Weakening effects of hydraulic fracture in hard roof under the influence of stress arch

For the problem of hydraulic fracture propagation when weakening the hard roof in fully mechanized top-coal caving stope of ultra-thick coal seam, based on the stress arch theory and the fracture mechanics, a two-dimensional model for hydraulic fracture of the roof in the stope was established to investigate the propagation laws of hydraulic fracture. The result shows that, after mining, the principal stress direction of overlaying rock deflects to form the stress arch, whose arrow height and arch thickness increase with the increase of the mining width and the side pressure coefficient. Within the influence range of stress arch, the hydraulic fracture in hard roof deflects towards the stope direction in the course of propagation and forms the ‘‘arch" fracture, which cuts off the roof below the fracture in a laminated way. The deflection angle of hydraulic fracture increases with the increase of the mining width, but decreases with the increase of the side pressure coefficient and the fractured horizon. This research can provide theoretical basis for the application of hydraulic fracturing method in the stope roof weakening.     

坚硬顶板型冲击矿压灾害防治研究

针对兖州矿区济三煤矿6303工作面的冲击矿压问题，分析了冲击矿压发生的主要原因及影响因素．根据现场条件和数值模拟分析，提出了采用顶板爆破解除冲击矿压危险的技术措施，并确定了爆破参数．采用矿用钻孔窥视仪并配合电磁辐射法和钻屑法对爆破进行了效果检验．结果表明，通过顶板爆破措施可以破坏工作面上方坚硬厚层砂岩顶板的完整性，提前释放顶板聚集的弹性能，减弱和消除了工作面的冲击矿压危险，胜，保证了工作面的安全生产．现场实践证明，该项技术对具有坚硬顶板型冲击矿压的防治效果明显．     

Fixed-length roof cutting with vertical hydraulic fracture based on the stress shadow effect: A case study

Pre-driven longwall retracement roadway (PLRR) is commonly used in large mine shaft. The support crushing disasters occur frequently during the retracement, and roof management is necessary. Taking the 31107 panel as research background, the roof breaking structure of PLRR is analyzed. It is concluded that the roof cutting with vertical hydraulic fracture (HF) at a specified position, that is, fixed-length roof cutting, can reduce support load and keep immediate roof intact. The extended finite element method (XFEM) is applied to simulate hydraulic fracturing. The results show that both the axial and transverse hydraulic fracturing cannot effectively create vertical HFs. Therefore, a novel construction method of vertical HF based on the stress shadow effect (SSE) is proposed. The stress reversal region and HF orientation caused by the prefabricated hydraulic fracture (PF) are verified in simulation. The sub-vertical HFs are obtained between two PFs, the vertical extension range of which is much larger than that of directional hydraulic fracturing. The new construction method was used to determine the field plan for fixed-length roof cutting. The roof formed a stable suspended structure and deformation of the main PLRR was improved after hydraulic fracturing.     

Phenomenon of methane driven caused by hydraulic fracturing in methane-bearing coal seams

The methane concentration of the return current will always be enhanced to a certain degree when hydraulic fracturing with bedding drilling is implemented to a gassy coal seam in an underground coal mine. The methane in coal seam is driven out by hydraulic fracturing. Thus, the phenomenon is named as methane driven effect of hydraulic fracturing. After deep-hole hydraulic fracturing at the tunneling face of the gassy coal seam, the coal methane content exhibits a ‘‘low-high-low" distribution along excavation direction in the following advancing process, verifying the existence of methane driven caused by hydraulic fracturing in methane-bearing coal seam. Hydraulic fracturing causes the change of pore-water and methane pressure in surrounding coal. The uneven distribution of the pore pressure forms a pore pressure gradient. The free methane migrates from the position of high pore(methane) pressure to the position of low pore(methane) pressure. The methane pressure gradient is the fundamental driving force for methane-driven coal seam hydraulic fracturing. The uneven hydraulic crack propagation and the effect of time(as some processes need time to complete and are not completed instantaneously) will result in uneven methane driven. Therefore, an even hydraulic fracturing technique should be used to avoid the negative effects of methane driven; on the other hand, by taking fully advantage of methane driven, two technologies are presented.     

