Energy-limiting factor for coal and gas outburst occurrence in intact coal seam

This research reviewed the mechanics and gas desorption properties of intact coal, and tested the crushing work ratios of different intact coals, and then, studied the stress conditions for the failure or crushing of intact coal and the gas demand for the pulverization of intact coal particles. When a real-life outburst case is examined, the required minimum stress for intact coal outburst is estimated. The study concludes that the crushing work ratios of three intact coal samples vary from 294.3732 to 945.8048 J/m². For the real-life case, more than 2300 MJ of transport work is needed, and 10062.09, 7046.57 and 5895.47 m³ of gas is required when the gas pressure is 1, 2 and 3 MPa, respectively. The crushing work exceeds the transport work and even reaches 13.96 times of the transport work. How to provide such an enormous crushing work is an energy-limiting factor for the outburst in intact coal. The strain energy is needed for the crushing work, and the required minimum stress is over 54.35 MPa, even reaching 300.44 MPa. These minimum stresses far exceed the in-situ vertical and horizontal stresses that can be provided at the 300–700 m mining depth range.     

A mathematical model of gas flow during coal outburst initiation

A proposed concept of outburst initiation examines the release of a large amount of gas from coal seams resulted from disintegrating thermodynamically unstable coal organic matter(COM). A coal microstructure is assumed to getting unstable due to shear component appearance triggered by mining operations and tectonic activities considered as the primary factor while COM disintegration under the impact of weak electric fields can be defined as a secondary one. The energy of elastic deformations stored in the coal microstructure activates chemical reactions to tilt the energy balance in a ‘‘coal–gas" system.Based on this concept a mathematical model of a gas flow in the coal where porosity and permeability are changed due to chemical reactions has been developed. Using this model we calculated gas pressure changes in the pores initiated by gas release near the working face till satisfying force and energy criteria of outburst. The simulation results demonstrated forming overpressure zone in the area of intensive gas release with enhanced porosity and permeability. The calculated outburst parameters are well combined with those evaluated by field measurements.     

Experimental research into the effect of gas pressure,particle size and nozzle area on initial gas-release energy during gas desorption

Coal and gas outburst is a violent disaster driven by released energy from gas desorption. The initial expansion energy of released gas(IEERG) is a new method to predict coal and gas outburst. In this paper,an instrument for IEERG measurement was developed. Compared with previous setups, the new one which is equipped with three convergent nozzles and quick-release mechanism gets improved in data acquisition and gas sealing and releasing performance. To comprehensively know the effect of gas pressure, particle size, and nozzle area on IEERG, a series of experiments were carried out with this new setup.The variable control test results indicated that the gas pressure-IEERG curves remain the linear trend and the particle size-IEERG curves maintain the negative exponential trend for nozzle areas at 1.13, 2.26, and3.39 mm2, respectively. The increase in nozzle area leads to deceases in value of IEERG and absolute value of slope of fitting curves in each test. In addition, the orthogonal experiment showed that the influence of gas pressure, nozzle area, and particle size on IEERG decreases in turn. Only gas pressure had a marked impact on IEERG. This work offers great importance in improving the accuracy of prediction of coal and gas outburst.     

Characteristics and dominant controlling factors of gas outburst in Huaibei coalfield and its countermeasures

In order to master the main characteristics and controlling factors of gas disasters in Huaibei coalfield, based on data analysis, experimental determination and theoretical research, we analyzed the geological evolution and gas parameters in Huaibei mining area. The results show that Huaibei coalfield is located in Xu-Su arcuate tectonic circle, and the coal seam and gas occurrence took on bipolar-distribution. The dominant controlling factors of gas outburst were tectonic structures, tectonic stress, magma intrusion and mining depth. The geological conditions of Huaibei coalfield were very complicated, and almost all the outburst accidents occurred in tectonic structure zones. The horizontal tectonic stress played a dominant role in outburst accident. The thermal evolution and trap effect of magma intrusion controlled the physical characteristics of coal, gas occurrence and outburst. With the increase of mining depth, the possibility of gas outburst accidents increased significantly. After carrying out several effective regional measurements, the gas control effect was obvious and could ensure safety and high efficiency mining in outburst coal seams.     

