Fuzzy inference system using genetic algorithm and pattern search for predicting roof fall rate in underground coal mines

One of the most dangerous safety hazard in underground coal mines is roof falls during retreat mining.Roof falls may cause life-threatening and non-fatal injuries to miners and impede mining and transportation operations.As a result,a reliable roof fall prediction model is essential to tackle such challenges.Different parameters that substantially impact roof falls are ill-defined and intangible,making this an uncertain and challenging research issue.The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health assembled a national database of roof performance from 37 coal mines to explore the factors contributing to roof falls.Data acquired for 37 mines is limited due to several restrictions,which increased the likelihood of incompleteness.Fuzzy logic is a technique for coping with ambiguity,incompleteness,and uncertainty.Therefore,In this paper,the fuzzy inference method is presented,which employs a genetic algorithm to create fuzzy rules based on 109 records of roof fall data and pattern search to refine the membership functions of parameters.The performance of the deployed model is evaluated using statistical measures such as the Root-Mean-Square Error,Mean-Absolute-Error,and coefficient of determination(R_(2)).Based on these criteria,the suggested model outperforms the existing models to precisely predict roof fall rates using fewer fuzzy rules.

Support technologies for deep and complex roadways in underground coal mines:a review

Based on geological and mining characteristics,coal mine roadways under complex conditions were divided into five types,for each type the deformation and damage characteristics of rocks surrounding roadways were analyzed.The recent developments of roadway support technologies were introduced abroad,based on the experiences of supports for deep and complex roadways from Germany,the United States and Australia.The history and achievements of roadway support technologies in China were detailed,including rock bolting,steel supports,grouting reinforcement and combined supports.Four typical support and reinforcement case studies were analyzed,including a high stressed roadway 1,000 m below the surface,a roadway surrounded by severely weak and broken rocks,a chamber surrounded by weak and broken rocks,and a roadway with very soft and swelling rocks.Based on studies and practices in many years,rock bolting has become the mainstream roadway support form in China coal mines,and steel supports,grouting reinforcement and combined supports have also been applied at proper occasions,which have provided reliable technical measures for the safe and high effective construction and mining of underground coal mines.

Research on Full Space Transient Electro-magnetism Technique for Detecting Aqueous Structures in Coal Mines

Based on the transmitting theory of "smoke ring effect", the transient electromagnetism technique was used in coal mines to detect abnormal areas of aquiferous structures in both roofs and floors of coal seams and in front of excavated roadways. Survey devices, working methods and techniques as well as data processing and interpretation are discussed systematically. In addition, the direction of mini-wireframe emission electromagnetic wave of the full space transient electromagnetism technique was verified by an underground borehole for water detection and drainage. The result indicates that this technique can detect both horizontal and vertical development rules of abnormal water bodies to a certain depth below the floor of coal seams and can also detect the abnormal, low resistance water bodies within a certain distance of roofs. Furthermore, it can detect such abnormal bodies in ahead of the excavated roadway front. Limited by the underground environment, the full space transient electromagnetism technique can detect to a depth of only 120 m or so.

Double-directional control bolt support technology and engineering application at large span Y-type intersections in deep coal mines

Under deep and complex geological conditions,severe deformation occurs at intersection points of Y-type roadways with large cross sections during engineering projects in coal mines,especially at junction arches.Based on in-situ investigations and theoretical studies,we have summarized typical forms of destruction and identified high stress and unrestricted support at both sides of junction arch as its main causes.In this study,we also presented double-directional control bolt support technology for a large Y-type span intersection,applied to deep intersection engineering in the Jiahe Coal Mine,which has proved effective.

Selection experiments for the optimum combination of AMF-plant-substrate for the restoration of coal mines

A complex substrate consisting of fly ash, coal gangue and excess sludge was used as an experimental soil in pot culture experiments. Different soil compositions were tested by observing the growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal （AM） fungi inoculated white clover, rye grass or com. The biomass of the host plants, the mycorrhizal colonization （MC） rate and the mycorrhizal depen- dency （MD） were measured. The research addresses the preferable AMF-plant-substrate combination appropriate for restoration of coal mines. We used two inoculation methods： single-inoculation with Glomus versiforme or Glomus mosseae and a dual inocula- tion with both Ctv and Gm. The results show that G^m is the preferable fungi and that dual inoculation does not show advantages for the restoration of coal mines. White clover inoculated with AM fungi is the most suitable condition for restoration of coal mines. The best weight ratio of fly ash, coal gangue and excess sludge was found to be 20：60：20. The optimum treatment conditions of AMF-plant-activated-substrate are described.