Guiding-controlling technology of coal seam hydraulic fracturing fractures extension

Aiming at the uncontrollable problem of extension direction of coal seam hydraulic fracturing, this study analyzed the course of fractures variation around the boreholes in process of hydraulic fracturing, and carried out the numerical simulations to investigate the effect of artificial predetermined fractures on stress distribution around fractured holes. The simulation results show that partial coal mass occurs relatively strong shear failure and forms weak surfaces, and then fractures extended along the desired direction while predetermined fractures changed stress distribution. Directional fracturing makes the fractures link up and the pressure on coal mass is relieved within fractured regions. Combining deep hole controlling blasting with hydraulic fracturing was proposed to realize the extension guiding-controlling technology of coal seam fractures. Industrial experiments prove that this technology can avoid local stress concentration and dramatically widen the pressure relief scope of deep hole controlling blasting. The permeability of fractured coal seam increased significantly, and gas extraction was greatly improved. Besides, regional pressure relief and permeability increase was achieved in this study.     

煤岩动力灾害的弱化控制机理及其实践

煤岩动力灾害的实质是能量积聚与耗散的自组织临界过程，当煤岩体中所积聚的弹性能达到其极限冲击能时，就会发生冲击矿压．实验室研究发现，弹脆性煤体是能量积聚与耗散的主体，顶板关键层（坚硬厚层砂岩顶板）的运移则会导致能量积聚与耗散，加速失去动态平衡．以煤岩冲击倾向性与顶板强度及厚度的关系为基础，依据能量积聚与耗散理论，提出了煤岩动力灾害的强度弱化机理，即通过钻孔卸压与深孔卸压爆破来弱化煤岩体的强度，降低煤岩体的聚能能力，释放煤岩体中所积聚的大量弹性能，使得煤岩体中所积聚的弹性能达不到最小冲击能，同时利用电磁辐射监测仪来检验煤岩体强度弱化治理的效果，以达到消除或降低冲击危险的目的．通过在三河尖煤矿9202高冲击危险工作面的生产实践，充分证明了这种技术的有效性．     

Prevention and forecasting of rock burst hazards in coal mines

Rock bursts signify extreme behavior in coal mine strata and severely threaten the safety of the lives of miners, as well as the effectiveness and productivity of miners. In our study, an elastic-plastic-brittle model for the deformation and failure of coal/rock was established through theoretical analyses, laboratory experiments and field testing, simulation and other means, which perfectly predict sudden and delayed rock bursts. Based on electromagnetic emission (EME), acoustic emission (AE) and microseism (MS) effects in the process from deformation until impact rupture of coal-rock combination samples, a multi-parameter identification of premonitory technology was formed, largely depending on these three forms of emission. Thus a system of classification for forecasting rock bursts in space and time was established. We have presented the intensity weakening theory for rock bursts and a strong-soft-strong (3S) structural model for controlling the impact on rock surrounding roadways, with the objective of laying a theoretical foundation and establishing references for parameters for the weakening control of rock bursts. For the purpose of prevention, key technical parameters of directional hydraulic fracturing are revealed. Based on these results, as well as those from deep-hole controlled blasting in coal seams and rock, integrated control techniques were established and anti-impact hydraulic props, suitable for roadways subject to hazards from rockbursts have also been developed. These technologies have been widely used in most coal mines in China, subject to these hazards and have achieved remarkable economic and social benefits.     

