scholarly journals Challenges and Opportunities for End-of-Life Coal Mine Sites: Black-to-Green Energy Approach

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1385
Author(s):  
Aleksander Frejowski ◽  
Jan Bondaruk ◽  
Adam Duda
Keyword(s):  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Coalbed Methane ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Mining Institute ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification ◽  
Temporal Horizon

This paper presents the possibilities of adapting active mines to generate green energy after their closure using their resources and/or infrastructure. For this purpose, firstly, the temporal horizon of selected mines in Poland was determined, its basic assumption being the analysis of the current state. In the research, 18 mining plants operating within 12 mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) were analyzed. The analyzed mines belong to three of the five largest hard coal producers in Poland, and the main object of exploitation is hard coal of energy types. Severe restrictions or even abandonment of further investments in the development of the coal mining industry were taken into consideration (regarding the construction of new shafts or the development of new exploitation levels). When determining the temporal horizon, the challenges that hamper the exploitation based at the levels of natural hazards and depth of exploitation in each mine were considered. Secondly, the criteria for the adaptation of active mines to generate energy are presented. The possibility of using the resources and infrastructural potential of active mines to produce geothermal energy from water, extracting coalbed methane (CBM), and processes of underground coal gasification (UCG) are analyzed. Finally, for a selected example—generating energy from underground coal gasification in Polish mine conditions—a structural analysis of the criteria was performed using the MICMAC method, as the Central Mining Institute has an extensive experience in the development of underground coal gasification trials in coal mines. Based on expert analysis and using structural analysis, the criteria important for UCG were selected. As demonstrated in the article, the MICMAC method can be applied in other scenarios with different criteria to implement new technologies in coal mines.

Hybrid Technology of Hard Coal Mining from Seams Located at Great Depths

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 575-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Czaja ◽  
Paweł Kamiński ◽  
Jerzy Klich ◽  
Antoni Tajduś
Keyword(s):  
Coal Mining ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Economic Effect ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Coal Extraction ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification

Abstract Learning to control fire changed the life of man considerably. Learning to convert the energy derived from combustion of coal or hydrocarbons into another type of energy, such as steam pressure or electricity, has put him on the path of scientific and technological revolution, stimulating dynamic development. Since the dawn of time, fossil fuels have been serving as the mankind’s natural reservoir of energy in an increasingly great capacity. A completely incomprehensible refusal to use fossil fuels causes some local populations, who do not possess a comprehensive knowledge of the subject, to protest and even generate social conflicts as an expression of their dislike for the extraction of minerals. Our times are marked by the search for more efficient ways of utilizing fossil fuels by introducing non-conventional technologies of exploiting conventional energy sources. During apartheid, South Africa demonstrated that cheap coal can easily satisfy total demand for liquid and gaseous fuels. In consideration of current high prices of hydrocarbon media (oil and gas), gasification or liquefaction of coal seems to be the innovative technology convergent with contemporary expectations of both energy producers as well as environmentalists. Known mainly from literature reports, underground coal gasification technologies can be brought down to two basic methods: - shaftless method - drilling, in which the gasified seam is uncovered using boreholes drilled from the surface, - shaft method, in which the existing infrastructure of underground mines is used to uncover the seams. This paper presents a hybrid shaft-drilling approach to the acquisition of primary energy carriers (methane and syngas) from coal seams located at great depths. A major advantage of this method is the fact that the use of conventional coal mining technology requires the seams located at great depths to be placed on the off-balance sheet, while the hybrid method of underground gasification enables them to become a source of additional energy for the economy. It should be noted, however, that the shaft-drilling method cannot be considered as an alternative to conventional methods of coal extraction, but rather as a complementary and cheaper way of utilizing resources located almost beyond the technical capabilities of conventional extraction methods due to the associated natural hazards and high costs of combating them. This article presents a completely different approach to the issue of underground coal gasification. Repurposing of the already fully depreciated mining infrastructure for the gasification process may result in a large value added of synthesis gas production and very positive economic effect.

scholarly journals Techno-economic analysis of producing low heating value underground coal gasification gas in Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 882 (1) ◽  
pp. 012081
Author(s):  
M. Huda ◽  
S. Salinita ◽  
Zulfahmi ◽  
N Madiutomo ◽  
E Handayani
Keyword(s):  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification ◽  
Discounted Cash Flow ◽  
Heating Value

Abstract Indonesia is currently reviewing the use of underground coal gasification (UCG) technology to utilize deep-seated coal. UCG may exploit the coal deposit that is not feasible for open-pit mines due to its great depths. In this study, the UCG plant in two coal mines, the Kideco Jaya Agung (KJA) and the Indominco (IMM) coal mines, will be compared their economics in producing low heating value gas with a capacity of 170,000 MJ/hour. The UCG plants implement the linking vertical well (LVW) technique combined with reverses combustion linking (RCL). The discounted cash flow (DCF) method is used for financial analysis to determine the minimum selling price of UCG low heating value gas. The study aims to understand the economic feasibility of applying UCG technology to Indonesia’s different characteristics of coal deposits. The results show the minimum prices of the low heating value UCG gas of KJA and IMM UCG plants are USD 3/MMBTU and USD 3.57/MMBTU, respectively. The operating cost of the IMM UCG is higher than that of the KJA UCG plant due to its thinner and deeper coal seams.

