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.     

急倾斜煤层巷道放顶煤采煤法研究

在梅田矿务局六矿成功地试验了巷道放顶煤采煤法，探讨了顶煤的可放性、放煤巷道的稳定性、全风压通风和提高回收率等关键问题，拓宽了放顶煤采煤法在急倾斜中厚～厚煤层中的应用。     

Study on “fracturing-sealing” integration technology based on high-energy gas fracturing in single seam with high gas and low air permeability

To improve the gas extraction efficiency of single seam with high gas and low air permeability, we developed the “fracturing-sealing” integration technology, and carried out the engineering experiment in the 3305 Tunliu mine. In the experiment, coal seams can achieve the aim of antireflection effect through the following process: First, project main cracks with the high energy pulse jet. Second, break the coal body by delaying the propellant blasting. Next, destroy the dense structure of the hard coal body, and form loose slit rings around the holes. Finally, seal the boreholes with the “strong–weak–strong” pressurized sealing technology. The results are as follows: The average concentration of gas extraction increases from 8.3% to 39.5%. The average discharge of gas extraction increases from 0.02 to 0.10 m³/min. The tunneling speeds up from 49.5 to 130 m/month. And the permeability of coal seams improves nearly tenfold. Under the same conditions, the technology is much more efficient in depressurization and antireflection than common methods. In other words, it will provide a more effective way for the gas extraction of single seam with high gas and low air permeability.     

Numerical simulation of influence of Langmuir adsorption constant on gas drainage radius of drilling in coal seam

To determine reasonable distance of gas pre-drainage drillings in coal seams, a solid–gas coupling model that takes gas adsorption effect into account was constructed. In view of different adsorption constants,the paper conducted the numerical simulation of pre-drainage gas in drillings along coal seam, studied the relationship of adsorption constants and permeability, gas pressure, and effective drainage radius of coal seams, and applied the approach to the layout of pre-drainage gas drillings in coal seams. The results show that the permeability of coal seams is on the gradual increase with time, which is divided into three sections according to the increase rate: the drainage time 0–30 d is the sharp increase section;30–220 d is the gradual increase section; and the time above 200 d is the stable section. The permeability of coal seams is in negative linear and positive exponent relation with volume adsorption constant VLand pressure adsorption constant PL, respectively. The effective drainage radius is in negative linear relation with VLand in positive exponent relation with PL. Compared with the former design scheme, the engineering quantity of drilling could be reduced by 25%.     

Zonal extraction technology and numerical simulation analysis in open pit coal mine

In order to enhance coal recovery ratio of open pit coal mines, a new extraction method called zonal mining system for residual coal around the end-walls is presented. The mining system can improve economic benefits by exploiting haulage and ventilation roadways from the exposed position of coal seams by utilizing the existing transportation systems. Moreover, the main mining parameters have also been discussed. The outcome shows that the load on coal seam roof is about 0.307 MPa and the drop step of the coal seam roof about 20.3 m when the thickness of cover and average volume weight are about 120 m and 0.023 MN/m³ respectively. With the increase of mining height and width, the coal recovery ratio can be improved. However, when recovery ratio is more than 0.85, the average stress on the coal pillar will increase tempestuously, so the recovery ratio should also be controlled to make the coal seam roof safe. Based on the numerical simulation results, it is concluded that the ratio of coal pillar width to height should be more than 1.0 to make sure the coal pillars are steady, and there are only minor displacements on the end-walls.     

Coal and rock fissure evolution and distribution characteristics of multi-seam mining

Henan Pingdingshan No.10 mine is prone to both coal and gas outbursts. The E_9–10 coal seam is the main coal-producing seam but has poor quality ventilation, thus making it relatively difficult for gas extraction. The F₁₅ coal seam, at its lower section, is not prone to coal and gas outbursts. The average seam separation distance of 150 m is greater than the upper limit for underside protective seam mining. Based on borehole imaging technology for field exploration of coal and rock fracture characteristics and discrete element numerical simulation, we have studied the evolution laws and distribution characteristics of the coal and rock fissure field between these two coal seams. By analysis of the influential effect of group F coal mining on the E_9–10 coal seam, we have shown that a number of small fissures also develop in the area some 150 m above the overlying strata. The width and number of the fissures also increase with the extent of mining activity. Most of the fissures develop at a low angle or even parallel to the strata. The results show that the mining of the F₁₅ coal seam has the effect of improving the permeability of the E_9–10 coal seam.     

