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.

Investigation on the stress field characteristic of top coal at FMTC faces under the influence of caving thickness

In the background of the technology condition and the geological condition of the 1151（3） fully mechanized top-coal caving face （FMTC face）, and by means of taking nonlinear 3D numerical simulation, the stress redistribution rules of top coal with different thick coal seam were obtained by investigation on the numerical simulation of the redistributions of the stress with different coal seam＇s thickness. The research showes that there exists a certain difference on the stress distributions of the top coal at face, the maximum principal stress is located near to the tailentry＇s corner. The vertical stress＇s peak of the top coal decreases and the distance ahead of face position increases as the once mining thickness of the coal seam increases. At the same coal seam, the vertical stresses＇ peak of top coal gradually decreases from the top to the bottom, the peak＇s position is basically the same and its changes are gradually obvious with the thickness of coal seam increas- ing. The vertical stress of top coal places in a low stress state at a certain range ahead of face and over the face, which reveals the essence that the support loads are generally low under the condition of FMTC. The study supplies the theoretical foundation for the support design and selection, the theory of top coal＇s fragmentation, the movement rules of top coal and improving the recovery of top coal.

An rescaled range analysis on the characteristics of coal seam development in the Eastern depression of the Liaohe Basin

The characteristics of coal seam development,and the prospects of a favorable coal-forming area,were evaluated for the Liaohe Basin located in China.The Number 3 and Number 9 coal seam thickness series from 60 nearly equally spaced bores in the Eastern depression of the Liaohe Basin were examined by a rescaled range analysis.The results indicate that the Hurst exponents of the Number 3 and Number 9 coal seam thickness series are 0.69 and 0.68,respectively.This suggests the presence of persistence.As the bore spacing increases the Hurst exponent of the Number 3 series gradually decreases（H changes from 0.69 to 0.52） and shifts from persistence to randomness.The Hurst exponent of the Number 9 thickness data gradually increases（H changes from 0.68 to 0.91） and always shows the characteristic of persistence.A combination of geological characteristics and the series data allow the conclusion that it is more suitable for the Number 9 coal seam to form in the Northeastern part of the Eastern depression than the Number 3 coal seam.

Discussion of the indexes of nonoutburst coal seam upgrade and its corresponding critical values

In view of the measurement difficulties of indexes recommended by the 50Items Experience of Coal Mine Gas Prevention in the process of the nonoutburst coalseam upgrade, this paper took the No.8 coal seam of Huainan Mining Group as research object. Discussed the suitability of indexes and corresponding critical values, putforward method in determining the indexes and its critical values by analysis and investigation of the gas geological condition and the-spot tracking near position where anoutburst occurred combined with laboratory experiment, and established the indexesand its critical values of nonoutburst coal seam upgrade in No.8 coal seam of HuainanMining Group. The results show that it is suitable to take gas content and tectonic softcoal thickness easily to gain in routine production as primary upgrade indexes that itscritical values are 7.5 m^3/t and 0.8 m, respectively. In addition, takefvalue and Ap valueas auxiliary indexes.

Prediction of methane emissions during the extraction of close-to-roof layer of a seam of large thickness

Prediction of methane emissions at the stage of longwall planning constitutes the basis for the determination of the appropriate method and parameters of ventilation and selection of prevention means including the methane drainage technol- ogy. The growth of methane saturation of coal seams with the extraction depth, with simultaneously increasing output concen- tration, contributes to the increase of the quantity of methane emitted into longwall areas. The subject matter of the article has been directed at the predicted quantity of methane emissions into planned longwalls with roof caving in the layer of seams adjacent to the roof of large thickness. The performed prognostic calculations of methane emissions into the longwall working were referred to two sources, i.e. methane liberated during coal mining by means of a cutter-loader and methane originating from the degasification of the floor layer destressed by the longwall conducted in the close-to-roof layer. The calculations of predictions allow to refer to the planned longwall, on account of the emitting methane, with possible and safe output quantity. Planning of extraction in the close-to-roof layer of a seam of large thickness with roof caving is especially important in con- ditions of increasing methane saturation with the depth of deposition and should be preceded by a prognostic analysis for de- termining the extraction possibilities of the planned longwall.