Pollution of water during underground coal gasification of hard coal and lignite

Fuel ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 1927-1934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Kapusta ◽  
Krzysztof Stańczyk
Keyword(s):  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification

scholarly journals Zonation of deposits of hard coals of different porosity in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-24
Author(s):  
Mirosława Bukowska ◽  
Urszula Sanetra ◽  
Mariusz Wadas
Keyword(s):  
Open Porosity ◽  
Structural Unit ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification ◽  
Coal Basin ◽  
Upper Silesian Coal Basin ◽  
Lithostratigraphic Units ◽  
Deposition Depth

Abstract The article presents the results of tests of porosity of the Upper-Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) hard coals. The porosity was determined for various lithotypes of hard coal, collected in different areas of the Upper-Silesian Coal Basin. Samples of hard coal were collected in 60 seams of 16 coal mines, from the depth of approximately between 350 and 1200 m. There are also presented differences in values of open porosity of coal depending on the depth of occurrence, as well as chronostratigraphic and tectonic correlation of a seam. Uniaxial compression strength of the tested coals falls in the strength class from very low to very high (from 8.1 to 51.5 MPa), open porosity is 0.68–12.5% and total porosity is 3.29–17.45%. With an increase in depth, in general, open porosity of coals decreases. There is an apparent decrease in open porosity correlated with the age of hard coals. It was observed that the lower and upper limits of open porosity ranges of variability shift towards lower values the older the coals are, from the Łaziskie Beds to the Jaklowieckie Beds. The older the coals the greater the average drop in the share of open porosity in total porosity from 60% for the youngest coals to merely several per cent for the oldest ones. The highest values of total porosity (over 10%) were observed in the youngest coals (Cracow sandstone series and siltstone series). Older coals reached more diversified values of total porosity (3.29–17.45%). Based on the conducted tests, zones correlated with tectonics of the basin and with deposition of lithostratigraphic beds of specific age, where values of porosity of hard coals differ, were determined in the area of the USCB. However, in spite of their correlation to a structural unit, the coals demonstrated a decrease in open porosity with an increase in their geologic age. Thus, there is an apparent influence of the deposition depth of coal within a given structural unit on open porosity following the age of coal, i.e. correlation to an older and older chronostratigraphic unit. Porosity tests of hard coal are published in scientific journals yet, most often, there is no information on the type of porosity. Such detailed characteristics of open porosity for coal of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, as in the article, have not been prepared yet, making our research novel. Such broad tests of porosity of hard coals, correlated with their strength and referring to the deposition depth of seams as well as a correlation to lithostratigraphic units within individual structural units in the USCB, had not been conducted yet. We believe it is a sufficient argument to start detailed research into the open porosity of hard coals. The results of the tests are important from both the research and practical points of view. Knowledge of coal porosity is indispensable in solving many engineering problems of geological engineering, mining geomechanics and mining e.g.: assessing behaviour of coal when it is mined and processed, assessing the possibility of capturing methane, which makes up over 90% of natural gas, from coal in the areas of methane-rich deposits; the possibility of storing various substances in abandoned hard coal mining areas (e.g. CO2 storage within the structure of coal), assessing risk of occurrence of certain natural hazards resulting from mining deposits (e.g. coal and rocks outburst hazard), as well as assessing the possibility of applying unconventional methods of mining hard coal deposits (e.g. underground coal gasification).

scholarly journals An ex Situ Underground Coal Gasification Experiment with a Siderite Interlayer. Course of the Process, Production Gas, Temperatures and Energy Efficiency

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marian Wiatowski ◽  
Krzysztof Kapusta ◽  
Jacek Nowak ◽  
Marcin Szyja ◽  
Wioleta Basa
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification ◽  
Gasification Process ◽  
Process Gas

Abstract A 72-hour ex situ hard coal gasification test in one large block of coal was carried out. The gasifying agent was oxygen with a constant flow rate of 4.5 Nm3/h. The surroundings of coal were simulated with wet sand with 11% moisture content. A 2-cm interlayer of siderite was placed in the horizontal cut of the coal block. As a result of this process, gas with an average flow rate of 12.46 Nm3/h was produced. No direct influence of siderite on the gasification process was observed; however, measurements of CO2 content in the siderite interlayer before and after the process allowed to determine the location of high-temperature zones in the reactor. The greatest influence on the efficiency of the gasification process was exerted by water contained in wet sand. At the high temperature that prevailed in the reactor, this water evaporated and reacted with the incandescent coal, producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This reaction contributed to the relatively high calorific value of the resulting process gas, averaging 9.41 MJ/kmol, and to the high energy efficiency of the whole gasification process, which amounted to approximately 70%.