桃园矿高位钻孔瓦斯抽放参数优化研究

应用RFPA2D软件模拟并确定了桃园煤矿裂隙带的高度,为优化采空区顶板抽放参数提供了依据,并利用优化设计的高位钻孔进行瓦斯抽放,回风巷和上隅角的瓦斯浓度均得到控制,消除了瓦斯超限现象,保证了工作面的安全回采。     

Investigation on fracture models and ground pressure distribution of thick hard rock strata including weak interlayer

Dynamic disasters, such as rock burst due to the breaking of large area stiff roof strata, are known to occur in the hard rock strata of coal mines. In this paper, mechanical models of the fracturing processes of thick hard rock strata were established based on the thick plate theory and numerical simulations. The results demonstrated that, based on the fracture characteristics of the thick hard rock strata, four fracture models could be analyzed in detail, and the corresponding theoretical failure criteria were determined in detail. In addition, the influence of weak interlayer position on the fracture models and ground pressure of rock strata is deeply analyzed, and six numerical simulation schemes have been implemented. The results showed that the working face pressure caused by the independent movement of the lower layer is relatively low. The different fracture type of the thick hard rock strata had different demands on the working resistance of the hydraulic powered supports. The working resistance of the hydraulic powered supports required by the stratified movements was lower than that of the non-stratified movements.     

巨厚砾岩层下综放采场矿压显现规律

巨厚砾岩层下综放采场矿压显现规律研究对于采场围岩控制和安全生产具有重要的现实意义.采用理论分析和义马矿区千秋煤矿矿压观测方法进行研究,得出结论为:综放工作面围岩可控程度属于难控围岩,即采场顶底板围岩控制困难.选出了ZF7000-18/28型放顶煤基本支架及其综放面合理配套设备;现场观测研究了综放面矿压显现规律,得出了采场顶板来压步距、来压强度等参数.采场矿压显现明显,不同区域来压具有不一致性.顶板周期来压时支架循环末工作阻力最大值为4 307.70 kN,为支架额定工作阻力的61.54%.因此,采场支架可靠性能较高,现场应用试验效果显著,矿井实现了"一井一面"生产模式,推动了安全高效矿井建设.     

Mechanism and control technology of strong ground pressure behaviour induced by high-position hard roofs in extra-thick coal seam mining

This work aimed at revealing the mechanism of strong ground pressure behaviour (SGPB) induced by high-position hard roof (HHR). Based on the supporting structures model of HHR, a modified voussoir beam mechanical model for HHR was established by considering the gangue support coefficient, through which the modified expressions of limit breaking span and breaking energy of HHR were deduced. Combined with the relationship between the dynamic-static loading stress of supporting body (hydraulic support and coal wall) and its comprehensive supporting strength, the criteria of ground pressure behaviour (GPB) induced by HHR were discussed. The types of I₁, I₂, Ⅱ₁, and Ⅱ₂ of GPB were interpreted. Results showed that types I₁ and I₂ were the main forms of SGPB in extra-thick coal seam mining. The main manifestation of SGPB was static stress, which was mainly derived from the instability of HHR rather than fracture. Accordingly, an innovative control technology was proposed, which can weaken static load by vertical-well separated fracturing HHR. The research results have been successfully applied to the 8101 working face in Tashan coal mine, Shanxi Province, China. The results of a digital borehole camera observation and stress monitoring proved the rationality of the GPB criteria. The control technology was successful, paving the way for new possibilities to HHR control for safety mining.     

Stability of roof structure and its control in steeply inclined coal seams

To improve the effectiveness of control of surrounding rock and the stability of supports on longwall topcoal caving faces in steeply inclined coal seams, the stability of the roof structure and hydraulic supports was studied with physical simulation and theoretical analysis. The results show that roof strata in the vicinity of the tail gate subside extensively with small cutting height, while roof subsidence near the main gate is relatively assuasive. With increase of the mining space, the caving angle of the roof strata above the main gate increases. The characteristics of the vertical and horizontal displacement of the roof strata demonstrate that caved blocks rotate around the lower hinged point of the roof structure, which may lead to sliding instability. Large dip angle of the coal seam makes sliding instability of the roof structure easier.A three-hinged arch can be easily formed above both the tail and main gates in steeply inclined coal seams. With the growth in the dip angle, subsidence of the arch foot formed above the main gate decreases significantly, which reduces the probability of the roof structure becoming unstable as a result of large deformation, while the potential of the roof structure's sliding instability above the tail gate increases dramatically.     

