BS 4073 provides specification of materials, basic design requirements, and constructional details, including specifications for individual components, for heavy rolling stock of “solid bottom” design, with capacities within the range 60 to 200 ft3, having approximate tonnage capacities of 11/2 to 5 tons of coal, or 3 to 10 tons of stone (see Clause 2). Vehicles are of the type employing resilient suspension and having loose wheels incorporating precision bearings.
The dimensions and other requirements of the main components are presented on a basis of alternatives permissible for each size/load combination, so that selection may be made to produce an overall design, made up of standardized parts, as required for particular purposes or service conditions. BS 4073 provides for rolling stock designed to carry different kinds of bulk materials, such as metalliferous ores, as well as for rolling stock primarily designed for coal or stone.
BS 4073 on specification for heavy rolling stock for mineral haulage in mines is useful for:
BS 4073 primarily servers the purpose of stating principles of design and specifying certain major components of mineral haulage rolling stock (60–200 ft3 capacity), generally known as “mine cars”, in coal mines in the United Kingdom. The specification is complementary to BS 3237 (which deals with light and medium rolling stock of capacity below 60 ft3, for mineral haulage in mines).
BS 4073 is designed to cover a range of heavy rolling stock incorporating suspension gear, couplers and buffing gear, and wheel and axle assemblies (embodying taper roller bearings); also ancillary equipment such as tippler and retarder brackets, and brakes.
Note: Drop bottom and side tipping types, and special purpose vehicles such as containers operating on restricted circuits, are excluded. However, it is recommended that components from this standard be utilized for such vehicles, where applicable.
BS 4073 provides comprehensive dimensions for a range of 21 cars are given in Table 1 and the preferred sizes representing general colliery usage in the U.K. are indicated.
In preparing standard requirements for the complete vehicle, care has been taken to avoid detail that would unnecessarily restrict design. Hence, the specification for components enlisted in BS 4073 deals mainly with design principles and basic requirements essential to a product of good quality.
Attention is drawn to the serious hazard inherent in the use of aluminum or aluminium alloy in incendive atmospheres, particularly in mines in which the use of lamps or lights, other than permitted lights, is unlawful.
BS 4073 also provides guidance on general requirements, bodies and underframes, wheels and axles, Suspension gear, coupler and buffer gear to achieve required product quality.