Quarries
QUARRIES
Extracting Construction Stones
Thanks to the progress in the mining sector and its significance as regards the national economy, the industry has received particular attention.
Several methods exist for mining stones, including water jet and laser cutting or using torches and explosives, as well as cutting machines.
The best and most common method employed in most construction stone mines is using the diamond wire saw.
Extraction by Diamond Wire Cutters
The diamond wire cutter comprises a 25–45 m diamond wire (models with up to 150 m wires also exist), a winch, and an idler pulley.
The stone is cut in a specific direction continuously. For this purpose, first, two perpendicular holes are drilled into the rock, outlining the block. The diamond wires are then driven into and out of the holes.
During operation, the cutter is mounted on a rail on which it moves around automatically driven by its electronic and hydraulic devices and pulls away as cutting progresses.
In the meantime, a constant 100–150 kg wire tension is maintained.
The winch is often placed within a 5–8 m distance of the rock face. As a result, nearly 15 m of the diamond wire runs through open air.
The working mechanism of the machine allows it to be moved and reoriented from horizontal to vertical for cutting in either direction. Horizontal cuts must be made before vertical. Otherwise, the block may separate from the mountain in the end, crushing the wire.
After cutting, the slab is separated from the rock face using hydraulic jacks and cushions.
