Mechanism and control technology of strong ground pressure behaviour induced by high-position hard roofs in extra-thick coal seam mining

This work aimed at revealing the mechanism of strong ground pressure behaviour(SGPB)induced by high-position hard roof(HHR).Based on the supporting structures model of HHR,a modified voussoir beam mechanical model for HHR was established by considering the gangue support coefficient,through which the modified expressions of limit breaking span and breaking energy of HHR were deduced.Combined with the relationship between the dynamic-static loading stress of supporting body(hydraulic support and coal wall)and its comprehensive supporting strength,the criteria of ground pressure behaviour(GPB)induced by HHR were discussed.The types of Ⅰ_(1),Ⅰ_(2),Ⅱ_(1),andⅡ_(2) of GPB were interpreted.Results showed that types Ⅰ_(1) and Ⅰ_(2) were the main forms of SGPB in extra-thick coal seam mining.The main manifestation of SGPB was static stress,which was mainly derived from the instability of HHR rather than fracture.Accordingly,an innovative control technology was proposed,which can weaken static load by vertical-well separated fracturing HHR.The research results have been successfully applied to the 8101 working face in Tashan coal mine,Shanxi Province,China.The results of a digital borehole camera observation and stress monitoring proved the rationality of the GPB criteria.The control technology was successful,paving the way for new possibilities to HHR control for safety mining.

Experimental research of overburden movement and subsurface water seeping in shallow seam mining

Shallow seam coal field has the largest coal reserve in China. Mining in shallow depth causes serious problems, and subsurface dewatering is a major issue. In this paper, the physical simulating models were prepared to study overburden movement and aquiclude stability in the shallow seam mining of Yushuwan Coalfield, China. According to the characteristic of clay aquiclude and bedrock in the overburden, the proper simulation materials for simulating the plastic clay aquiclude layers and brittle bedrock layers were determined by the stress-strain tests and hydrophilic tests. The physical simulating models of solid medium and two phases of solid-liquid medium were carried out to simulate the failure and caving process of the roof and overburden, as well as the subsurface water seeping. Based on the simulation, it was found that the movement of clay aquiclude follows the movement of the underlying bedrock layers. The stability of aquiclude is mainly affected by cracks in fracture zone. The tests also showed that the best way to control the stability of aquiclude is to reduce the subsiding gradient, and there is a possibility of ground water conservation under longwall mining in Yushuwan Mine. This research provides a foundation for further study on mining dewatering and water conservation.

Experimental study on the goaf flow field of the ‘‘U+I” type ventilation system for a comprehensive mechanized mining face

＂U＂ and ＂U＋I＂ type ventilation experiments were performed on a three-dimensional fully mechanized caving face simulation experimental platform. The distribution laws of the pressure field and gas field in the mine goal were obtained. Results show that the flow field in the goaf is generally asymmetric; the location of the gas accumulation area changes with ventilation parameters and can be used as an evaluation indicator to study the air leakage extent in the goal. Hence, drainage pipes buried in the goaf to intensively extract gas can be designed in such gas areas, which can give considerations in both improving gas drainage efficiency and reducing air leakage. By comparing the gas extraction effect of model experiments with that of on-site underground practices, the basic laws are commonly consistent according to comparative analysis. Thus the experimental results can be used to guide the application of underground gas prevent!o_n_and.control..

Surface mining subsidence control based on grouting-recovery ratio theory

From an analysis of the relationships of grouting coefficients under the conditions of grouting reducing subsidence, it is concluded that the reducing subsidence rate is in direct proportion to the grouting-recovery ratio, and its proportional coefficient depends on the coefficient of reducing subsidence and collapsing coefficient.The coefficient for reducing subsidence volume φ=ΔV/V_(ash) is related to overburden lithology.The coefficient for reducing subsidence volume φ is always larger than 1.This improves the reducing subsidence rate,the grouting-recovery ratio, and the coefficient for reducing subsidence volume, which can maximize the control of surface subsidence.

