Gas Drainage Technology in Fully Mechanized Caving Face with Horizontal Sublevel Mining in Steep and Extra-Thick Coal Seam

This paper analyzes the gas source of the horizontally sectioned fully mechanized caving face in the steeply inclined and extra-thick seam of Adaohai Coal Mine, and numerically simulates the stress distribution and pressure relief of the lower section coal after the upper section working face is mined. It theoretically analyzed the reasonable layout of the drainage boreholes, and designed the drainage borehole layout accordingly. In the upper and lower section of the working face, the actual drainage effect of the boreholes was inspected, and the air exhaust gas volume in the working face was statistically analyzed. It was confirmed that the layout of boreholes was reasonable, the gas control effect of working face was greatly improved and fully met the needs of safe mining. The control effect was greatly improved and the need for safe mining was fully met, and thus a gas drainage technology suitable for the coal seam storage conditions and mining technology of the Adaohai Coal Mine was found. That is to say: the gas emission from the working face of the section mining mainly comes from its lower coal body. Pre-draining the lower coal body of the section and depressurizing gas interception and drainage are the key to effectively solve the problem of gas emission from the working face. Drainage boreholes in the working face of the section should be arranged at high and low positions. The high-level boreholes are located about 2 m from the top of the working face, and the high-level boreholes are about 9 m away from the top of the working face. Through the pre drainage of high and low-level boreholes in advance and the interception and pressure relief drainage, the gas control in the horizontal sublevel fully mechanized caving mining face in steep and extra thick coal seam can realize a virtuous cycle.

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.

Numerical Study on an Applicable Underground Mining Method for Soft Extra-Thick Coal Seams in Thailand

The EGAT Mae Moh Mine is the largest open pit lignite mine in Thailand and it produces lignite about 16 million tons annually. In the near future, the pit limit of the mine will be reached and underground mine will then be developed through the open pit in the depth of 400 - 600 m from the surface. However, due to the challenges for underground mining such as poor geological conditions, extra thickness (20 - 30 m) of coal seams, and weak mechanical properties of coal seams and the surrounding rock, the success possibility of underground mining and an applicable underground mining method is being investigated at the present. The paper discusses the applicability of multi-slice bord-and-pillar method for the soft extra thick coal seams in the Mae Moh mine by means of numerical analyses using the 3D finite difference code “FLAC3D”.

Subsidence control method by inversely-inclined slicing and upward mining for ultra-thick steep seams

Ultra-thick steep coal seam mining will inevitably lead to the increase of greater and violent ground subsidence and deformation.A subsidence control method by inversely-inclined slicing and upward mining is proposed in this paper.By this method,the sequence of collapse of overlying strata and the direction of propagation of strata movement are changed,the extent of roof-side deformation thereby is lessened,and boundary angle of roof-side subsidence is reduced by 5°-10°.The mechanism of this mining method for control of strata movement has been evidenced by numerical simulation and experiments with similarity materials.A subsidence prediction model based on the variation of mining influence propagation angle can be used to evaluate the surface movement and deformation of the mining method.The application of the method in No.3 Mine in Yaojie mining area has yielded the expected result.

Arch structure effect of the coal gangue flow of the fully mechanized caving in special thick coal seam and its impact on the loss of top coal

Based on the characteristics of the top coal thickness of the fully mechanized caving in special thick coal seam,the long distance of coal gangue caving,as well as the different sizes of the coal gangue broken fragment dimension and spatial variation of drop flow,this paper uses laboratory dispersion simulation experiment and theoretical analysis to study the arch structure effect and its influence rule on the top coal loss in the process of coal gangue flow.Research shows that in the process of coal gangue flow,arch structure can be formed in three types:the lower arch structure,middle arch structure,and upper arch structure.Moreover,the arch structure has the characteristics of dynamic random arch,the formation probability of dynamic random arch with different layers is not the same,dynamic random arch caused the reduction of the top coal fluency;analyzing the dynamic random arch formation mechanism,influencing factors,and the conditions of instability;the formation probability of the lower arch structure is the highest,the whole coal arch and the coal gangue arch structure has the greatest impact on top coal loss.Therefore,to prevent or reduce the formation of lower whole coal arch structure,the lower coal gangue arch structure and the middle whole coal arch structure is the key to reduce the top coal loss.The research conclusion provides theoretical basis for the further improvement of the top coal recovery rate of the fully mechanized caving in extra thick coal seam.

