scholarly journals Possibilities of Capturing Methane from Hard Coal Deposits Lying at Great Depths

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3542
Author(s):  
Nikodem Szlązak ◽  
Justyna Swolkień
Keyword(s):  
Underground Mining ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Methane Drainage ◽  
Coal Deposits ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Flammable Gas ◽  
Deposition Depth

Methane present in coal seams is a natural hazard present during the exploitation of underground mining plants. It is an explosive and flammable gas that is released into mining excavations, and it is necessary to reduce its concentration. Capturing methane while preparing extraction is virtually impossible due to the low permeability of coal resulting from its deposition depth. After the beginning of exploitation and disrupting the seam’s structure, methane is released into mine air. The most common method of minimizing gas released into ventilation air is draining the rock mass. This method allows achieving the desired ventilation parameters but requires appropriate mining techniques in hazardous areas. The article presents the example of methane capture during the operation in the longwall B-15 with an overlying drainage gallery. The authors have highlighted an example of the longwall B-15 that when using this particular drainage method, allowed capturing twice the amount of methane forecasted, thus increasing the efficiency of methane drainage. At the preliminary stage of longwall development, the amount of methane charged by the drainage system had relatively low values, reaching 15 m3/min. In the next few months, these parameters increased and varied between 35 to 55 m3/min. A significant difference in methane capture appeared in the second stage of exploitation, where the highest value of captured methane reached 82 m3/min. This particular longwall example shows that it is crucial to properly design the drainage system for seams with high forecasted methane release. It is worth remembering that using a drainage gallery provides an increase in the methane capture from the desorption zone areas, thus increasing total methane capture in comparison to forecasts.

scholarly journals Analysis of methane hazard in longwall working equipped with a powered longwall complex

2020 ◽  
Vol 174 ◽  
pp. 01011
Author(s):  
Leszek Sobik ◽  
Jarosław Brodny ◽  
Gennady Buyаlich ◽  
Pavel Strelnikov
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Mining Operation ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Methane Drainage ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Advanced Model

Most of currently exploited hard coal seams has a very high degree of methane saturation. Consequently, the mining process of such deposits generates substantial amounts of methane. This in turn increases the risk of fire and/or explosion of this gas. Methane hazard is currently one of the most dangerous threats occurring in the process of underground mining exploitation. In particular, this applies to longwall excavations where the rock mass mining process generates the highest level of this gas. Commonly used high-performance longwall complexes cause an increase in the amount of coal output, which also causes an increase in the amount of methane released. In order to prevent hazardous concentrations, appropriate ventilation systems and atmosphere monitoring in mining excavations are used. The paper discusses currently used methods designed to limit risks caused by methane such as methane drainage. The paper presents an example of the use of an innovative method of analysing methane risk status and measures aimed at minimizing it. The developed method is based on air parameters in the actual mining area which were then used to create a method of ventilation for such excavations. The method combines advanced model analysis and experience of mine employees and integrates academic and practical knowledge. The main objective of the activities presented in the article was to improve the safety of mining operation

scholarly journals Tests to Ensure the Minimum Methane Concentration for Gas Engines to Limit Atmospheric Emissions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Borowski ◽  
Piotr Życzkowski ◽  
Rafał Łuczak ◽  
Michał Karch ◽  
Jianwei Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Methane Concentration ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Atmospheric Emissions ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Methane Drainage

During the extraction of hard coal in Polish conditions, methane is emitted, which is referred to as mine gas. As a result of the desorption of methane, a greenhouse gas is released from coal seams. In order to reduce atmospheric emissions, methane from coal seams is captured by a methane drainage system. On the other hand, methane, which has been separated into underground mining excavations, is discharged into the atmosphere with a stream of ventilation air. For many years, Polish hard coal mines have been capturing methane to ensure the safety of the crew and the continuity of mining operations. As a greenhouse gas, methane has a significant potential, as it is more effective at absorbing and re-emitting radiation than carbon dioxide. The increase in the amount of methane in the atmosphere is a significant factor influencing global warming, however, it is not as strong as the increase in carbon dioxide. Therefore, in Polish mines, the methane-air mixture captured in the methane drainage system is not emitted to the atmosphere, but burned as fuel in systems, including cogeneration systems, to generate electricity, heat and cold. However, in order for such use to be possible, the methane-air mixture must meet appropriate quality and quantity requirements. The article presents an analysis of changes in selected parameters of the captured methane-air mixture from one of the hard coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland. The paper analyses the changes in concentration and size of the captured methane stream through the methane capturing system. The gas captured by the methane drainage system, as an energy source, can be used in cogeneration, when the methane concentration is greater than 40%. Considering the variability of CH4 concentration in the captured mixture, it was also indicated which pure methane stream must be added to the gas mixture in order for this gas to be used as a fuel for gas engines. The balance of power of produced electric energy in gas engines is presented. Possible solutions ensuring constant concentration of the captured methane-air mixture are also presented.