Study on the evolution of solid–liquid–gas in multi-scale pore methane in tectonic coal

The rich accumulation of methane(CH_(4))in tectonic coal layers poses a significant obstacle to the safe and efficient extraction of coal seams and coalbed methane.Tectonic coal samples from three geologically complex regions were selected,and the main results obtained by using a variety of research tools,such as physical tests,theoretical analyses,and numerical simulations,are as follows:22.4–62.5 nm is the joint segment of pore volume,and 26.7–100.7 nm is the joint segment of pore specific surface area.In the dynamic gas production process of tectonic coal pore structure,the adsorption method of methane molecules is“solid–liquid adsorption is the mainstay,and solid–gas adsorption coexists”.Methane stored in micropores with a pore size smaller than the jointed range is defined as solid-state pores.Pores within the jointed range,which transition from micropore filling to surface adsorption,are defined as gaseous pores.Pores outside the jointed range,where solid–liquid adsorption occurs,are defined as liquid pores.The evolution of pore structure affects the methane adsorption mode,which provides basic theoretical guidance for the development of coal seam resources.

Effect of fractures on mechanical behavior of sand powder 3D printing rock analogue under triaxial compression

In practical engineering applications,rock mass are often found to be subjected to a triaxial stress state.Concurrently,defects like joints and fractures have a notable impact on the mechanical behavior of rock mass.Such defects are identified as crucial contributors to the failure and instability of the surrounding rock,subsequently impacting the engineering stability.The study aimed to investigate the impact of fracture geometry and confining pressure on the deformation,failure characteristics,and strength of specimens using sand powder 3D printing technology and conventional triaxial compression tests.The results indicate that the number of fractures present considerably influences the peak strength,axial peak strain and elastic modulus of the specimens.Confining pressure is an important factor affecting the failure pattern of the specimen,under which the specimen is more prone to shear failure,but the initiation,expansion and penetration processes of secondary cracks in different fracture specimens are different.This study confirmed the feasibility of using sand powder 3D printing specimens as soft rock analogs for triaxial compression research.The insights from this research are deemed essential for a deeper understanding of the mechanical behavior of fractured surrounding rocks when under triaxial stress state.

Prediction and critical transition mechanism for granite fracture:Insights from critical slowing down theory

Rock fracture warning is one of the significant challenges in rock mechanics.Many true triaxial and synchronous acoustic emission(AE)tests were conducted on granite samples.The investigation focused on the characteristics of AE signals preceding granite fracture,based on the critical slowing down(CSD)theory.The granite undergoes a transition from the stable phase to the fracture phase and exhibits a clear CSD phenomenon,characterized by a pronounced increase in variance and autocorrelation coefficient.The variance mutation points were found to be more identifiable and suitable as the primary criterion for predicting precursor information related to granite fracture,compared to the autocorrelation coefficient.It is noteworthy to emphasize that the CSD factor holds greater potential in elucidating the underlying mechanisms responsible for the critical transition of granite fracture,in comparison to the AE timing parameters.Furthermore,a novel multi-parameter collaborative prediction method for rock fracture was developed by comprehensively analyzing predictive information,including abnormal variation modes and the CSD factor of AE characteristic parameters.This method enhances the understanding and prediction of rock fracture-related geohazards.

Preface:Development and utilization of pumped storage in closed/abandoned mines

China has embarked on an extensive and sustained endeavor to harness its coal resources for a substantial period.However,the depletion of coal reserves in mining regions has necessitated the closure or abandonment of numerous mines,resulting in a marked increase in the number of such facilities.Parallel to this,China is vigorously advancing the development of a novel energy power system,aimed at transitioning the power sector from a high-carbon,fossil fuel-dependent paradigm to a low-carbon,clean energy footing.

Machine learning prediction of methane,ethane,and propane solubility in pure water and electrolyte solutions:Implications for stray gas migration modeling

