Discussion on accelerating the construction of"Lights-out"coal preparation plants

ZHANG Yan; YANG Ruifeng; HU Songtao; ZHENG Kaidi; HAN Yu

doi:10.16447/j.cnki.cpt.2025.05.001

Abstract：To promote the transformation of coal preparation plants from fragmented intelligence to full-process collaborative intelligence,and to support the high-quality development of the coal industry alongside the clean and efficient utilization of energy,this paper systematically explores the practical significance and construction paths of the"Lights-out"coal preparation plant as an advanced stage of intelligent coal preparation.Based on a review of the current status of intelligent construction in China's coal preparation plants,the study identifies core challenges,including immature key technologies,insufficient depth of intelligence,misalignment between man-agement systems and intelligent requirements,high investment pressure with poor operational sustainability,and an incomplete standard system that hinders replication and promotion.The paper proposes a phased,progressive,and pragmatic approach across three dimensions:space,business,and technology.It outlines a three-level gradi-ent path—"Single Link—Multi-system—Plant-wide Intelligentization"(L1—L2—L3)—to advance construc-tion.Furthermore,targeted countermeasures and suggestions are provided from four perspectives:technical breakthroughs and standardization,policy guidance and incentive mechanisms,management model innovation and talent cultivation,and demonstration leadership and classified promotion.This study aims to foster a replic-able and scalable construction model for"Lights-out"coal preparation plants,providing theoretical support and practical references for achieving unmanned full-process operations,self-adaptive optimization,and intrinsic safety in coal preparation.