Pressure relief, gas drainage and deformation effects on an overlying coal seam induced by drilling an extra-thin protective coal seam

Numerical simulations and field tests were used to investigate the changes in ground stress and deformation of, and gas flow from, a protected coal seam under which an extra-thin coal seam was drilled. The geological conditions were: 0.5 meter mining height, 18.5 meter coal seam spacing and a hard limestone/fine sandstone inter-stratum. For these conditions we conclude: 1) the overlying coal-rock mass bends and sinks without the appearance of a caving zone, and 2) the protected coal seam is in the bending zone and undergoes expansion deformation in the stress-relaxed area. The deformation was 12 mm and the relative defor- mation was 0.15%. As mining proceeds, deformation in the protected layer begins as compression, then becomes a rapid expansion and, finally, reaches a stable value. A large number of bed separation crannies are created in the stress-relaxed area and the permeability coefficient of the coal seam was increased 403 fold. Grid penetration boreholes were evenly drilled toward the protected coal seam to affect pressure relief and gas drainage. This made the gas pressure decrease from 0.75 to 0.15 MPa, the gas content decrease from 13 to 4.66 m3/t and the gas drainage reach 64%.

Behaviors of overlying strata in extra-thick coal seams using top-coalcaving method

Accidents such as support failure and excessive deformation of roadways due to drastic changes in strata behaviors are frequently reported when mining the extra-thick coal seams Nos.3e5 in Datong coal mine with top-coal caving method,which significantly hampers the mine's normal production.To understand the mechanism of strata failure,this paper presented a structure evolution model with respect to strata behaviors.Then the behaviors of strata overlying the extra-thick coal seams were studied with the combined method of theoretical analysis,physical simulation,and field measurement.The results show that the key strata,which are usually thick-hard strata,play an important role in overlying movement and may influence the mining-induced strata behaviors in the working face using top-coal caving method.The structural model of far-field key strata presents a "masonry beam" type structure when"horizontal O-X" breakage type happens.The rotational motion of the block imposed radial compressive stress on the surrounding rock mass of the roadway.This can induce excessive deformation of roadway near the goaf.Besides,this paper proposed a pre-control technology for the hard roof based on fracture holes and underground roof pre-splitting.It could effectively reduce stress concentration and release the accumulated energy of the strata,when mining underground coal resources with top-coal caving method.

Comprehensive analysis of safe mining to heavy and steep coal seam under complex geophysics environment

In virtue of effect of N-S intensive ground stress and mining disturbance to +579E2EB_(1+2) mining site at Weihuliang Mine,the dip angle and section height is 65° and 52 m,respectively,the collapses happed frequently during mining.Firstly,mining condi- tions,spatial structure and parameters were investigated.Then physical simulation and dynamic numerical tracing and elaborate simulation relating roof and top-coal were ap- plied based on 2D-Block Program and quantitative regularity of stress at variable depths had been estimated.Furthermore,it was manifested that effective measures,i.e.,fast mining,control symmetrical top-coal-caving at dip and strike directions,optimizing ventila- tion system,active-stereo preventing gas were performed successfully in mining practice. Ultimately,the derived dynamic hazard were prevented so as to safety mining.