Simulation Analysis of Coal Mining with Top-Coal Caving Under Hard-and-Thick Strata

1 Introduction A large amount of coal seam with hard coal and hard roof exists in the east mining area of China, such as in the representative mining area of Xuzhou, where the hardness is relatively large (f >2); the roof is hard and the thickness is relatively large (about 20 m). Two key problems must be solved for the suc- cessful application of fully-mechanized coal face with top-coal caving technology: the first is the top-coal falling ability and the second is the control of the hard-and-…     

Strata behavior investigation for high-intensity mining in the water-rich coal seam

This paper describes a specific case of mining in a water-rich coal seam in western China. Water inrushes, roof caving and other disasters induced by intensive mining operation could pose great threats to the safety of coal mines. The strata behavior during the high-intensity extraction in the water-rich coal seam is analyzed by employing the numerical simulation method and in situ monitoring. The results show that about 10 m ahead of the workface, the front abutment pressure peaks is at 34.13 MPa, while the peak of the side abutment pressure is located about 8 m away from the gateway with the value of 12.41 MPa; the height of the fracture zone, the first weighting step and the cycle weighting step are calculated to be 45, 50 and 20.8 m, respectively; pressure distribution in the workface is characterized by that the vertical pressure in the center occurs earlier and is stronger than those on both ends. Then, the results above are verified by in situ measurement, which may provide a basis for safe mining under similar conditions.     

Fractured zone height of longwall mining and its effects on the overburden aquifers

As mining depth becomes deeper and deeper, the possibility of undermining overburden aquifers is increasing. It is very important for coal miners to undertake studies on the height of fractured zone during longwall mining and the effects of longwall mining on the underground water while mining under surface water bodies and underground aquifers. In order to study this problem, piezometers for monitoring underground water levels were installed above the longwall panels in an American coalmine. Large amounts of pre-mining, during mining and post-mining monitoring data were collected. Based on the data, the heights of fractured zones were obtained and the effects of longwall mining on the underground water were studied. The results demonstrate that when the piezometer monitoring wells had an interburden thickness of less than 72.7 m, the groundwater level decreased immediately to immeasurable levels and the wells went dry after undermining the face of longwall. The height of the fractured zone is 72.7–85.3 m in the geological and mining conditions. The results also show that the calculated values of fractured zones by the empirical formulae used in China are smaller than the actual results. Therefore, it is not always safe to use them for analyses while mining under water bodies.     

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.     

Deformed coal types and pore characteristics in Hancheng coalmines in Eastern Weibei coalfields

Based on SEM observance, the methods of low-temperature nitrogen and isothermal adsorption were used to test and analyze the coal samples of Hancheng, and pore structure characteristics of tectonic coals were discussed. The results indicate that in the same coal rank, stratification and crack are well developed in cataclastic coal, which is mostly filled by mineral substance in the geohydrologic element abundance, results in pore connectivity variation. Granulated and mylonitic coal being of these characteristics, as develop microstructures and exogenous fractures as well as large quantity of pores resulted from gas generation and strong impermeability, stimulate the recovery of seepage coal, improve coal connectivity and enhance reservoir permeability. Absorption pore (micro-pore) is dominant in coal pore for different coal body structure, the percentage of which pore aperture is from 1 to 100 nm is 71.44% to 88.15%, including large of micro-pore with the 74.56%–94.70%; with the deformation becoming more intense in the same coal rank, mesopore enlarge further, open-end pores become thin-neck-bottle-shaped pores step by step, specific surface area of micro-pore for cataclastic coal is 0.0027 m²/g, while mylonitic coal increases to 7.479 m²/g, micro-pore gradually play a dominant role in effecting pore structural parameters.     

Effect of the column height on the performance of liquid–solid fluidized bed for the separation of coarse slime

A liquid–solid fluidized bed separator, used for the separation of coarse slime, was developed. Test particles sized in the range from 0.25 to 0.5, 0.5 to 1.0, and 0.25 to 1.0 mm were separated in the liquid–solid fluidized bed. Beds with column heights of 1200, 1500, and 1800 mm were tried. The clean coal and the tailings were subsequently analyzed by float–sink testing. The results showed that the ash and yield of clean coal both decreased with increasing column height, for all three size fractions, and that the ash of the clean coal obtained from tests on the broader size fraction was less than that from the narrower sized fractions. The separation density decreased with increasing column height. The lowest E value was seen for a column height of 1500 mm, for which conditions the separation density was 1.45 g/cm³. The E value was 0.084 for the 0.25–0.5 mm fraction but the corresponding separation density was 1.48 g/cm³, and the E value 0.089, for the broader 0.25–1.0 mm fraction.     