Hydraulic fracturing is an effective technology for hydrocarbon extraction from unconventional shale and tight gas reservoirs.A potential risk of hydraulic fracturing is the upward migration of stray gas from the deep subsurface to shallow aquifers.The stray gas can dissolve in groundwater leading to chemical and biological reactions,which could negatively affect groundwater quality and contribute to atmospheric emissions.The knowledge oflight hydrocarbon solubility in the aqueous environment is essential for the numerical modelling offlow and transport in the subsurface.Herein,we compiled a database containing 2129experimental data of methane,ethane,and propane solubility in pure water and various electrolyte solutions over wide ranges of operating temperature and pressure.Two machine learning algorithms,namely regression tree(RT)and boosted regression tree(BRT)tuned with a Bayesian optimization algorithm(BO)were employed to determine the solubility of gases.The predictions were compared with the experimental data as well as four well-established thermodynamic models.Our analysis shows that the BRT-BO is sufficiently accurate,and the predicted values agree well with those obtained from the thermodynamic models.The coefficient of determination(R2)between experimental and predicted values is 0.99 and the mean squared error(MSE)is 9.97×10^(-8).The leverage statistical approach further confirmed the validity of the model developed.

Anisotropic strength,deformation and failure of gneiss granite under high stress and temperature coupled true triaxial compression

The anisotropic mechanical behavior of rocks under high-stress and high-temperature coupled conditions is crucial for analyzing the stability of surrounding rocks in deep underground engineering.This paper is devoted to studying the anisotropic strength,deformation and failure behavior of gneiss granite from the deep boreholes of a railway tunnel that suffers from high tectonic stress and ground temperature in the eastern tectonic knot in the Tibet Plateau.High-temperature true triaxial compression tests are performed on the samples using a self-developed testing device with five different loading directions and three temperature values that are representative of the geological conditions of the deep underground tunnels in the region.Effect of temperature and loading direction on the strength,elastic modulus,Poisson’s ratio,and failure mode are analyzed.The method for quantitative identification of anisotropic failure is also proposed.The anisotropic mechanical behaviors of the gneiss granite are very sensitive to the changes in loading direction and temperature under true triaxial compression,and the high temperature seems to weaken the inherent anisotropy and stress-induced deformation anisotropy.The strength and deformation show obvious thermal degradation at 200℃due to the weakening of friction between failure surfaces and the transition of the failure pattern in rock grains.In the range of 25℃ 200℃,the failure is mainly governed by the loading direction due to the inherent anisotropy.This study is helpful to the in-depth understanding of the thermal-mechanical behavior of anisotropic rocks in deep underground projects.

Size,composition,and mixing state of individual aerosol particles in a South China coastal city

Aerosol samples were collected in summer in Macao, a coastal city of the Pearl River Delta Region in China. Morphology, size, elemental composition, and mixing state of individual aerosol particles were determined by scanning electron microscopy coupled energy dispersive X-ray （SEM/EDX） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. Based on the morphologies of 5711 aerosol particles, they consist of soot （32%）, mineral （17%）, secondary-（22%）, and unknown fine particles （29%）. The sizes of these particles were mostly distributed between 0.1 and 0.4 μm. Compositions of 202 mineral particles were obtained by SEM/EDX. Mineral particles were mainly classified into three types： Si-rich, Ca-rich, and Na-rich. The compositions of typical mineral particles can indicate their sources in sampling location. For example, mineral particles, collected along the main street, were associated with trace amounts of heavy metals, such as Zn, Ti, Mn, Ba, Pb, and As. TEM observations indicate that most Na-rich particles were aged sea salt particles （e.g., Na2SO4 and NaNO3） which formed through heterogeneous chemical reactions between sea salt and acidic gases. Additionally, aging time of soot was short in Macao due to high humidity, high temperature, and high levels of sunlight in Macao. Most of soot and fine mineral dust particles were internally mixed with secondary particles.

Microwave digestion and alkali fusion assisted hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite from coal fly ash for enhanced adsorption of Cd(Ⅱ) in aqueous solution

A novel microwave digestion and alkali fusion assisted hydrothermal method was proposed to synthesize zeolite from coal fly ash and the zeolite product was studied for removal of Cd(II)from aqueous solution through batch experiments.The adsorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,surface area analyzer and zeta potential measurement.The results show that the synthetic zeolite was identified as faujasite.The optimum conditions for removal of Cd(II)are found to be:adsorbent dose of0.5g/L,pH6,contact time of90min and initial concentration of20mg/L,the removal rate of Cd(II)is98.55%.The experimental kinetic data agree well with the pseudo second-order equation;the Langmuir isotherm model is found to be more suitable to explicate the experimental equilibrium isotherm results than Freundlich,Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin models,and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cd(II)is found to be86.96mg/g.The thermodynamic parameters such asΔGΘ,ΔHΘandΔSΘwere evaluated and the results show that the adsorption of Cd(II)onto the as-synthesized zeolite is spontaneous,endothermic and feasible under studied conditions.