Strata behavior in extra-thick coal seam mining with upward slicing backfilling technology

Based on the character of upward slicing backfilling mining and the condition of Gonggeyingzi coal mine in Inner Mongolia,this paper describes the studies of the strata behavior and the stress distribution in the process of backfilling mining in extra-thick coal seams.This was achieved by setting up and analyzing the elastic foundation beam model using the ABAQUS software.The results show that:(1) With the gradual mining of different slices,the roof appears to bend continuously but does not break.The vertical stress in the roof decreases and the decreasing amplitude reduces,while the tensile stress in the roof grows with the mining slices and the maximum tensile stress will not exceed the allowable tensile stress.(2) The front vertical stress at the working face exceeds the rear vertical stress and both show a trend of decrease with decreasing amplitude of decrease.(3) The slices mined early have more influence on the surrounding rock than the later ones.Similarly,the strata behavior experiences the same trend.The field measured data show that the roof does not break during the mining process,which is consistent with the conclusion.

Research on drawing coal effects in the dipping and steep——dipping coal seams

Controllable drawing roof coal mining method is applied either to rently inclined seam or to big dipping seam. This paper sums up four corresponding methods according to conditions of our country, and analyses the coal-recovering effects and proves applicated conditions and measures for improving by "drawing coal theory of the ellipsoid". Its conclusion basically consists with practice. This work is of guiding meaning for designing drawing coal technology.

Comparative study of mining methods for reserves beneath end slope in flat surface mines with ultra-thick coal seams

The paper aims to identify a reasonable method for mining ultra-thick coal seams in an end-slope in surface mine, With a case study of Heidaigou surface coal mine(HSCM), the paper conducted a comparative research on three mining methods, namely Underground Mining Method(UMM), Highwall Mining System(HMS) and Local Steep Slope Mining Method(LSSMM). A model was firstly established to simulate the impact that UMM and HMS exert on monitoring points and surface deformation. The way that stripping and excavation amount varies with different slope angle, and the corresponding end slope stability were analyzed in the mode of LSSMM. Then a TOPSIS model was established by taking into account six indicators such as recovery ratio, technical complexity and adaptability, the impact on surface mining production, production safety and economic benefits. Finally, LSSMM was determined as the best mining method for mining ultra-thick coal seams in end slope in HSCM.

Feasibility analysis of gob-side entry retaining on a working face in a steep coal seam

Based on the decline in exploitation of coal resources, steep coal seam mining and mining face tensions continue to explore the feasibility analysis of steeply inclined faces in the gob. One of the key factors in utilizing the technology of gob-side entry retaining in steep coal seams is to safely and effectively prevent caving rock blocks from rushing into the gob-side entry by sliding downwards along levels. Using theoretical analysis and field methods, we numerically simulated the mining process on a fully-mechanized face in a steep coal seam. The stress and deformation process of roof strata has been analyzed, and the difficulty of utilizing the technology is considered and combined with practice in a steep working face in Lvshuidong mine. The feasibility of utilizing the technology of gob-side entry retaining in a steep coal seam has been recognised. We propose that roadways along the left lane offshoot body use a speciallymade reinforced steel dense net to build a dense rock face at the lower head. The results show that the lane offshoot branch creates effective roof control, safe conditions for roadway construction workers, and practical application of steeply inclined gob.

Numerical simulation analysis of covering rock strata as mining steep-inclined coal seam under fault movement

The fault is one important factor for the stability of overburden strata caused by steeply inclined coal seam. The stress and displacement change of overburden strata caused by steeply-inclined coal seam mining activity under faulting was simulated by FLAC2D finite differential program on the basis of Zhaogezhuang mining example belonging to Kailuan Mining Group. From the results, the stress and displacement clouding image after mining became complex because of the fault, that is, a kind of weak structural plane. The stress concentration region concentrated around the goaf, and also around the fault plane. As the mining depth increases, the stress and displacement within the fault zone change significantly. This movement and deformation characteristic of overburden strata can provide theoretical basis for the similar mining condition.