Investigating different methods used for approximating pillar loads in longwall coal mines

Accurately estimating load distributions and ground responses around underground openings play a significant role in the safety of the operations in underground mines.Adequately designing pillars and other support measures relies highly on the accurate assessment of the loads that will be carried by them,as well as the load-bearing capacities of the supports.There are various methods that can be used to approximate mining-induced loads in stratified rock masses to be used in pillar design.The empirical methods are based on equations derived from large databases of various case studies.They are implemented in government approved design tools and are widely used.There are also analytical and numerical techniques used for more detailed analysis of the induced loads.In this study,two different longwall mines with different panel width-to-depth ratios are analyzed using different methods.The empirical method used in the analysis is the square-decay stress function that uses the abutment angle concept,implemented in pillar design software developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH).The first numerical method used in the analysis is a displacement-discontinuity(DD)variation of the boundary element method,LaModel,which utilizes the laminated overburden model.The second numerical method used in the analysis is Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua(FLAC)with the numerical modeling approach recently developed at West Virginia University which is based on the approach developed by NIOSH.The model includes the 2D slice of a cross-section along the width of the panel with the chain pillar system that also includes the different stratigraphic layers of the overburden.All three methods gave similar results for the shallow mine,both in terms of load percentages and distribution where the variation was more obvious for the deep cover mine.The FLAC3D model was observed to better capture the stress changes observed during the field measurements for both the shallow and deep cover cases.This study allowed us to see the shortcomings of each of these different methods.It was concluded that a numerical model which incorporates the site-specific geology would provide the most precise estimate for complex loading conditions.

Identification of Contamination Information of Vegetation in Coal Mines Based on Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Data

The development and application of the hyper-spectral remote sensing (HRS) in the environment investiga-tion and evaluation of coal mines have been discussed in detail. By using Hyperion HRS technology and field spectrummeasuring and integrating traditional geological method as well as laboratory chemical measurement, the absorptionspectrum features and the spectral variation rules of vegetation caused by coal mine waste piles were studied. Based onthe spectral modeling methods and Vegetation Red Edge Parameter (VREP), the diagnose spectra information andspectral variation parameter were extracted, and the mapping methods of VREP were researched. The spatial distribu-tions of contaminative vegetation have been quickly found out.This study has provided technical supports for the envi-ronment investigation and pollution management of coal mines.

Land reclamation in the refuse dump of open coal mines and its following ecology principle

Through the research on the model of the land reclamation in the refuse dumpof Heidaigou open coal mines,it was concerned that ecology was the theoretical basic forthe land reclamation of open coal mines.According to the principle of ecological substitut-ing,the land reclamation can be divided into three stages:water and soil conservation,ecological performance and economic performance.Taking the land reclamation in the re-fuse dump of Heidaigou open coal mines as the practical example,explained the applica-tion of the ecological substituting principle on the land reclamation in the open coal mines.

A new adding method of foaming agent used for foam dust suppression in underground coal mines

To realize a stable addition of foaming agent used for foam technology, a new adding method using the jet cavitation was introduced, and its performance was investigated experimentally under different operating conditions. Experimental results show that the bubble region in the jet device has a constant vapor pressure, which creates a good condition for liquid absorption, while it shrinks with increasing outlet pressure. The liquid absorption amount keeps unchanged when the outlet pressure is lower than a critical value. The critical outlet pressure increases by 40% with decreasing cavitation absorption amount, which is especially suitable for mini-flow quantitative addition of foaming agent used for foam dust suppression. Its effectiveness on suppressing mine dust was evaluated in a heading face of underground coal mines. Field application indicates that the reliable and simple foaming system adopting the new adding method makes a marked dust suppression effect. The working environment of heading face is significantly improved, ensuring the safe tunneling and personal security.

Application of the organic and environment evolving principle on the land reclamation in the open coal mines

According to the evolving principle of the organic and environment, firstly, for the purpose of growing and keeping the ground, some legume species were chosen as pioneer plants to improve the construction of soil and increased soil fertility in the light of the land term and soil condition. Along with soil fertility increased, it is necessary to culti-vate some shrubs and arbors which have extra resistance. Gradually it becomes the stereoscopic landscape of planting arbor-shrub-herb plants. So that the evolving of the organic and environment can be enhanced. Taking the land reclamation in the refuse dump of Heidaigou open coal mines as the practical example, explained the application of the organic and environment evolving principle on the land reclamation in the open coal mines.

Study on coal mines accidents based on the grey relational analysis

The subject investigated the system of people-machine-environment in coal mines.The coal mines working process was researched and the theory of grey system was applied to analyze coal mines safety accidents and those relevant factors.This re- search reveals that this analysis method is easy and highly available and the result is of great credibility,which can not only provide theoretical supports to the quantitative study of coal mines safety accident,but offer basis for coal mines companies' safety management.

Theoretical study on safety assessment indexes system of coal mines

The safety status of the coal mines is closely correlated with the operating status and its changes of the whole working system in the coal mines, and the safety system is the sub system of the whole production system. In this paper, based on the analysis of the complicacy of the safety sub system and its affecting factors, the theory basis of the indexes system of the safety assessment was studied, including the establishing principles of the indexes system , the structure of the indexes system, the determining methods of the assessment indexes. The complete indexes system was established for the safety assessment of the coal mines in the paper.