scholarly journals Tests to Ensure the Minimum Methane Concentration for Gas Engines to Limit Atmospheric Emissions

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Borowski ◽  
Piotr Życzkowski ◽  
Rafał Łuczak ◽  
Michał Karch ◽  
Jianwei Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Methane Concentration ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Atmospheric Emissions ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Methane Drainage

During the extraction of hard coal in Polish conditions, methane is emitted, which is referred to as ‘mine gas’. As a result of the desorption of methane, a greenhouse gas is released from coal seams. In order to reduce atmospheric emissions, methane from coal seams is captured by a methane drainage system. On the other hand, methane, which has been separated into underground mining excavations, is discharged into the atmosphere with a stream of ventilation air. For many years, Polish hard coal mines have been capturing methane to ensure the safety of the crew and the continuity of mining operations. As a greenhouse gas, methane has a significant potential, as it is more effective at absorbing and re-emitting radiation than carbon dioxide. The increase in the amount of methane in the atmosphere is a significant factor influencing global warming, however, it is not as strong as the increase in carbon dioxide. Therefore, in Polish mines, the methane–air mixture captured in the methane drainage system is not emitted to the atmosphere, but burned as fuel in systems, including cogeneration systems, to generate electricity, heat and cold. However, in order for such use to be possible, the methane–air mixture must meet appropriate quality and quantity requirements. The article presents an analysis of changes in selected parameters of the captured methane–air mixture from one of the hard coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland. The paper analyses the changes in concentration and size of the captured methane stream through the methane capturing system. The gas captured by the methane drainage system, as an energy source, can be used in cogeneration, when the methane concentration is greater than 40%. Considering the variability of CH4 concentration in the captured mixture, it was also indicated which pure methane stream must be added to the gas mixture in order for this gas to be used as a fuel for gas engines. The balance of power of produced electric energy in gas engines is presented. Possible solutions ensuring constant concentration of the captured methane–air mixture are also presented.

scholarly journals The Impact of the Coexistence of Methane Hazard and Rock-Bursts on the Safety of Works in Underground Hard Coal Mines

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
Justyna Swolkień ◽  
Nikodem Szlązak
Keyword(s):  
Rock Burst ◽  
Methane Concentration ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Safety Level ◽  
Methane Drainage ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
Hard Coal Mining ◽  
The Impact

Several natural threats characterize hard coal mining in Poland. The coexistence of methane and rock-burst hazards lowers the safety level during exploration. The most dangerous are high-energy bumps, which might cause rock-burst. Additionally, created during exploitation, safety pillars, which protect openings, might be the reason for the formation of so-called gas traps. In this part, rock mass is usually not disturbed and methane in seams that form the safety pillars is not dangerous as long as they remain intact. Nevertheless, during a rock-burst, a sudden methane outflow can occur. Preventing the existing hazards increases mining costs, and employing inadequate measures threatens the employees’ lives and limbs. Using two longwalls as examples, the authors discuss the consequences of the two natural hazards’ coexistence. In the area of longwall H-4 in seam 409/4, a rock-burst caused a release of approximately 545,000 cubic meters of methane into the excavations, which tripled methane concentration compared to the values from the period preceding the burst. In the second longwall (IV in seam 703/1), a bump was followed by a rock-burst, which reduced the amount of air flowing through the excavation by 30 percent compared to the airflow before, and methane release rose by 60 percent. The analyses presented in this article justify that research is needed to create and implement innovative methods of methane drainage from coal seams to capture methane more effectively at the stage of mining.

