Mining Tools - The Weldgrip Mesh Cage System

Project Title THE WELDGRIP MESH CAGE SYSTEM

To ensure the safe installation of roofbolts and cables at the face of development roadways the WELDGRIP mesh cage system was developed in consultation with a number of British coal mines. The cage system can be tailor made for each development roadway depending on the bolt density, roadway width, transport system and type of bolting machine.

Where possible a one-piece roof mesh panel complete with fitted celstrap is used in conjunction with either steel mesh side panels or Pararib non-metallic mesh. In both cases the mesh can be supplied with side mesh separate or ready attached for speed and ease of installation.

When cutting operations have been completed the non-bolted roof mesh panel already in-situ is hung down vertically to allow the attachment of two further panels.

In the case study shown the third panel does not have a celstrap attached in order to reduce weight.
The roof panel next to the last complete row of installed bolts is now pushed to the roof using the Gopher drilling machine and stinger air legs.

The side mesh is now fixed to the roof mesh and the previously installed panel. In the situation where the side mesh is already fixed to the roof mesh it is folded out and fixed to its neighbour. The roof bolts and side bolts are now installed using the Gopher and Turmag pneumatic drilling machines.

With drilling operations now completed the drilling machines, stinger air legs and the bottom roof mesh panel are withdrawn. The remaining un-bolted mesh panel (complete with celstrap) is tied back horizontal to the roof and cutting operations can now resume.