Chain conveyor AFC

transportfor materials handlingtransfer

Overview
Joy armored face conveyors (AFC) are purpose-built longwall conveyors designed to integrate with longwall systems and operate in demanding mining environments. Configurable to site conditions, AFCs support continuous coal handling and material transfer across the face.

Highlights

• Custom-designed per operation and geology
• Engineered for harsh longwall environments
• Designed to reduce cost per tonne and minimize downtime

Features and benefits

• Robust linepans: Simple four-part construction for extended life. Trapezoidal pans and a patented loading profile provide improved horizon and snake control for consistent alignment and face stability. Each AFC is validated by factory testing.
• Sprockets, chain and flightbars: Matched components manufactured from specified materials to optimise wear life and production performance.
• Chain management solutions: Multiple tensioning systems, combinable or standalone, reduce chain failures and downtime while improving safety.
• Broadband chain: Available in 38–64 mm diameters. Patented designs can increase power capacity by up to 60% versus conventional chains and improve fatigue and wear resistance.
• Flight bars: CAD-designed for effective raceway cleaning and efficient material handling. Security lock nuts and bolts reduce breakdown risk.
• Joy driveframes: Custom gate-end designs to enhance material transfer, shearer cutout and reduce wear, with simplified maintenance.
• Joy gearboxes: Purpose-designed for AFC duty to improve uptime, simplify service and lower refurbishment costs.
• RS20s AFC Control system / Faceboss RS20s: Standardised control across Joy/Komatsu longwall products; can operate standalone or integrate with powered roof supports and shearers and with RS20n networks where available.
• Turbo Transmission Technology (TTT) coupling: Controlled-fill coupling that maintains torque under normal voltage drop, with minimal maintenance and water as the working medium for reliable multiple hard starts.
• Beam stage loader and belt tail end: Provides a continuous transition from face to belt to minimise blockages and ensure consistent discharge to the conveyor system.
• Integration with crushers: Komatsu BSL crusher range integrates with the AFC to process lump coal and oversize rock, available with direct gear-drive or V-belt drive.

Resources (documents and downloads)

• Longwall systems product overview brochure (English)
• RS20s for AFC brochure (English)
• Press release: Komatsu longwall solutions (2021)

Technical specifications

• Capacity (tonnes): Up to 6,000 per hour
• Capacity (tons): Up to 6,600 per hour
• Conveyor length (m): Up to 450
• Conveyor length (ft): Up to 1,500
• Linepan length (mm): 1,503; 1,756; 2,050
• Linepan length (in): 60; 70; 80