5
comprises the first
channel 31 adapted to receive a first component A of the multi-component
mixture and
the second channel 33 adapted to receive the second component B of the multi-
component mixture. The nozzle 5 further comprises a third channel 55 adapted
to receive
a blocking agent S. The third channel 55 is connected to the first channel 31
such that the
blocking agent S can be provided to the first channel 31 via the third channel
55. The
nozzle 5 further comprises a mixing member 23 adapted to mix the first A and
the second
B component prior to injecting the mixture of the first A and the second B
component into
the rock hole. The nozzle 5 further comprises an outlet 21 at a first end 22
of the nozzle 5
adapted to inject the mixture of the first A and the second B component
directly into the
rock hole.
The method further comprises: to inject 1002 the multi-component mixture into
the
rock hole by providing the first A and the second B component of the multi-
component
mixture into the first 31 and the second 33 channel of the nozzle 5
respectively.
The method further comprises: to provide 1003 the blocking agent S into the
first
31 and second 33 channel of the nozzle 5. The blocking agent S may be provided
into the
first 31 and/or second 33 channel of the nozzle 5 via the third channel 55.
Alternatively,
the nozzle 5 may comprise a fourth channel 56 adapted to receive the blocking
agent S,
wherein the third channel 55 is connected to the first channel 31 such that
the blocking
agent S can be provided to the first channel 31 via the third channel 55, and
wherein the
fourth channel 56 is connected to the second channel 33 such that the blocking
agent S
can be provided to the second channel 33 via the fourth channel 56. The
blocking agent S
is then provided into the first channel 31 via the third channel 55, and into
the second
channel 33 via the fourth channel 56.
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The method further comprises: to, while injecting the multi-component mixture
into
the rock hole, continuously move 1004 the nozzle 5 out of the rock hole by
retracting the
nozzle 5 from the bottom of the hole towards the entry of the hole.
The step of continuously moving 1004 the nozzle 5 out of the rock hole may
preferably be performed before the step of providing 1003 the blocking agent S
into the
first 31 and second 33 channel of the nozzle 5.
By following the above described method, the rock hole is filled with a multi-
component mixture which will secure a bolt that is placed in the rock hole.
Furthermore,
the nozzle 5 is readied by extracting any lingering component A, B such that
it may fill
another rock hole with the mixture.
The method for securing a bolt in a rock hole may further comprise: to insert
1005
a bolt into the rock hole. Thereby the bolt will be secured in the rock hole
when the
mixture hardens. The rock will thus be reinforced by the bolt. The bolt may
e.g. be a cable
bolt.
According to some embodiments the step of inserting 1005 the bolt into the
rock
hole is performed after the nozzle 5 has been completely removed from the rock
hole.
Thereby the nozzle 5 will not be hinder the bolt from accessing the rock hole.
According to some embodiments the step of providing 1003 the blocking agent S
is performed just before the nozzle 5 has been completely removed from the
rock hole.
In the method described above, the rock hole is considered to have been
already
drilled. This may also be part of the method. Thus, as a preliminary step the
rock hole
may be drilled 1000 by a drilling machine arranged on the rig 3.
The method may further comprise: to, after the step of inserting 1005 the bolt
into
the rock hole, perform 1006 a post insertion treatment of the bolt inside the
rock hole.
The post insertion treatment 1006 may comprise one or more of rotating,
vibrating
or pulsating the bolt.
By vibrating the bolt is herein meant that the bolt is moved continuously back
and
forth in the axial direction of the bolt over a distance of 1-10 mm,
preferably 1-5 mm, most
preferably 1-2 mm.
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By pulsating the bolt is herein meant that the bolt is moved continuously back
and
forth in the axial direction of the bolt over a distance of 50-200 mm,
preferably 50-150
mm, most preferably 80-120 mm. A typical distance may e.g. be 100 mm.
By rotating the bolt is herein meant that the bolt is rotated around an axis
of
rotation. The axis of rotation may e.g. coincide with the longitudinal axis of
the bolt.
By rotating, vibrating and/or pulsating the bolt after it has been inserted
into the
rock hole a better adherence of the mixture to the bolt may be achieved since
the mixture
may reach all small holes and bends on the cable and thereby stick to the
entire surface
area of the bolt. This improves the attachment of the bolt to the rock and
thereby the rock
reinforcement.
According to some embodiments herein there is provided a computer program
which
comprises program code for causing a control unit or a computer connected to
the control
unit to carry out the method as was described above.
According to some embodiments herein there is provided a computer-readable
storage
medium storing a computer program, wherein said computer program comprises
program
code for causing a control unit or a computer connected to the control unit to
carry out the
method as was described above.
The computer program may comprise routines for controlling operation of the
system 1 as
was described above. The computer program may comprise routines for
controlling
insertion and post insertion treatment of a bolt.
Even though the invention has been described in conjunction with a number of
examples above, the description is only meant to illustrate inventive concepts
and does
not limit the scope of the invention. Terms such as "blocking agent", "line"
and "multi-
component mixture" have for example been used throughout the description, but
corresponding entities, function and/or parameters could also have been used
that
comprise the features and/or characteristics that has been described in
conjunction to the
terms herein. The invention is defined by the attached patent claims.