scholarly journals Comparison of Methane Control Methods in Polish and Vietnamese Coal Mines

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 01004
Author(s):  
Marek Borowski ◽  
Zbigniew Kuczera
Keyword(s):  
Coal Mining ◽  
Coal Dust ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Methane Drainage ◽  
Hazard Control ◽  
Preventive Actions ◽  
Coal Deposits

Methane hazard often occurs in hard coal mines and causes very serious accidents and can be the reason of methane or methane and coal dust explosions. History of coal mining shows that methane released from the rock mass to the longwall area was responsible for numerous mining disasters. The main source of methane are coal deposits because it is autochthonous gas and is closely related with carbonification and forming of coal deposits. Degree of methane saturation in coal deposits depends on numerous factors; mainly on presence or lack of insulating layers in cover deposit that allow or do not on degasification and easily methane outflow into surroundings. Hence in coal mining there are coal deposits that contain only low degree of methane saturation in places where is lack of insulating layers till high in methane coal deposits occurring in insulating claystones or in shales. Conducting mining works in coal deposits of high methane hazard without using of special measures to combat (ventilation, methane drainage) could be impossible. Control of methane hazard depends also on other co-occuring natural dangers for which used preventive actions eliminate methane hazard. Safety in mines excavating coal deposits saturated with methane depends on the correct estimation of methane hazard, drawn up forecasts, conducted observations, hazard control as well as undertaken prevention measures. Methane risk prevention includes identification and control methods of methane hazards as well as means of combating the explosive accumulation of methane in longwall workings. The main preventive actions in underground coal mines are: effective ventilation that prevents forming of methane fuses or placed methane accumulation in headings ventilated by airflow created by main fans and in headings with auxiliary ventilation, methane drainage using drain holes that are drilled from underground headings or from the surface, methanometry control of methane concentration in the air; location of the sensors is defined by law, additional ventilation equipment used in places of lower intensity of ventilation and places where methane is concentrated.

scholarly journals Methane gas hydrates influence on sudden coal and gas outbursts during underground mining of coal deposits

2020 ◽  
Vol 201 ◽  
pp. 01002
Author(s):  
Volodymyr Bondarenko ◽  
Olena Svietkina ◽  
Roman Lysenko ◽  
Baochang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Gas Hydrates ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Dynamic Activity ◽  
Gas Dynamic ◽  
Coal Deposits ◽  
Thermobaric Conditions ◽  
Coal And Gas Outbursts ◽  
Methane Gas Hydrates

The mechanism of gas hydrates formation in coal seams is studied in the paper, as well as their involvement is hypothesized in the sudden outbursts of coal and gas during underground mining of coal deposits. It has been substantiated and proved that one of the real reasons for subsequent outbursts is the formation of gas hydrates in coal as a type of secondary gas hydrate deposits. It has been also substantiated that, as a result of coal metamorphism, a large amount of gaseous hydrocarbons, mainly methane, is formed in the seam, which under certain thermobaric conditions leads to the gas hydrates formation. It has been experimentally proved that the mechanism of such inclusions formation between gas hydrate and coal is a result of strong chemisorption, which, when disturbing thermobaric conditions, leads to gas-dynamic activity of coal seams. It has been revealed that during the dissociation of gas hydrates, obtained in a medium of activated coals, twice as much gaseous methane is released. The research analysis indicates that the formation of natural gas solid solutions in coal pores under certain thermodynamic conditions and the natural humidity, characteristic of coal seams, is one of the causes of sudden coal and gas outbursts. The gas hydrates dissociation influences on the gas-dynamic activity of a coal seam and the formation of an outburst hazardous situation.

