A coal outburst is a severe safety hazard in room-and-pillar mining under deep cover. It is more likely to occur during pillar retreating. Multi-seam mining dramatically increases the risk of coal outburst within the ...A coal outburst is a severe safety hazard in room-and-pillar mining under deep cover. It is more likely to occur during pillar retreating. Multi-seam mining dramatically increases the risk of coal outburst within the influence zones created by remnant pillars and gob-solid boundaries. Though coal outburst is generally associated with heavy loading of coal pillars,its occurrence is difficult to predict. Risk management provides a proactive tool to minimize coal outburst in room-and-pillar mining under deep cover. Risk assessment is the first step in identifying and quantifying outburst risk factors. The primary risk factors for coal outburst are overburden depth,roof and floor strength,geological anomalies,mining type,multi-seam mining,and panel width. A risk assessment chart can be used to proactively screen out mining sections with high risk of coal outburst for further analysis. Gob-solid boundaries and remnant pillars are critical factors in evaluation of the coal outburst risk of multi-seam mining. Risk identification,risk assessment,geologic influence mapping,geotechnical evaluation,risk analysis,risk mitigation,and monitoring are essential elements of coal outburst risk management process. Training is an integral part of risk management for risk identification and communication between all the stakeholders including management,technical and safety personnel,and miners.展开更多
This paper presents the geologic and ground control challenges that were encountered by Consol Energy＇s coal mining operations in southwestem Pennsylvania, USA. Geologic encounters, such as sandstone- to-limestone ge...This paper presents the geologic and ground control challenges that were encountered by Consol Energy＇s coal mining operations in southwestem Pennsylvania, USA. Geologic encounters, such as sandstone- to-limestone geology transition, massive sandstone channels, shale channels, pyritic rich green claystone, laminated roof, and soft floor, have significantly impacted the development and longwall mining in Consol＇s Pittsburgh Seam coal mines. Experience from different mines shows that, in the sandstone-to-limestone geology transition zone, 1.83 m high-tension, fully-grouted primary bolts employed along with 4.88 m cen- ter cable bolts at every other strap greatly improved beam building and ensured proper anchorage into the competent roof. Hydraulic fracturing of the massive sandstone was often necessary to enhance caving of the massive sandstone behind the shields to relieve pressure at the face. The presence of soft floor coupled with presence of thick floor coal and deep cover, induced excessive headgate convergence during retreat of the first right hand longwall panel. In all, it is important to explore the roof and in-seam geology in detail to delineate normal and anomalous geologic conditions prior to and during development. With diligent geologic reconnaissance, geotechnical monitoring, and assessment, site-specific geotechnical solutions have been provided to mine operations to improve safety and productivity.展开更多
文摘A coal outburst is a severe safety hazard in room-and-pillar mining under deep cover. It is more likely to occur during pillar retreating. Multi-seam mining dramatically increases the risk of coal outburst within the influence zones created by remnant pillars and gob-solid boundaries. Though coal outburst is generally associated with heavy loading of coal pillars,its occurrence is difficult to predict. Risk management provides a proactive tool to minimize coal outburst in room-and-pillar mining under deep cover. Risk assessment is the first step in identifying and quantifying outburst risk factors. The primary risk factors for coal outburst are overburden depth,roof and floor strength,geological anomalies,mining type,multi-seam mining,and panel width. A risk assessment chart can be used to proactively screen out mining sections with high risk of coal outburst for further analysis. Gob-solid boundaries and remnant pillars are critical factors in evaluation of the coal outburst risk of multi-seam mining. Risk identification,risk assessment,geologic influence mapping,geotechnical evaluation,risk analysis,risk mitigation,and monitoring are essential elements of coal outburst risk management process. Training is an integral part of risk management for risk identification and communication between all the stakeholders including management,technical and safety personnel,and miners.
文摘This paper presents the geologic and ground control challenges that were encountered by Consol Energy＇s coal mining operations in southwestem Pennsylvania, USA. Geologic encounters, such as sandstone- to-limestone geology transition, massive sandstone channels, shale channels, pyritic rich green claystone, laminated roof, and soft floor, have significantly impacted the development and longwall mining in Consol＇s Pittsburgh Seam coal mines. Experience from different mines shows that, in the sandstone-to-limestone geology transition zone, 1.83 m high-tension, fully-grouted primary bolts employed along with 4.88 m cen- ter cable bolts at every other strap greatly improved beam building and ensured proper anchorage into the competent roof. Hydraulic fracturing of the massive sandstone was often necessary to enhance caving of the massive sandstone behind the shields to relieve pressure at the face. The presence of soft floor coupled with presence of thick floor coal and deep cover, induced excessive headgate convergence during retreat of the first right hand longwall panel. In all, it is important to explore the roof and in-seam geology in detail to delineate normal and anomalous geologic conditions prior to and during development. With diligent geologic reconnaissance, geotechnical monitoring, and assessment, site-specific geotechnical solutions have been provided to mine operations to improve safety and productivity.