Stability analysis of underground surrounding rock mass based on block theory

Evaluation of the performance of existing support in underground tunnels is of great importance for production and interests.Based on field investigation,the shape and number of joints and fractures were investigated in the mining area.Then,the stability of each structural blocks is analyzed by 3D wedge stability analysis software(Unwedge).Moreover,a new analysis method based on critical block theory is applied to analyze the stability of excavated laneways in continuous and discontinuous rock and monitor the stress changes in a fractured tunnel rock mass.The test results indicate that the 3D wedge stability analysis software for underground excavation can evaluate deep tunnel support.Besides,there is no direct relation between the size of the block and the instability of the tunnel.The support method,on large and thick key blocks,needs to be improved.In a broken tunnel section,U-shaped steel support can effectively promote the stress state of the surrounding rock.By monitoring the surrounding rock,it is proven that the vibrating string anchor stress monitoring system is an efficient and real-time method for tunnel stability evaluation.

A Review of Research Progress in the Genesis of Colloform Pyrite and Its Environmental Indications

Colloform pyrite is a special form of nano-micro polycrystalline aggregation growth, for which a suitable term is ＂aggregates of nano-micro crystals＂. This kind of colloform texture is observed in various geological bodies, such as ancient sedimentary rocks, modern marine and lake sediments, various types of ore deposits, and modern seafloor hydrothermal vents. This paper summarizes the latest developments and research into the definition, formation mechanisms, and environmental indications of colloform pyrite. There appears to be three main formation mechanisms of colloform pyrite： pseudomorphic replacement; biogenic precipitation; and inorganic precipitation. The morphology, particle size, trace element content and preferential growth orientations of coUoform pyrite microcrystals can be important indicators for sedimentary environments, hydrothermal activity, and ore-forming processes. We suggest that the microscopic features of nano-micro crystals in colloform pyrite and their aggregation growth patterns need further investigation. The relationships between formation mechanisms of colioform pyrite, organic activity and depositional environments require further exploration. To reveal the nature of nano-micro grain aggregation growth in colloform pyrite and analyse its growth environment and evolutionary history, it is supposed to apply nanoscientific and nanotechnological methods, further integrate consideration of macroscopic geological backgrounds and microscopic mineral growth phenomena, combine high-resolution imaging systems and in situ quantitative microanalysis methods and constitute a mergence of earth science, thermodynamics and kinetics, life science, material science, and chemistry in the study.

Removal of copper from molybdenite concentrate by mesophilic and extreme thermophilic microorganisms

Mixed mesophilic and extreme thermophilic bioleaching were evaluated to remove copper from the molybdenite concentrate.Bioleaching tests were carried out in shake flasks and in a 50-L bioreactor.The shake flask tests were performed with different inoculum size,solids density,pH.and temperature in order to identify optimum conditions.The highest amount of copper elimination,75%was obtained with extreme thermophilic microorganisms(at 12%inoculation,10%solids,65℃and a pH of 1.5).The highest copper elimination by mesophilic microorganisms was 55%(at 12%inoculation,5%solids,30℃at pH 2).The optimum conditions in shake flask tests were applied to 7 days batch tests in a50-L bioreactor.Extreme thermophilic experiment gave the best copper elimination of 60%(at 12%inoculation,10%solids,65℃and pH 1.5).Mesophilic test removed 50%of the copper(at 12%inoculation,10%solids,35℃at pH 2).

Application of coal mine roof rating in Chinese coal mines

The coal mine roof rating(CMRR) is a measure of roof quality or structure competency for bedded roof types typically of underground coal mines. The CMRR has been used widely in the US, South Africa,Canada and Australia. In order to investigate the application of the CMRR system in Chinese coal mines,two coal mines in China located in Panjiang Coal Field in Guizhou Province were investigated. Field data were collected which is required to calculate the CMRR value based on underground exposure. The CMRR values of 11 locations in two coal mines were calculated. The investigations demonstrated that the chance of mine roof failure is very low if the CMRR value is more than 50, given adequate support is installed in mine. It was found that the CMRR guideline are useful to preliminarily investigate stability in Panjiang Coal Field mines.