Fractal dimension of coal particles and their CH4 adsorption

We describe the fractal analysis of three differently sized coal samples (0.350–0.833 mm, 0.245–0.350 mm, and 0.198–0.245 mm). The influence of fractal dimension on CH₄ adsorption capacity is investigated. The physical parameters of the samples were determined via the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory. A CH₄ adsorption study over the pressures range from 0 to 5 MPa was carried out with a new volumetric measurement system. The CH₄ adsorption was measured using the differently sized coal. Two fractal dimensions, D₁ and D₂ were determined over the pressure ranges from 0 to 0.5 MPa and from 0.5 to 1 MPa, using the Frenkel-Halsey-Hill (FHH) method. We conclude that the two fractal dimensions correlate with the CH₄ adsorption capacity of the coal: increasing CH₄ adsorption capacity occurs with a corresponding increase in fractal dimension. Furthermore, D₁ and D₂ are positively correlated with surface area, pore volume, and samples size. The size distribution of the samples has fractal characteristics.     

Rock excavation using surface miners: An overview of some design and operational aspects

Surface miner, a continuous mining machine, is being manufactured in India and abroad owing to enhanced demand of production in various mining industries like coal, limestone, gypsum, bauxite etc. Different types of surface miners are manufactured today based on cutting drum placement and design specifications. Selective mining without drilling and blasting, high production and small size products are some of the prominent attractive features obtained with these moving marvels. This machine can be used with good efficiency in soft to medium hard rock (100–120 MPa). This paper synthesizes the different applications, equipment models, features offered, operating methods, cutting performance assessment models as well as typical production performance of surface miner in coal and limestone mines of India. Engine hour metre reading, diesel and pick consumptions are linearly influenced by production. The emphasis for future research is also brought out.     

Regional gas drainage techniques in Chinese coal mines

China’s rapid economic development has increased the demand for coal. These results in Chinese coal mines being extended to deeper levels. The eastern Chinese, more economical developed, regions have a long history of coal mining and many coal mines have now started deep mining at a depth from 800 to 1500 m. This increase in mining depth, geostresses, pressures, and gas content of the coal seam complicates geologic construction conditions. Lower permeability and softer coal contribute to increasing numbers of coal and gas outburst, and gas explosion, disasters. A search on effective methods of preventing gas disasters has been provided funds from the Chinese government since 1998. The National Engineering Research Center of Coal Gas Control and the Huainan and Huaibei Mining Group have conducted theoretical and experimental research on a regional gas extraction technology. The results included two important findings. First, grouped coal seams allow adoption of a method where a first, key protective layer is mined to protect upper and lower coal seams by increasing permeability from 400 to 3000 times. Desorption of gas and gas extraction in the protected coal seam of up to 60%, or more, may be achieved in this way. Second, a single seam may be protected by using a dense network of extraction boreholes consisting of cross and along-bed holes. Combined with this is increased use of water that increases extraction of coal seam gas by up to 50%. Engineering practice showed that regional gas drainage technology eliminates regional coal and gas outburst and also enables mining under low gas conditions. These research results have been adopted into the national safety codes of production technology. This paper systematically introduces the principles of the technology, the engineering methods and techniques, and the parameters of regional gas drainage. Engineering applications are discussed.     

Experimental research on coal seam similar material proportion and its application

In this paper, the optimization design of the low strength mechanical test and orthogonal test have been analyzed in order to simulate the mechanical properties of thick and extra-thick coal seam accurately in a similar material simulation test. The results show that the specimen can reach a wider range of strength when cement has been used compared to that of gypsum, suggesting that cement is more suitable for making coal seam in similar material simulation tests. The uniaxial compressive strength is more sensitive to cement than coal or sand. The proportion of coal and sand do not play a decisive role in uniaxial compressive strength. The uniaxial compressive strength and specimen density decrease as the mass percent of coal and aggregate–binder ratio rise. There is a positive correlation between uniaxial compressive strength and density. The No. 5 proportion(cement: sand: water: activated carbon: coal = 6:6:7:1.1:79.9)was chosen to be used in the similar material simulation test of steeply dipping and extra-thick coal seam with a density of 0.913 g/cm~3 and an uniaxial compressive strength of 0.076 MPa which are in accordance with the similarity theory. The phenomenon of overburden stratum movement, fracture development and floor pressure relief were obtained during the similar material simulation test by using the proportion.     