The Effectiveness of the Methane Drainage of Rock-Mass with a U Ventilation System

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 617-634
Author(s):  
Nikodem Szlązak ◽  
Justyna Swolkień
Keyword(s):  
Methane Emission ◽  
Methane Concentration ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Air Velocity ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Methane Drainage ◽  
Roof Caving ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Very High

Abstract Methane drainage is used in Polish coal mines in order to reduce mine methane emission as well as to keep methane concentration in mine workings at safe levels. The article describes the method of methane drainage used in longwall D-2 in seam 410. In Poland, coal seams are frequently mined under difficult geological conditions in the roof and in the presence of very high methane hazard. In such situations, mines usually use a system with roof caving and a U ventilation system, which means that methane is drawn off from a tail entry behind the longwall front. In this system, boreholes are drilled from a tailgate and methane is drawn off from behind longwall face. The article shows the influence of a specific ventilation system on the drainage efficiency at longwall D-2 in seam 410. At this longwall, measurements of methane emission and the efficiency of methane capture were conducted. They consisted in gauging methane concentration, air velocity, absolute air pressure and the amount of methane captured by the drainage system. Experimental data were used to estimate the variations in absolute methane-bearing capacity and ventilation methane, and – most importantly – to gauge the efficiency of methane drainage.

scholarly journals A Multiscale Structural Analysis of Soft and Hard Coal Deposits in Deep High-Gas Coal Seams

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Anying Yuan ◽  
Guangsheng Fu ◽  
Junling Hou
Keyword(s):  
Specific Surface ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Coal Seams ◽  
Surface Areas ◽  
Soft Coal ◽  
Coal Deposits ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Specific Surface Areas ◽  
Multiscale Structures

In recent years, with the increases in coal mining depths, the risk of coal seam outburst occurrences has increased. Therefore, it is of major significance to study the multiscale structures of soft and hard coal deposits in order to prevent and control the coal and gas outbursts. In this research investigation, soft and hard coal multiscale structures were comprehensively examined using various laboratory methods. The results revealed the following: (1) From a macrostructural aspect, the physical and mechanical properties of the soft coal were weaker than those of the hard coal. It was found that the majority of the examined specimens were characterized by scaly structures without blocks larger than 50 mm. The hard coal was observed to be mainly massive with only a small part being clastic. Therefore, the structural characteristics were considered to be stable. (2) From a microstructural perspective, the surfaces of the soft coal specimens were observed to be rough. The pores were found to be more developed, with the edge of pores being mainly hackly. At the same time, fractures were also relatively developed, showing good connectivity. (3) From a micropore structural perspective, it was found that the BET-specific surface areas and BJH-specific surface areas of the soft coal specimens were higher than those of the hard coal specimens, which indicated that the gas adsorption and diffusion migration abilities of the soft coal were greater than those of the hard coal. (4) It was suggested from the study results that the ventilation and gas extraction processes should be strengthened in the mining activities of coal seams with high, soft stratification content. At the same time, the methods used for water injection modification should be enhanced in order to improve the mechanical stability of soft coal. Consequently, the instantaneous released gases will be decelerated, and the occurrences of coal and gas outburst events in mine working faces can be prevented.

scholarly journals Determination of the Zone Endangered by Methane Explosion in Goaf with Caving of Longwalls Ventilated on „Y“ System

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 247-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarosław Brodny ◽  
Magdalena Tutak
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Concentration ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Methane Drainage ◽  
Endogenous Fire ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Sufficient Oxygen

Abstract One of the most dangerous and most commonly present risks in hard coal mines is methane hazard. During exploitation by longwall system with caving, methane is emitted to mine heading from the mined coal and coal left in a pile. A large amount of methane also flows from neighboring seams through cracks and fissures formed in rock mass. In a case of accumulation of explosive methane concentration in goaf zone and with appropriate oxygen concentration and occurrence of initials (e.g. spark or endogenous fire), it may come to the explosion of this gas. In the paper there are presented results of numerical analysis of mixture of air and methane streams flow through the real heading system of a mine, characterized by high methane hazard. The aim of the studies was to analyze the ventilation system of considered heading system and determination of braking zones in goaf zone, in which dangerous and explosive concertation of methane can occur with sufficient oxygen concentration equal to at least 12%. Determination of position of these zones is necessary for the selection of appropriate parameters of the ventilation system to ensure safety of the crew. Analysis of the scale of methane hazard allows to select such a ventilation system of exploitation and neighboring headings that ensures chemical composition of mining atmosphere required by regulation, and required efficiency of methane drainage. The obtained results clearly show that numerical methods, combined with the results of tests in real conditions can be successfully used for the analysis of variants of processes related to ventilation of underground mining, and also in the analysis of emergency states.

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