Statistical analysis of distribution patterns of coal seams in fold zones in Northwest China

The mechanisms for rock bursts occurrences in fold zones are complex, and the redistribution of in-situ stresses is closely related to the complexity of the structures. Analysis of the geomorphology of fold structures and changes of coal thickness can help identify zones prone to rock bursts to improve safety and productivity in coal mines. This study investigated the distribution characteristics of fold structures in coal seams in fold zones in four mines in northwest China. Geometrical characteristics of fold structures in coal seams and changes of coal thickness were analysed, based on comprehensive evaluation indexes,such as the length–width ratio of folds, interlimb angle, ratio P1 of projected width of fold limbs to that of the hinge zone, curvature ratio P2, the maximum curvature and amplitude. The statistical analysis of the four coal mines shows that the length–width ratio of folds changed from 0.78 to 2.03 and the maximum curvature of cross sections of folds was less than 0.04. The curvature ratio of cross section of a fold in the structure was no more than 1.4 and the interlimb angles of cross sections of 89% of folds were larger than 150°. Gentle fold structures were dominant and the specific geological morphologies were domes or basins. The isopleth of coal thickness above the coal mines showed a fluctuation trend similar to the contour line of the floor of coal seams. The coal thickness in an anticline area was smaller than that in the neighboring syncline area. Therefore, the overall variation of coal thickness in the mining areas was likely to have a relation with the direction of the regional principal stress.

Control mechanism of a cable truss system for stability of roadways within thick coal seams

Cable truss systems have been widely applied in roadways with complicated conditions, such as the large cross-sections of deep wells, and high tectonic stress. However, they are rarely applied to roadways with extremely thick coal seams because the control mechanism of the system for the deformation of the roof and the separation between coal rock segments is not completely understood. By using the relationship between the support system and the roof strata, a mechanical model was established to calculate the deformation of the roof in a thick coal seam with bedding separation under different support conditions: with an anchor truss support and without support. On this basis, the research was used to deduce a method for computing the minimum pre-tightening forces in the anchor truss, the maximum amounts of subsidence and separation with, and without, anchor truss support under the roof, and the maximum subsidence and the decreasing amounts of the separation before and after adopting the anchor truss. Additionally, mechanical relationships between the minimum pre-tightening force and the anchoring force in the anchor were analyzed. By taking a typical roadway with thick coal roof as an example, the theoretical results mentioned above were applied in the analysis and testing of a roof supporting project in a roadway field to verify the accuracy of the theory: favorable experimental results were achieved. In addition, the relationships among other parameters were analyzed, including the minimum pre-tightening forces applied by the anchor truss, the angle of inclination of the anchor cable, and the array pitch. Meanwhile, the changing characteristics of the amounts of roof separation and subsidence with key parameters of the support system(such as array pitch, pre-tightening force, and inclination angle) were also analyzed. The research results revealed the acting mechanism of the anchor truss in control of roadway stability with a thick coal seam, providing a theoretical basis of its application in coal mining.

Influence of mining thickness to the mechanical characteristics of gateways at FMTC faces

To make a better understanding of the mechanical characteristics of the surrounding rocks in the tailentry and headentry with different coal seam thickness at fully mechanized top-coal caving face （FMTC face）, the stress transition and displacement around the periphery of the gateways with different coal thicknesses were investigated in details by means of in situ measurement and 3-D numerical simulation. The research shows that the stresses decrease in the two spallings of the headentry and floor at goal with the increase in mining thickness. The roof pressure in the gates does not change obviously with the coal thickness, but the thicker the coal seam is, the farther the maximum stress will apply to the coal rib at the working face. The vertical stress is higher than the horizontal stress at two spallings of the gate, while its horizontal stress is higher than the vertical stress at the roof. The relative displacement between the roof and floor and the two spallings in the gateways increases gradually with the increase in coal seam thickness in a definite range in front of the face. Near the mining face, the stress decreases in the surrounding rock of the gates, while the deformation appears the most intensive. It is proposed that the support concept to the tailentry and headentry should be changed from loading control to deformation control.