Hydraulic support stability control of fully mechanized top coal caving face with steep coal seams based on instable critical angle

Analyzed the support instable mode of sliding,tripping,and so on,and believed the key point of the support stability control of fully mechanized coal caving face with steep coal seams was to maintain that the seam true angle was less than the hydraulic support instability critical angle.Through the layout of oblique face,the improvement of support setting load,the control of mining height and nonskid platform,the group support system of end face,the advance optimization of conveyor and support,and the other control tech- nical measures,the true angle of the seam is reduced and the instable critical angle of the support is increased,the hydraulic support stability of fully mechanized coal caving face with steep coal seams is effectively controlled.

Study on fasART neuro-fuzzy networks for distinguishing the difficulty degree of top coal caving in steep seam

Distinguishing the difficulty degree of top coal caving was a precondition of the popularization and application of the roadway sub-level caving in steep seam. Because of complexity and uncertainty of the coal seam, the expression of influence factors was diffi-culty with exact data. According to the fuzzy and uncertainty of influence factors, triangular fuzzy membership functions were adopted to carry out the factors ambiguity, of which the factors not only have the consistency of semantic meaning, but also dissolve sufficiently expert knowledge. Based on the properties and structures of fasART fuzzy neural net-works of fuzzy logic system and practical needs, a simplified fasART model was put for-ward, stability and reliability of the network were improved, the deficiency of learning sam-ples and uncertainty of the factors were better treated. The method is of effective and practical value was identified by experiments.

Analysis of the Risk of Water Breakout in the Bottom Plate of High-Intensity Mining of Extra-Thick Coal Seams

In order to clarify the danger of water breakout in the bottom plate of extra-thick coal seam mining, 2202 working face of a mine in the west is taken as the research object, and it is proposed to use the on-site monitoring means combining borehole peeping and microseismic monitoring, combined with the theoretical analysis to analyze the danger of water breakout in the bottom plate. The results show that: 1) the theoretically calculated maximum damage depth of the bottom plate is 27.5 m, and its layer is located above the Austrian ash aquifer, which has the danger of water breakout;2) the drill hole peeping at the bottom plate of the working face shows that the depth of the bottom plate fissure development reaches 26 m, and the integrity of the water barrier layer has been damaged, so there is the risk of water breakout;3) for the microseismic monitoring of the anomalous area, the bottom plate of the return air downstream channel occurs in the field with a one-week lag, which shows that microseismic monitoring events may reflect the water breakout of the underground. This shows that the microseismic monitoring events can reflect the changes of the underground flow field, which can provide a reference basis for the early warning of water breakout. The research results can provide reference for the prediction of sudden water hazard.

急倾斜深埋巨厚煤层掘巷冲击地压前兆特征及其灾害防治

随着冲击地压矿井逐渐向深开采,其巷道掘进伴随的冲击显现愈发强烈。针对巷道掘进过程中的冲击地压有效防治问题,以新疆乌东煤矿急倾斜煤层矿井为例,运用微震监测对巷道掘进的冲击地压时空前兆特征加以分析。结合巷道掘进的应力与能量变化数值模拟分析,揭示巷道掘进的冲击地压发生机理,提出急倾斜巨厚煤层巷道冲击地压防治策略,并完成现场工程实践验证。研究结果表明:急倾斜巨厚煤层巷道掘进的冲击地压发生前第2~5天出现微震总能量极低值,或存在至少4 d的能量潜伏期;冲击地压发生前5 d普遍存在3 d以上的最大能量占比高频波动期。冲击地压发生前存在明显缺震现象,发生位置集中分布在距离掘进工作面较近的微震能量极小值区间范围内,或位于微震能量极值区间附近的微震频次极小值区间范围内,且冲击地压事件位于冲击变形能指数较高区域。急倾斜巨厚煤层水平分段综放开采的坚硬覆岩结构不易破断,使得巷道掘进存在上水平采空区两侧“双翼型”应力集中,掘进工作面前方与巷道底部受顶底板岩层相互挤压的应力集中分布且能量积聚显著,随着巷道掘进深度增加其应力集中与能量积聚进一步增强,容易诱发冲击地压等动力灾害。综合分析形成急倾斜巨厚煤层巷道掘进的工作面爆破卸压、巷道钻孔卸压与补强支护、复杂区域架蓬的冲击地压防治策略。结合冲击地压时空前兆异常为及时加强卸压力度提供时机。通过工作面与巷道卸压使得掘进期间未发生单日累计1×105 J以上微震能量,在对支护优化调整与复杂区域重点防护后,巷道掘进日均微震能量降至2.2 kJ,其1 kJ以上微震事件占比下降且巷道断面整体平整。研究结果为急倾斜巨厚煤层巷道安全掘进提供了科学依据。

