摘要
The methane capturing and its utilization is of great importance for the safety in Polish coal mines. The present study deals with methods which are used to capture and utilize it in hard coal mines. It is of great importance to know that at present, ethane recovered in operating mines is obtained only through drainage systems whose implementation is enforced by health and safety regulations. Because of the fact that the amount of methane released in hard coal mines is expected to rise in years to come, as the methane content of coal seams increases with depth, heavy emphasis should be placed on methane recovery and the practical applications of the captured gas. If mine gas was officially recognised as a primary source for producing ＂environmentally friendly electricity＂, would open the perspectives of increasing methane utilization. In addition, the mining industry would gain an incentive to intensify methane recovery. It would be possible to carry out additional work focused on methane drainage from excavations which are not operated. Also, the costs of methane drainage could be included in the costs of energy production, which would undoubtedly have a positive effect on the profitability of mining companies.
