A new approach for selecting best development face ventilation mode based on G1-coefficient of variation method

The current popular methods for decision making and project optimisation in mine ventilation contain a number of deficiencies as they are solely based on either subjective knowledge or objective information.This paper presents a new approach to rank the alternatives by G1-coefficient of variation method.The focus of this approach is the use of the combination weighing,which is able to compensate for the deficiencies in the method of evaluation index single weighing.In the case study,an appropriate evaluation index system was established to determine the evaluation value of each ventilation mode.Then the proposed approach was used to select the best development face ventilation mode.The result shows that the proposed approach is able to rank the alternative development face ventilation mode reasonably,the combination weighing method had the advantages of both subjective and objective weighing methods in that it took into consideration of both the experience and wisdom of experts,and the new changes in objective conditions.This approach provides a more reasonable and reliable procedure to analyse and evaluate different ventilation modes.

Effects of coal damage on permeability and gas drainage performance

Coal permeability is a measure of the ability for fluids to flow through coal structures. It is one of the most important parameters affecting the gas drainage performance in underground coal mines. Despite the extensive research conducted on coal permeability, few studies have considered the effect of coal damage on permeability. This has resulted in unreliable permeability evaluation and prediction. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of coal damage on permeability and gas drainage performance. The Cui-Bustin permeability model was improved by taking into account the impact of coal damage on permeability. The key damage coefficient of the improved permeability model is determined based on the published permeability data. A finite-element numerical simulation was then developed based on the improved permeability model to investigate the damage areas and the permeability distribution around roadway. Results showed that the tensile failure occurs mainly on the upper and lower sides of the roadway while the shear failure symmetrically occurs on the left and right sides. With the increase in the friction angle value, the damage area becomes small. A good agreement was obtained between the results of the improved permeability model(c = 3) and the published permeability data. This indicated a more accurate permeability prediction by the improved permeability model. It is expected that the findings of this study could provide guidance for in-seam gas drainage borehole design and sealing, in order to enhance the gas drainage performance and reduce gas emissions into underground roadways.