Why are feeder-breakers used in underground coal haulage systems?

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coal mining Schematic diagram of an underground coal mine, showing surface facilities, access shafts, and room-and-pillar and longwall mining methods.

In underground coal mining, feeder-breakers are essential components used within face haulage systems to optimize the efficiency of material transport. They serve two primary functions:

Flow Regulation: They act as ratio-feeders to even out the flow of coal as it is discharged from face haulage equipment onto intermediate haulage systems, preventing surges and ensuring a consistent transfer of material.1
Size Reduction: They break down very large lumps of coal or rock to ensure the material is reduced to a manageable maximum size before it continues through the haulage network.1

By performing these tasks, feeder-breakers help maintain the operational stability of the broader coal mining infrastructure.1