Comparing potentials for gas outburst in a Chinese anthracite and an Australian bituminous coal mine

Gas outbursts in underground mining occur under conditions of high gas desorption rate and gas content, combined with high stress regime, low coal strength and high Young’s modulus. This combination of gas and stress factors occurs more often in deep mining. Hence, as the depth of mining increases, the potential for outburst increases. This study proposes a conceptual model to evaluate outburst potential in terms of an outburst indicator. The model was used to evaluate the potential for gas outburst in two mines, by comparing numerical simulations of gas flow behavior under typical stress regimes in an Australian gassy mine extracting a medium-volatile bituminous coal, and a Chinese gassy coal mine in Qinshui Basin (Shanxi province) extracting anthracite coal. We coupled the stress simulation program (FLAC3D) with the gas simulation program (SIMED II) to compute the stress and gas pressure and gas content distribution following development of a roadway into the targeted coal seams. The data from gas content and stress distribution were then used to quantify the intensity of energy release in the event of an outburst.     

Effects of coal seam dip angle on the outburst in coal roadway excavation

The prevention and forecast of coal and gas outburst has always been one of the key issues in coal mining safety. By simulating the process of tunneling in coal seam with different dip angle through FLAC3D software, the dangerous zone in which outburst may occur and the probability of outburst near the working face were predicted through the distribution of stress, displacement and plastic zone. Then we discussed the size of unstable area in the surrounding rock through the distribution of stress and the variation curve of the displacement on the roadway wall. The results show that, with an increase of the coal seam dip angle, the risk of outburst in the working face rises gradually. And the dangerous areas in which may outburst occur moves to the upper part of coal seam. The size of unstable area in the surrounding rock increases with the increase of coal seam dip angle.     

Pore characterization of different types of coal from coal and gas outburst disaster sites using low temperature nitrogen adsorption approach

To characterize the pore features of outburst coal samples and investigate whether outburst coal has some unique features or not, one of the authors, working as the member of the State Coal Mine Safety Committee of China, sampled nine outburst coal samples(coal powder and block) from outburst disaster sites in underground coal mines in China, and then analyzed the pore and surface features of these samples using low temperature nitrogen adsorption tests. Test data show that outburst powder and block coal samples have similar properties in both pore size distribution and surface area. With increasing coal rank, the proportion of micropores increases, which results in a higher surface area. The Jiulishan samples are rich in micropores, and other tested samples contain mainly mesopores, macropores and fewer micropores. Both the unclosed hysteresis loop and force closed desorption phenomena are observed in all tested samples. The former can be attributed to the instability of the meniscus condensation in pores,interconnected pore features of coal and the potential existence of ink-bottle pores, and the latter can be attributed to the non-rigid structure of coal and the gas affinity of coal.     

Coal and gas outburst dynamic system

Coal and gas outburst is an extremely complex dynamic disaster in coal mine production process which will damage casualties and equipment facilities, and disorder the ventilation system by suddenly ejecting a great amount of coal and gas into roadway or working face. This paper analyzed the interaction among the three essential elements of coal and gas outburst dynamic system. A stress-seepage-damage coupling model was established which can be used to simulate the evolution of the dynamical system, and then the size scale of coal and gas outburst dynamical system was investigated. Results show that the dynamical system is consisted of three essential elements, coal-gas medium(material basis), geology dynamic environment(internal motivation) and mining disturbance(external motivation). On the case of C13 coal seam in Panyi Mine, the dynamical system exists in the range of 8–12 m in front of advancing face. The size scale will be larger where there are large geologic structures. This research plays an important guiding role for developing measures of coal and gas outburst prediction and prevention.     

Physical properties and ?lter cake structure of ?ne clean coal from flotation简

In order to improve the dewatering rate and the effect of fine clean coal (FCC), the advanced method of fine coal (−0.5 mm) dewatering and the correlated basic theory were investigated in this study. It was found that the dewatering by sleeve type press filter was an efficient way of FCC dewatering. On the other hand, the results also proved that particle size distribution, volatile matter, ash content, pore size distribution and specific surface area of coal particles of FCC samples, as well as viscosity and density of FCC slurry, were important parameters in determining the process of efficient dewatering. Especially, wet mass to dry mass, specific resistance of average mass, compressibility factor and microstructure of filter cake explained the reasons and mechanisms of fine clean coal efficient dewatering.     