Performace of a Kind of Organic Emulsion Coated Phosphogypsum Particles

The phosphogypsum particles coated with organic emulsion were prepared by coating three kinds of organic emulsion of silicone-acrylic,styrene-acrylic and acrylic.The structure and mineralogical characteristics,acid and alkali resistance,water resistance and dissociation degree of coated phosphogypsum were studied by means of SEM-EDAX,optical microscope,gravimetric analysis and chemical detection.The results showed that the initial emulsion can be used directly for coating and granulation of phosphogypsum.The spray re-coating was carried out by using diluted emulsion with the water-to-emulsion mass ratio of 1∶1.The organic emulsion coated phosphogypsum crystal can be clearly observed,and the mixing zone at internal boundary between the organic emulsion and phosphogypsum crystal was distinguishable under the optical microscope.SEM photos showed that the surface of coated phosphogypsum particles was smooth.And the basic elements of C,O,S and Ca can be detected by EDAX.Organic emulsion can be solidified into film-network between the phosphogypsum crystals inside of the coated particles,and it can play a protective role in improving the acid resistance,alkali resistance and water resistance of phosphogypsum,and reduce the degree of dissociation of phosphogypsum in water.

Bio-dissolution of Cu,Mo and Re from molybdenite concentrate using mix mesophilic microorganism in shake flask

The application of the response surface methodology and the central composite design（CCD） technique for modeling and optimization of the influence of some operating variables on copper,molybdenum and rhenium recoveries in a bioleaching process was investigated.Three main bioleaching parameters,namely pH,solid concentration and inoculum percent,were changed during the bioleaching tests based on CCD.The ranges of the bioleaching process variables used in the design were as follows：pH1.46-2.14,solid concentration 0.95%-11.05%,and inoculum percent 1.59%-18.41%.A total of 20 bioleaching tests were carried out by the CCD method according to software-based designed matrix.Empirical model equations were developed according to the copper,molybdenum and rhenium recoveries obtained with these three parameters.Model equations of responses at the base of parameters were achieved by using statistical software.The model equations were then individually optimized by using quadratic programming to maximize copper,molybdenum and rhenium recoveries individually within the experimental range.The optimum conditions for copper recovery were pH 1.68,solid concentration 0.95% and the inoculum 18.41%（v/v）,while molybdenum and rhenium recoveries were 2.18% and 24.41%,respectively.The predicted values for copper,molybdenum and rhenium recoveries were found to be in good agreement with the experimental values.Also jarosite formation during bioleaching tests was also investigated.

Simulation of clinker grinding circuits of cement plant based on process models calibrated using GA search method

Particle size distributions of obtained samples from several sampling campaigns were determined and raw data were mass balanced before being used in simulation studies.After determination of breakage function,selection function,Bond work index,residence time distribution parameters,and Whiten's model parameters for air separators and diaphragms between the two compartments of tube ball mills,performance of the circuits was simulated for given throughputs and feed particle size distribution.Whiten's model parameters were determined by GA(genetic algorithm) toolbox of MATLAB software.Based on implemented models for modeling and simulation,optimization of circuits was carried out.It increased nearly 10.5% and 15.8% in fresh feed capacity input to each tube ball mill.In addition,circulating load ratios of circuits are modified to 118% and 127% from low level of 57% and 22%,respectively,and also cut points of air separators are adjusted at 30 and 40 μm from high range of 53 and 97 μm,respectively.All applications helped in well-operation and energy consumption reduction of equipments.

Washability analysis of high sulfur coal gangue from a coal mine in Guizhou

Fulfill the screen test and float-and-sink analysis for high sulfur coal gangue from a Guizhou coal mine, analyzed the washability of its tail coal. Seen from the results： most of sulfur in sample is pyrite, the sulfur content of different particle classification shall be reduced with the decreasing of size and specific gravity, most of sulfur distributed in the coal particles with large-size and high specific gravity. Part of sulfur may be eliminated through special gravity separation, however, most of inorganic sulfur should be removed with the combination of floatation process.