提高炮采工作面块碳率的爆破技术研究

针对永城煤电集团公司陈四楼煤矿三个炮采工作面的具体情况 ,对炮采工作面提高块碳率的微差爆破技术参数进行了理论分析和现场试验 ,确定了软煤体、片帮和破碎顶板条件下合理的爆破参数 .在安全、高效的前提下 ,块碳率提高了 6%～ 1 0 % ,取得了良好的经济效益     

Top coal flows in an excavation disturbed zone of high section top coal caving of an extremely steep and thick seam

Compared with gentle dip long-wall caving, the length of a working face in fully-mechanized top-coal caving for extremely steep and thick seams is short, while its horizontal section is high with increasing production. But the caving ratio is low, which might result in some disasters, such as roof falls, induced by local and large area collapse of the top coal in a working face and dangers induced by gas accumulation. After the development of cracks and weakening of the coal body, the tall, broken section of the top coal (a granular medium) of an extremely steep seam (over 60°) shows clear characteristics of nonlinear movement, We have thoroughly analyzed the geological environment and mining conditions of an excavation disturbed zone. Based on the results from a physical experiment of large-scale 3D modeling and coupling simulation of top coal-water-gas, we conclude that the weakened top coal can be regarded as a non-continuous medium. We used a particle flow code program to compare and analyze migration processes and the movements of a 30 m high section top coal over time before and after weakening of an extremely steep seam in the Weihuliang coal mine. The results of our simulation,experiment and monitoring show that pre-injection of water and pre-splitting blasting improve caving ability and symmetrical caving, relieve space for large area dynamic collapse of top coal, prolong migration time of noxious gases and release them from the mined out area and so achieve safety in mining.     

两硬综放面矿压显现规律研究

根据忻州窑矿８９１６综放面的矿压观测，系统地分析了两硬条件下综放开采的矿压显现规律。文章的结论是：两硬条件下的综放面既具有坚硬顶板带冲击载荷的悬梁式破断规律，又具有综放开采的动载系数小，支架载荷低的显现特征，采场控制仍要有高强度的支撑和必要的顶板预处理措施。     

Fractured rock mass hydraulic fracturing under hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pressure joint action

According to the stress state of the crack surface, crack rock mass can be divided into complex composite tensile-shear fracture and composite compression-shear fracture from the perspective of fracture mechanics. By studying the hydraulic fracturing effect of groundwater on rock fracture, the tangential friction force equation of hydrodynamic pressure to rock fracture is deduced. The hydraulic fracturing of hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure to rock fracture is investigated to derive the equation of critical pressure when the hydraulic fracturing effect occurs in the rock fracture. Then, the crack angle that is most prone to hydraulic fracturing is determined. The relationships between crack direction and both lateral pressure coefficient and friction angle of the fracture surface are analyzed. Results show that considering the joint effect of hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pressure, the critical pressure does not vary with the direction of the crack when the surrounding rock stationary lateral pressure coefficient is equal to 1.0. Under composite tensile-shear fracture, the crack parallel to the direction of the main stress is the most prone to hydraulic fracturing. Under compression-shear fracture, the hydrodynamic pressure resulting in the most dangerous crack angle varies at different lateral pressure coefficients; this pressure decreases when the friction angle of the fracture surface increases. By referring to the subway tunnel collapse case, the impact of fractured rock mass hydraulic fracturing generated by hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure joint action is calculated and analyzed.     