Coal petrology characteristics of middlings from Qianjiaying fat coal mine

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the coal petrology characteristics of slack middlings (13–0.5 mm) of dense media separation and flotation middlings from Qianjiaying fat coal preparation plant. Phase composition, macerals distribution, microlithotype and mineral occurrence of the two middlings were studied by XRD analysis and polarized light microscopy observation. Macerals distribution and wettability of the float-and-sink products separated from the middlings after grinding was investigated to determine the liberation degree. Studies show that there are more vitrinite and mineral, but less inertinite in slack middlings than in flotation middlings. Macerals associated with mineral in slack middlings is 69.85%, by volume, which is 17.86% higher than that in flotation middlings. Minerals in slack middlings are dominated by pyrite and clay, which are disseminated with the diameter less than 2 μm. The main mineral in flotation middlings is clay with size range of 2–20 μm. Single macerals in the slack middlings are difficult to liberate due to the fine-grained minerals. After grinding, macerals associated with minerals in the slack middlings decrease to 46.73%, by volume, which is higher than in flotation middlings by 25.89%, by volume. For slack middlings with poor liberation degree, density fractions below 1.8 g/cm³ is hydrophobic with contact angle above 71.5°. For the well liberated flotation middlings, there is significant wettability difference among the float-and-sink products. This research is the theoretical basis to realize re-separation of middlings.     

Greenhouse gas emissions from shallow uncovered coal seams

This study discusses a method of quantifying emissions from surface coal mining that has been trialled in Australia. The method is based on direct measurement of surface emissions from uncovered coal seams in mine pits, concurrent measurement of residual gas content of blasted coal in mine pits, and measurement of pre-mining gas content of the same seam from cores retrieved from exploration boreholes drilled away from active mining. The results from one of the mines studied are presented in this paper. In this mine, the pre-mining gas content of the target seam was measured using cores from an exploration borehole away from active mining. Gas content varied from 0.7 to 0.8 m³/t and gas composition varied from 16% to 21% CH₄ (84–79% CO₂). In-pit measurements included seam surface emissions and residual gas content of blasted and ripped coal. Residual gas content varied from 0.09 to 0.15 m³/t, less than twofold across the mine pit. Composition of the residual gas was in general 90% CO₂ and 10% CH₄, with slight variation between samples. Coal seam surface emissions varied from 1.03 to 7.50 mL of CO₂-e per minute and per square meter of the coal seam surface, a sevenfold variation across the mine pit.     

Time evolution of coal structure during low temperature air oxidation

The time evolution of coal structure during low temperature oxidation was investigated by oxidizing coal samples in air at 120 °C for periods of up to 14 days. The structure of the oxidized coal samples was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and curve fitting analysis. The results show that carboxyl and ether groups are the main oxygen containing moieties in oxidized coal. Ethers are most abundant during the first 3 days of oxidation, thereafter carboxyl groups predominate. The content of carboxyl and ester functionality increases with oxidation time. The other oxygen containing groups vary in concentration over time. The amount of hydroxyl groups first decreases then increases and finally decrease again during the oxidation. The aliphatic structure and the degree of branching of the aliphatic chains is reduced as the oxidation proceeds. The proportion of aromatic structure increases with oxidation time. Obvious decomposition of aromatic rings occurs after about 9 days of oxidation. The aryl ester bands and the CH₃/CH₂ ratio both have a good linear relationship to oxidation time.     

Effect of temperature and stress on molecular structure and carbon monoxide generation of lignite from Kailuan mining area

In order to analyze the origin of carbon monoxide(CO) in coal seams, stress–strain experiments under temperature of 50, 150 and 250 °C were conducted using lignite from Kailuan mining area. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis were carried out before and after deformation of the samples. The results indicated that CO generated at 150 and 250 °C; the gas component was mostly oxygen(O_2), with small amount of carbon dioxide(CO_2), methane(CH_4) and hydrogen(H_2). At 50 °C, O_2 and a little CO_2 were observed and no CO was found. The carbon content of the coal samples increased slightly after deformation, and the oxygen content, H/C ratio, and O/C ratio decreased. The molecular structure of coal displayed different evolution characteristics at various temperatures. At 50 and 150 °C, the falling off of side chains, broken of ether bond and directional realignment of the aliphatic chains resulting in the formation of long chains were the main performance of coal molecular structure evolution. While at 250 °C, the side chains fell off and short chains formed. Furthermore, at both 150 and 250 °C, condensed degree of aromatic ring increased. Under the action of temperature and pressure, CO forms in two ways.The first is that ether bond breaks, oxygen and carbon atoms combine together and forms CO, or O_2 forming in the broken of ether–oxygen bond leads to the oxidation of free radicals and resulting in the formation of CO. And the second is that CO derives from falling off of C=O group.