Statistical analysis of causes and countermeasures to the accidents in coal mines

Statistics and analysis was made in causes, places and proportions about all kinds of disasters and accidents in coal mines of China in resent 50 years. The analysis indicates the emphasis reason that result in the accidents in coal mines are artificial cause explosion of mash gas and coal dust, water flood, fire hazard. The accidents mostly happened on stope which is more often than other places, following by the driving work face. This not only supplies the managers with basic reference about safe administration, but also suggests the countermeasures in reducing accidents： improve the disposition of person, perfect all kinds of rules and regulations, severely investigate, analyze and deal with the accidents.

DETECTION OF IGNEOUS BODIES IN HUAIBEI COAL MINESBY HIGH RESOLUTION MAGNETIC SURVEY

The present paper investigates the application of high resolution magnetic survey to detecting igneous bodies. The slight difference in magnetism between igneous bodies and their surrounding rocks is measured first and then the magnetic survey data are processed to determine whether there exist igneous bodies by analog among several measuring lines, and finally the modified Marquart inversion was used to determine the occurrence and distribution of the igneous bodies.

Utilizing of Methane from Polish Hard Coal Mines

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.

△P index with different gas compositions for instantaneous outburst prediction in coal mines

In this study we measured the △P(initial speed of gas emission) index with different gas concentrations of carbon dioxide(pure CO2,90% CO2+10% CH4,67% CO2+33% CH4,50% CO2+50% CH4,30% CO2+10% CH4 and pure CH4) of coal samples from the No.2 coal seam in the Yaojie Coal Mine,Gansu province,China.The effect of carbon dioxide concentration,gas composition,coal strength and particle size of coal samples on the △P index was investigated.The experimental results show that with gas of various compositions,the △P value of three samples were clearly different.The △P index of coal samples A,B and C(0.2～0.25 mm) were 4,6 and 7 with pure CH4 and 22,30 and 21 when pure CH4 was used.Carbon dioxide concentration affects the △P index markedly.The △P index increases with an increase in carbon dioxide concentration,especially for coal B.Hence,the △P index and K(another outburst index) values tested only with pure CH4 for prediction of the danger of outburst is not accurate.It is important to determine the initial speed of gas emission given the gas composition of the coal seam to be tested for exact outburst prediction.

APPLICATION OF NEURAL NETWORK WITH MULTI-HIERARCHIC STRUCTURE TO EVALUATE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COAL MINES

The neural network with multi hierarchic structure is provided in this paper to evaluate sustainable development of the coal mines based on analyzing its effect factors. The whole evaluating system is composed of 5 neural networks.The feasibility of this method has been proved by case study. This study will provide a scientfic and theoretic foundation for evaluating the sustainable development of coal mines.

Assessment of pot-hole subsidence risk for Indian coal mines

Ground subsidence induced by extraction of coal seam belowground brings about changes in surface environment leading to trough and pot-hole subsidence.Pot-hole subsidence is extremely hazardous and does not give any prior indication before its occurrence.In India,several pot-holes have occurred in the coal mines of South Eastern Coalfields Limited triggering the need for in-depth studies.In line with the requirement,literature review and field investigations were conducted to develop an in-depth understanding of various parameters influencing the occurrence of pot-holes.The critical parameters identified were rock to soil ratio,depth to height of extraction ratio,brittleness index of rock and rock density.Risk assessment of pot-hole subsidence has been done by developing an empirical rating approach named as pot-hole subsidence rating(PHSR),involving the critical parameters with suitable corrections for certain structural and mining conditions to obtain corrected PHSR(CPHSR).CPHSR was then applied for all the 34pot-holes studied and it was found that all the pot-holes fall under Class I and Class II category of risk representing a very high to high risk class.An effort was made for the estimation of pot-hole depth utilizing the developed CPHSR in both the development and depillaring cases.The developed approach was found to yield consistent results in pot-hole depth prediction.

Dynamic subsidence basins in coal mines based on rock mass rheological theory

In order to investigate the surface deformation caused by coal mining and to reduce environmental damage, more accurate information of dynamic subsidence basins, caused by coal mining, is needed. Based on theological theory, we discuss surface deformation mechanism of dynamic subsidence on the assumption that both the roof and the coal seam are visco-elastic media, put forward the idea that the principle of surface deformation is similar to that of roofs, except for their parameters. Therefore, a surface deforma- tion equation can be obtained, given the equation of the roof deformation derived.from using a HIM rhe- ological model. In the end, we apply the equation of surface deformation as a practical subsidence prediction in a coal mine. Given the theologic properties of a rock mass, the results of our research of a dynamic subsidence basin can predict the development of surface deformation as a function of time, which is more important than the ultimate subsidence itself. The results indicate that using rheological theory to calculate the deformation of a dynamic subsidence basin is suitable and provides some reference for surface deformation of dynamic subsidence basins.

New Issues and Countermeasures of Ecological Reconstruction of Coal Mines in Shanxi

According to the present situation of ecological reconstruction of coal mines（ERCM）in Shanxi,and considering the technical requirements of Guidelines for Mine Ecological Environment Protection and Recovery Management Programming,new issues faced by ERCM have been systematically analyzed,including the investigation of ecological destruction status,classification of damaged ecological environment,ecological reconstruction（ER）sustainability,driving force for ER,and so on.On this basis,suggestions for ERCM and advices for the ERCM programming are proposed.