scholarly journals Determination of Ammonium Concentration in Post-Process Waters from Underground Coal Gasification

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
Malwina Cykowska ◽  
Małgorzata Bebek ◽  
Aleksandra Strugała-Wilczek
Keyword(s):  
Flow Injection ◽  
Flow Injection Analysis ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Ammonium Concentration ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification ◽  
Permeable Membrane ◽  
Indicator Solution ◽  
Validation Parameters

AbstractA flow injection analysis method for spectrophotometric determination of ammonium in waters produced during underground coal gasification (UCG) of lignite and hard coal was described. The analysis of UCG water samples is very difficult because of their very complicated matrix and colour. Due to a huge content of organic and inorganic substances and intensive colour of samples (sometimes yellow, quite often dark brown or even black), most analytical methods are not suitable for practical application. Flow injection analysis (FIA) is based on diffusion of ammonia through a hydrophobic gas permeable membrane from an alkaline solution stream into an acid-base indicator solution stream. Diffused ammonia causes a colour change of indicator solution, and ammonia is subsequently quantified spectrophotometrically at 590 nm wavelength. The reliability of the results provided by applied method was evaluated by checking validation parameters like accuracy and precision. Accuracy was evaluated by recovery studies using multiple standard addition method. Precision as repeatability was expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV).

Basic Aspects Of Productivity Of Underground Coal Gasification Process

2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 443-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Józef Dubiński ◽  
Marian Turek
Keyword(s):  
Coal Seam ◽  
Coal Mine ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Industrial Scale ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Gasification Process ◽  
Mining Coal ◽  
Gasification Technology

Abstract An analysis of conditions which enable attaining possibly highest productivity of industrial scale underground coal gasification technology is presented. The analysis was prepared basing on results obtained during an experimental gasification process conducted in workings of an active hard coal mine. Basic aspects determining application and productivity of the technology concern both general conditions, referring to the hard coal seam being gasified, and practical issues, which need to be considered in coal mine conditions. To present them, the technology of underground coal gasification and still commonly used classical longwall method of mining coal seams are compared.

scholarly journals Large-scale Experimental Investigations to Evaluate the Feasibility of Producing Methane-Rich Gas (SNG) through Underground Coal Gasification Process. Effect of Coal Rank and Gasification Pressure

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Kapusta ◽  
Marian Wiatowski ◽  
Krzysztof Stańczyk ◽  
Renato Zagorščak ◽  
Hywel Rhys Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Maximum Energy ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Coal Rank ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification ◽  
Gasification Process ◽  
Pressure Regime

An experimental campaign on the methane-oriented underground coal gasification (UCG) process was carried out in a large-scale laboratory installation. Two different types of coal were used for the oxygen/steam blown experiments, i.e., “Six Feet” semi-anthracite (Wales) and “Wesoła” hard coal (Poland). Four multi-day gasification tests (96 h continuous processes) were conducted in artificially created coal seams under two distinct pressure regimes-20 and 40 bar. The experiments demonstrated that the methane yields are significantly dependent on both the properties of coal (coal rank) and the pressure regime. The average CH4 concentration for “Six Feet” semi-anthracite was 15.8%vol. at 20 bar and 19.1%vol. at 40 bar. During the gasification of “Wesoła” coal, the methane concentrations were 10.9%vol. and 14.8%vol. at 20 and 40 bar, respectively. The “Six Feet” coal gasification was characterized by much higher energy efficiency than gasification of the “Wesoła” coal and for both tested coals, the efficiency increased with gasification pressure. The maximum energy efficiency of 71.6% was obtained for “Six Feet” coal at 40 bar. A positive effect of the increase in gasification pressure on the stabilization of the quantitative parameters of UCG gas was demonstrated.

scholarly journals OPTIMIZATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF A HEAT RECUPERATOR ON THE BASIS OF UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Volodymyr Falshtynskyi ◽  
◽  
Pavlo Saik ◽  
Roman Dychkovskyi ◽  
Vasyl Lozynskyi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Underground Coal Gasification ◽  
Gas Generator ◽  
Environmental Friendliness ◽  
Heat Recuperator ◽  
Gasification Products

Mining of the off-balanced and balanced reserves of mines, being under closure or completing their operation, required the implementation of mobile, complex, and environmentally friendly development technologies based on the processes of well underground coal gasification (WUCG) that unites mining of coal and its energy-chemical use. Environmental friendliness of the WUCG process is possible due to its controllability, hermeticity of the underground gas generator, and complex use of cogeneration technologies in the closed cycle of purification and processing of gasification products. The set engineering tasks were performed using analytical studies, bench studies and field studies. Efficiency of thermal energy generation were studies using rocks enclosing the underground gasifier and generator gases. These sources being the basic heat generating segments of energy chemical complex for coal gasification being formed at the territories of operating coal mines or mines at the stage of their closure. Prospects of coal gasification and thermal energy generation using rock disposals of coal mines have been estimated.

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