Response characteristics of gas pressure under simultaneous static and dynamic load: Implication for coal and gas outburst mechanism

Coal and gas outbursts are dynamic disasters in which a large mass of gas and coal suddenly emerges in a mining space within a split second. The interaction between the gas pressure and stress environment is one of the key factors that induce coal and gas outbursts. In this study, first, the coupling relationship between the gas pressure in the coal body ahead of the working face and the dynamic load was investigated using experimental observations, numerical simulations, and mine-site investiga...     

国投新登煤业31采区北翼瓦斯赋存规律研究

国投新登煤业前期采掘过程中矿井瓦斯涌出量较低,但随着开采深度的增加,瓦斯含量及压力具有明显上升的趋势,矿井迫切需要搞清深部区域的瓦斯赋存规律.结合矿井实际情况针对这一问题进行了研究,分析了影响深部区域瓦斯涌出的各种因素;研究了煤层瓦斯含量与埋藏深度的关系,绘制了31采区北翼的瓦斯含量等值线图;结合《防治煤与瓦斯突出规定》对该区的瓦斯突出危险程度进行了评价,划分出了突出危险区,并给出了防治煤与瓦斯突出的技术措施.现场生产表明,研究结果符合矿井实际情况,对矿井安全生产具有一定的指导意义.     

新安煤田煤与瓦斯突出特征及控制因素分析

为了掌握煤与瓦斯突出的特征和控制因素,提高煤矿防突工作的针对性,本文通过统计分析了新安煤田内义煤集团的4个煤与瓦斯突出矿井近年来发生的瓦斯动力现象,综合分析得出新安煤田煤与瓦斯突出具有以小型突出为主、突出前有预兆并受作业方式诱导、突出点附近瓦斯质量体积和瓦斯压力高、易发生在掘进工作面和煤层变化带的特征;分析总结了埋藏深度、瓦斯赋存、地质构造、煤层厚度变化、构造软煤、作业工艺是控制新安煤田煤与瓦斯突出的主要因素,为该煤田防治煤与瓦斯突出提供了理论指导.     

蔗糖结晶图像的特征提取与粒度分析

针对目前蔗糖结晶过程仍然依靠人工目测粒度现状,研究了基于计算机视觉的蔗糖结晶颗粒的粒度分析方法.将分割后的蔗糖颗粒图像进行一系列后续处理,完整地分离出蔗糖结晶颗粒与背景,提取蔗糖结晶颗粒的粒度与形状特征参数后进行表面积当量直径的粒度分析.在粒度分布图形表征及其分布矩基础上,计算表征颗粒粒度的重要参数,如均匀度、平均孔径、变异系数等参数.实现用机器视觉代替人工视觉定量定性地分析与计算粒度,避免了人工目测中以经验判断粒度带来的误差.     

Review of current method to determine outburst threshold limits in Australian underground coal mines

Desorption rate index (DRI) was presented to the Australian underground coal industry in 1995 as a means for determining outburst threshold limits for Australian coal seams. DRI is a measure of the gas volume released from a coal sample in the first 30 s of crushing during the Q3 stage of gas content testing, multiplied by the ratio between measured Q3 and QM. Relationships were identified between QM and DRI for both CO₂ and CH₄ rich coal samples collected from the Bulli Seam at West Cliff Colliery and that identified relationship was referred to as the Bulli Seam Benchmark. The outburst mining gas content threshold limit values specified for the Bulli Seam at that time, when applied to the QM-DRI Bulli Seam benchmark, was shown to closely align with a DRI value of 900 (DRI900), for both CO₂ and CH₄ rich seam gas conditions. The Australian coal industry adopted the DRI900 as the basis for determining outburst gas content TLV for Australian coal seams. Outburst mining experience in Australia has shown that gas content is not the only significant factor that impacts outburst risk, as all significant outburst events have been associated with abnormal geological conditions, such as faults and dykes. Therefore, assessing the potential application of additional outburst risk factors, to accurately define outburst risk zones, set safe mining threshold levels, and determine appropriate mining controls, warrants further investigation. Several Australian coal mines have implemented mining procedures enabling mining to continue in areas with gas content greater than the TLV determined using the DRI900 approach, without inducing an outburst. There is a broad lack of understanding among Australian coal mine operators as to the procedure and calculations used to determine DRI. Also, there has been growing concern regarding the accuracy and validity of the DRI900 method for determining outburst TLV. A comprehensive set of gas data has been collected from Australian coal seams, including the Bulli Seam, and this data has been used to investigate the DRI, Bulli Seam Benchmark, and the applicability of using DRI900 as the basis for assessing outburst risk and determining gas content TLV. The results are presented and discussed.     

