Design of Mineshaft Equipment with an Expert System

The design of the hoisting and other equipment which is typically contained within a mineshaft serving a deep mine, is a multi-facetted engineering procedure. This procedure is described, including some of the problems which are commonly encountered. Considering the possibilities offered by expert systems, it is suggested that the use of an expert system as a tool to assist engineers involved in such design, will be of considerable benefit. An expert system to perform this function, which is currently under development, is described, highlighting the main factors and their incorporation into the system.