+
IIT-K makes a breakthrough in the transportation of coal and minerals
COAL & MINING

IIT-K makes a breakthrough in the transportation of coal and minerals

With its innovative compressed air-based pipeline system for coal and mineral transportation, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has made a significant contribution to the transportation industry.

The system, which was created by Professor Bishakh Bhattacharya and researchers Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasia and Yashasvi Sinha from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, is said to revolutionise the transportation of minerals and coal.

The traditional mode of transportation has always been difficult, as evidenced by issues like material loss, delivery time uncertainty, and air pollution, according to an official release.

The new cargo-based hyperloop system promises to significantly reduce air pollution, material loss, and travel time while effectively addressing these issues.

Director of IIT Kanpur Prof. Abhay Karandikar stated, "This system is a game-changer in the field of transportation." This technology will significantly boost underground and open-cast mining production and productivity due to its dual benefits of simultaneously monitoring pipelines and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the reduced number of trucks and railway wagons will lessen the burden placed on clogged freight-carrying roadways and tracks."

The system uses compressed air as its energy source to move coal or slurry from one location to another. The robot can continuously transport the loaded block to the designated receiving/unloading sub-section and travels at approximately 120 km/hr. This will be a continuous process, and depending on the workload and requirements, more than one robotic vehicle may operate in series.

Even parallel pipeline loops have the potential to significantly improve transportation efficiency. Through a ball and socket joint, the vehicle's modules are connected to one another. The robot can navigate the intricate bends in the pipeline network thanks to this system's connectivity and manoeuvrability.

A continuous, accurate, and dependable vehicle/robot positioning system is also included in the system. The system employs a hybrid multi-sensor fusion strategy for wagon positioning in pipelines in order to achieve such positioning performance in extended GPS-denied environments like tunnels and pipelines.

With a delivery rate of 5.6 T/min/km, the system may have a power consumption of approximately 107 KW and a pipe diameter of just 40 inches.

The system, which was developed at IIT Kanpur's Smart Materials, Structures, and Systems (SMSS) Lab, has already been demonstrated successfully at the UP Global Investors Summit 2023 and has received favourable feedback from industry professionals.

With its innovative compressed air-based pipeline system for coal and mineral transportation, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has made a significant contribution to the transportation industry. The system, which was created by Professor Bishakh Bhattacharya and researchers Kanhaiya Lal Chaurasia and Yashasvi Sinha from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, is said to revolutionise the transportation of minerals and coal. The traditional mode of transportation has always been difficult, as evidenced by issues like material loss, delivery time uncertainty, and air pollution, according to an official release. The new cargo-based hyperloop system promises to significantly reduce air pollution, material loss, and travel time while effectively addressing these issues. Director of IIT Kanpur Prof. Abhay Karandikar stated, This system is a game-changer in the field of transportation. This technology will significantly boost underground and open-cast mining production and productivity due to its dual benefits of simultaneously monitoring pipelines and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the reduced number of trucks and railway wagons will lessen the burden placed on clogged freight-carrying roadways and tracks. The system uses compressed air as its energy source to move coal or slurry from one location to another. The robot can continuously transport the loaded block to the designated receiving/unloading sub-section and travels at approximately 120 km/hr. This will be a continuous process, and depending on the workload and requirements, more than one robotic vehicle may operate in series. Even parallel pipeline loops have the potential to significantly improve transportation efficiency. Through a ball and socket joint, the vehicle's modules are connected to one another. The robot can navigate the intricate bends in the pipeline network thanks to this system's connectivity and manoeuvrability. A continuous, accurate, and dependable vehicle/robot positioning system is also included in the system. The system employs a hybrid multi-sensor fusion strategy for wagon positioning in pipelines in order to achieve such positioning performance in extended GPS-denied environments like tunnels and pipelines. With a delivery rate of 5.6 T/min/km, the system may have a power consumption of approximately 107 KW and a pipe diameter of just 40 inches. The system, which was developed at IIT Kanpur's Smart Materials, Structures, and Systems (SMSS) Lab, has already been demonstrated successfully at the UP Global Investors Summit 2023 and has received favourable feedback from industry professionals.

Next Story
Technology

Six ways a smarter workflow leads to faster, more accurate bids

In today’s fast-paced civil construction environment, estimators need more than just solid numbers. They need smart, streamlined processes. This article explores six key ways connected workflows can transform the estimated approach, help in minimising risk, move faster, and improve accuracy. By integrating tools, data, and teams, one can produce stronger bids with less rework, fewer surprises, and more confidence. As an estimator, the job goes beyond producing numbers. They are responsible for delivering bids that are fast, accurate, and built to win. In today’s civil construction ind..

Next Story
Real Estate

Experion Launches Women-Only Co-Living Project in Greater Noida

Experion, part of Singapore-based AT Capital Group, has launched its first co-living space under its managed rental housing brand, VLIV, in Greater Noida. The all-women residence features 730 twin-sharing beds with a strong focus on safety, comfort, and well-being. VLIV has committed a $300 million investment to create a structured, service-led rental housing ecosystem in India. The brand aims to scale up to 20,000 beds in the next few years, with a long-term target of 100,000 beds nationwide. “India’s rental housing is fragmented. VLIV is our way of building long-term, dependabl..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Officine Maccaferri Acquires CPT to Bolster Tunnelling Tech

Ambienta’s platform company, Officine Maccaferri S.p.A., has acquired CPT Group, a leading Italian developer of robotic prefabrication systems and digital control technologies for mechanised tunnelling. The move positions Maccaferri as a global player in integrated tunnelling solutions, blending traditional and advanced mechanised systems. Based in Nova Milanese, CPT serves major global contractors across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The company offers robotic prefabrication (Robofactory), productivity-monitoring software for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), and eco-designed spa..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?