Prediction of methane emissions during the extraction of close-to-roof layer of a seam of large thickness

Prediction of methane emissions at the stage of longwall planning constitutes the basis for the determination of the appropriate method and parameters of ventilation and selection of prevention means including the methane drainage technol- ogy. The growth of methane saturation of coal seams with the extraction depth, with simultaneously increasing output concen- tration, contributes to the increase of the quantity of methane emitted into longwall areas. The subject matter of the article has been directed at the predicted quantity of methane emissions into planned longwalls with roof caving in the layer of seams adjacent to the roof of large thickness. The performed prognostic calculations of methane emissions into the longwall working were referred to two sources, i.e. methane liberated during coal mining by means of a cutter-loader and methane originating from the degasification of the floor layer destressed by the longwall conducted in the close-to-roof layer. The calculations of predictions allow to refer to the planned longwall, on account of the emitting methane, with possible and safe output quantity. Planning of extraction in the close-to-roof layer of a seam of large thickness with roof caving is especially important in con- ditions of increasing methane saturation with the depth of deposition and should be preceded by a prognostic analysis for de- termining the extraction possibilities of the planned longwall.