Pattern Recognition and Forecast of Coal and Gas Outburst

Coal and gas outburst is a complicated dynamic phenomenon in coal mines, Multi-factor Pattern Recognition is based on the relevant data obtained from research achievements of Geo-dynamic Division, With the help of spatial data management, the Neuron Network and Cluster algorithm are applied to predict the danger probability of coal and gas outburst in each cell of coal mining district. So a coal-mining district can be divided into three areas： dangerous area, minatory area, and safe area. This achievement has been successfully applied for regional prediction of coal and gas outburst in Hualnan mining area in China.     

A study of mining fatalities and coal price variation

It has long been postulated that a relationship exists between commodity price cycles and fatalities in the mining industry. Previous studies have found only weak correlations in this area. This study analyses the fatalities recorded in coal mines over the period 1985–2016 in the State of Queensland as a function of thermal coal price variation. The study finds that the relationship between fatalities and coal prices is not linear. One to two fatalities occur in most years independent of the thermal coal price. When the price of coal falls below AUD 55/tonne(non-inflation adjusted), the likelihood of an incident involving multiple fatalities increases. The probability can be estimated at 2 in 18 events(equivalent to 11%). This paper postulates that in difficult economic times, mining companies react by downsizing direct employees. If not carefully managed, this can result in loss of knowledge around safety systems, and reduced effectiveness of safety supervision. Because of labour cost advantages, some jobs previously undertaken by direct employees will be replaced by contractors. Increased contractor numbers contribute to increased risk of fatalities occurring, as contractors are over-represented in accident categories involving vehicle accidents, tire handling and crushing incidents. Mine inspectorates, mining, and mining contractor companies need to be especially vigilant to enforce health and safety management systems during periods of low coal prices.     

加强瓦斯地质研究 防治煤与瓦斯突出

简述了平顶山矿区煤与瓦斯突出概况，根据影响煤与瓦斯突出的地质因素，开展了多项瓦斯地质研究课题，找出影响本区煤与瓦斯突出的内在因素和部分规律。在防治煤与瓦斯突出方面促进了安全生产，提高了经济效益。对今后瓦斯地质工作提出了建议。     

Research on Geological Structure Mark of Coal and Gas Outbursts in Pingdingshan Mining Area

Based on the study of regional displaying rules of coal and gas outburst controlled by geological structure in Pingdingshan mining area, the geological structure features in outburst sites were investigated emphatically. The combination type, orientation and least seam thickness in outburst sites were put forward. This research provides a geological mark for forecasting gas outbursts in deep mining.     

Effect of protective coal seam mining and gas extraction on gas transport in a coal seam

A gas–solid coupling model involving coal seam deformation,gas diffusion and seepage,gas adsorption and desorption was built to study the gas transport rule under the effect of protective coal seam mining.The research results indicate:(1) The depressurization effect changes the stress state of an overlying coal seam and causes its permeability to increase,thus gas in the protected coal seam will be desorbed and transported under the effect of a gas pressure gradient,which will cause a decrease in gas pressure.(2) Gas pressure can be further decreased by setting out gas extraction boreholes in the overlying coal seam,which can effectively reduce the coal and gas outburst risk.The research is of important engineering significance for studying the gas transport rule in protected coal seam and providing important reference for controlling coal and gas outbursts in deep mining in China.     

地面群孔瓦斯抽采技术应用研究

为保证新集一矿突出煤层13-1煤北中央采区的安全开采,先后开采131103、131105等11-2煤层工作面作为保护层。首先在上述两个工作面共布置了6个地面钻孔,建立了地面群孔瓦斯抽采系统,预抽采动区被保护层13-1煤瓦斯。接下来对地面钻孔抽采瓦斯参数进行了考察,主要包括基于示踪技术考察了131105工作面采动卸压地面钻孔走向及倾向瓦斯抽采半径,统计分析被保护层瓦斯抽采率,同时就地面群孔与井下底板巷穿层钻孔瓦斯抽采两种方法进行了抽采率、工程费用等方面的对比。研究结果表明：新集一矿的地层条件下地面钻孔抽采煤层卸压瓦斯沿煤层倾向和走向的抽采半径分别不小于160m和240m;采动区地面群孔瓦斯抽采率达35%以上;地面钻孔相对比井下底板巷,在抽采瓦斯方面具有技术上可靠、安全、经济等优点。