深埋倾斜特厚煤层窄煤柱护巷机理与围岩控制

我国中东部地区采深大、巷道变形和冲击风险大,窄煤柱沿空掘巷技术可改善巷道围岩环境。为掌握窄煤柱护巷机理并形成针对性围岩控制技术体系,以800 m埋深倾斜特厚煤层3 m窄煤柱沿空掘巷为背景,开展了理论分析、现场实测及数值模拟研究,结果表明:①该巷围岩破碎程度及变形煤柱侧比实体煤侧严重,煤柱破碎程度及变形采空区侧比巷道侧大,尽管埋深大,但已稳定采空区承担较大覆岩载荷,高应力已充分向深部岩体分流;②巷道变形非对称,实体煤侧顶板下沉量比煤柱侧大,巷帮以浅部变形为主,煤柱帮上部和实体煤帮中部变形较大;③采空区是掘巷卸荷后主要的形变通道,利于形变能向采空区缓释、降低冲击风险;④卸压区形状由掘巷前三角形扩展为掘巷后平行四边形,掘巷后应力集中区转移至实体煤帮右上方实体煤岩体中;⑤窄煤柱一次和二次剪切破坏的交界面及掘巷右上方实体高应力区为围岩关键控制区,据此提出基于煤柱多重塑性破坏区发育规律的煤柱加固和高应力区精准卸压联合的围岩控制技术体系。研究可为邻近工作面以及其他类似深埋倾斜特厚煤层开采提供理论支撑和科学依据。

建筑物下特厚煤层镁渣基全固废连采连充开采技术与实践

我国建筑物下压煤量巨大,同时煤矸石、粉煤灰等煤基工业固体废弃物排放量日益增加,严重制约地方经济社会发展。以榆林麻黄梁煤矿为试验矿井,针对其特厚煤层、建筑物下压煤、充填成本高等问题,提出了特厚煤层全固废连采连充开采技术。采用四阶段工序并将特厚煤层分为上、下2部分二次回采压覆煤炭,最大程度控制地面沉降。为降低充填原材料成本,采用化学优化剂对镁渣进行源头改性,抑制镁渣冷却粉化,稳定水化活性,协同粉煤灰、脱硫石膏等煤基固废,研发了改性镁−煤渣基胶凝材料。采用改性镁−煤渣基胶凝材料胶结煤矸石、粉煤灰制备了全固废充填材料。针对麻黄梁煤矿四阶段强、弱充填强度要求,设计不同配比的改性镁渣基充填材料试验,优选配比并应用于井下充填。论述了膏体充填系统与充填接顶方法。麻黄梁煤矿全固废胶结充填工艺试验显示,井下28 d龄期充填体钻芯平均单轴抗压强度超设计强度27%,钻芯浸出毒性满足相关国家标准要求,成功回收了建筑物下压覆煤炭资源,社会经济效益显著。麻黄梁煤矿特厚煤层全固废胶结充填开采实践为国内类似矿井提供了有益借鉴,同时为我国大型煤炭基地的“煤−电−化−冶”固废大规模资源化利用提供了新的思路。