Coupling effects of coal pillars of thick coal seams in large-space stopes and hard stratum on mine pressure

Concerning the issue of mine pressure behaviors occurred in fully mechanized caving mining of thick coal seams beneath hard stratum in Datong Mining Area, combined with thin and thick plate theory, the paper utilizes theoretical analysis, similar experiments, numerical simulations and field tests to study the influence of remaining coal pillars in Jurassic system goaf on hard stratum fractures, as well as mine pressure behaviors under their coupling effects. The paper concludes the solution formula of initial fault displacement in hard stratum caused by remaining coal pillars. Experiments prove that coupling effects can enhance mine pressure behaviors on working faces. When inter-layer inferior key strata fractures, mine pressure phenomenon such as significant roof weighting steps and increasing resistance in support.When inter-layer superior key strata fractures, the scope of overlying strata extends to Jurassic system goaf, dual-system stopes cut through, and remaining coal pillars lose stability. As a result, the bottom inferior key strata also lose stability. It causes huge impacts on working face, and the second mine pressure behaviors. These phenomena provide evidence for research on other similar mine strata pressure behaviors occurred in dual-system mines with remaining coal pillars.     

Coal seam drainage enhancement using borehole presplitting basting technology——A case study in Huainan

Xinji No. 2 underground coal mine extracts the coal seams #4 and #5. These two seams are highly gassy and gas drainage is required to control mine gas emission and reduce outburst risk. Because the seam permeability coefficient is very low and around 0.1 m~2/(MPa~2·d), a number of technologies have been trialled to enhance the seam permeability prior to gas drainage. Of these technologies trialled, the deep borehole presplitting blasting technology has been proven to be quite effective in increasing permeability. In Xinji No. 2 mine it doubled or sometimes tripled gas drainage volume. This paper describes the technology, its application in the enhancement of seam permeability in Xinji No. 2 coal mine, and its effect on gas drainage performance.     

Application of gas wettability alteration to improve methane drainage performance: A case study

Hydraulic fracturing technique is widely used for methane drainage and has achieved good effects in numerous coal mines, but negative effects may occur as the fracturing fluids are absorbed into the coal seam. Gas wettability alteration(GWA) technology can be used as it can enhance the gas and water mobility during dewatering process as a result of capillary pressure change. However, there have been few reported field tests in coal mines using GWA technology. This paper describes a pilot-scale field test in Xinjing coal mine, Yangquan, China. The fluorocarbon surfactants perfluorooctyl methacrylate monomer-containing polymethacrylate(PMP) was used to alter the wettability of coal seam to strong gas-wetness during the hydraulic fracturing process. The study focuses on the comparison of two boreholes(Boreholes #9 and #10) and one other borehole(Borehole #8) with and without using GWA approach. A well-defined monitoring program was established by measuring the dewatering volume of the fracturing fluid and the drainage volume of methane as well as the concentration. The field test results showed that the average methane drainage rates of Boreholes #9(39.28 m~3/d) and #10(51.04 m3/d) with GWA treatment exceeded that of Borehole #8(21.09 m~3/d) without GWA treatment,with an increase of 86.3% and 142.1%, respectively. The average methane concentrations of Boreholes #9(4.05%) and #10(6.18%) were 64.6% and 151.2% higher than that of Borehole #8(2.46%), respectively. On the other hand, the dewatering ratio of Boreholes #9(4.36%) and #10(3.11%) was almost 19 times and 13 times greater than that of Borehole #8(0.22%). These field test results were in agreement with the experimental data. The significant increase in both methane concentration and dewatering ratio demonstrated that GWA technology could be applied for enhanced methane drainage in coal mines. Important lessons learned at Xinjing coal mine might be applied to other coal mines in China and elsewhere.     

水力压裂煤储层卸压增透技术的适用性分析

水力压裂煤储层技术在不同矿区应用过程中受不同煤体破坏类型和围压条件的影响,其卸压增透效果差异性较大.为了明确该项技术的井下适用条件,优化其实施工艺,切实提高煤层瓦斯抽采率,通过分析和总结河南省不同矿区实际煤储层的水力压裂试验数据资料发现,水力压裂增透技术对Ⅰ,Ⅱ破坏类型煤体的增透效果比较明显,而在Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ破坏类型的松软煤层中适用性则具有一定的局限性,具有压裂范围小、裂缝闭合快、增透效果不明显等特点.所得结论对于选择合理的水力压裂储层并进一步优化完善高效预抽本煤层瓦斯技术具有一定的指导意义.