101 / 2023-06-15 14:44:50

Model tests of methane drainage system with the overlying roadway

methane drainage,longwall mining,model test,in-seam borehole,methane hazard

The increase in hard coal extraction over the last 25 years and the simultaneous increase in the methane saturation of coal seams along with the depth of mining is the main reason for the radical increase in methane emissions to the environment. Undertaking actions aimed at improving the effectiveness of ventilation and methane drainage of longwall workings have a significant impact on reducing the level of methane hazard in mining areas. Increasing the effectiveness of methane drainage in the longwall environment leads to a decrease in the volumetric flow rate of methane emitted to the mine environment, and consequently to a decrease in the amount of methane released into the atmosphere through mine shafts. The modernization of technological processes of hard coal extraction in Polish mines, such as: the use of high-productive mining machines (longwall shearers and transport systems) has surpassed the classical techniques of longwall methane drainage used in recent decades. Meanwhile, the application of effective methane drainage of selected longwalls allows to fulfil the criteria of ventilation and methane hazard prevention, reducing the volumetric emission of methane from mines to the atmosphere. Therefore, this article presents an attempt to improve the efficiency of methane drainage, based on the results of model tests, which allowed to reduce the high concentration of longwall mining and the emission of methane discharged from mining areas to the atmosphere.