Overburden fracture evolution laws and water-controlling technologies in mining very thick coal seam under water-rich roof

Considering the danger of water inrush in mining very thick coal seam under water-rich roof in Majialiang Coal Mine,the universal discrete element(UDEC)software was used to simulate the overburden fracture evolution laws when mining 4#coal seam.Besides,this study researched on the influence of face advancing length,speed and mining height on the height of the water flowing fractured zones(HWFFZ),and analyzed the correlation of face advancing length and change rules of aquifer water levels and goaf water inflow.Based on those mentioned above,this research proposed the following water-controlling technologies:draining the roof water before mining,draining goaf water,reasonable advancing speed and mining thickness.These water-controlling technologies were successfully used in the feld,thus ensured safely mining the very thick coal seam under water-rich roof.

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.

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.

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”.

Controlling Effects of Surrounding Rock to Coal Seam Gas Occurrence

Surrounding rock of coal seam was one of the important factors to gas occurrence. The coal seam gas occurrence was studied by the index of roof strata thickness or sand content rate;we found that there were certain shortcomings. In order to reasonably evaluate the influence of coal seam surrounding rock on gas occurrence in Panji mining area, we quantitatively evaluated the effect of coal seam surrounding rock on gas occurrence by influence coefficient of roof strata thickness, and built six mathematical models of the variational gas content in the mining area which is divided into six gas geological units. The results shows that the coal seam gas content is mainly influenced by 20 mroof strata in each gas geological unit, the gas content presents the tendency of increase, and with the influence coefficient of strata thickness increases, they exist a significant linear relationship.

Experiment Research of Application of FMCCT in Complex-Condition Coal Seams

The fully-mechanized caving coal technique (FMCCT) is a great technique progress of mining method in thick coal seams in China, and it has succeeded in some suitable condition mines. This paper introduces some technical measures and achieved outcomes in gas and fire precaution and support selection for the use of the fully-mechanized caving coal technique in the complex-condition coal seams based on the practice of Weijiadi Coal Mine, in which the technique is used in the gently inclined extremelythick soft coal seam with the dangers of coal and gas outburst and spontaneous combustion.

Top coal caving mining technique in thick coal seam beneath the earth dam

It is important to study the mining technology under structures for raising the coal resources recovery ratio. Based on the geological and mining conditions, the top coal caving harmonic mining technique in thick coal seam beneath the earth dam was put forward and studied. The 5 factors such as the panel mining direction, panel size, panel location, panel mining sequence and panel advance velocity were taken into account in this technique. The dam movement and deformation were predicted after the thick coal seam mining and the effects of mining on the dam were studied. By setting up the surveying stations on the dam, the movement and deformation of the dam were observed during mining. By taking some protective measures on the dam, the top coal caving mining technique in thick coal seam beneath the earth dam was carried out successfully. The study demonstrates that harmonic mining in thick coal seam is feasible under the dam. The safety of the earth dam after mining was ensured and the coal resources recovery ratio was improved.

Experimental research on coal seam similar material proportion and its application

In this paper, the optimization design of the low strength mechanical test and orthogonal test have been analyzed in order to simulate the mechanical properties of thick and extra-thick coal seam accurately in a similar material simulation test. The results show that the specimen can reach a wider range of strength when cement has been used compared to that of gypsum, suggesting that cement is more suitable for making coal seam in similar material simulation tests. The uniaxial compressive strength is more sensitive to cement than coal or sand. The proportion of coal and sand do not play a decisive role in uniaxial compressive strength. The uniaxial compressive strength and specimen density decrease as the mass percent of coal and aggregate–binder ratio rise. There is a positive correlation between uniaxial compressive strength and density. The No. 5 proportion(cement: sand: water: activated carbon: coal = 6:6:7:1.1:79.9)was chosen to be used in the similar material simulation test of steeply dipping and extra-thick coal seam with a density of 0.913 g/cm^3 and an uniaxial compressive strength of 0.076 MPa which are in accordance with the similarity theory. The phenomenon of overburden stratum movement, fracture development and floor pressure relief were obtained during the similar material simulation test by using the proportion.

Longwall Top-Coal Caving in Thinner Thick-Seam and Research on Light Hydraulic Support

The application of light hydraulic support highlights the advantages of longwall top-coal caving (LTC) in thinner thick-seams (3. 0~ 5. 0 m). Considering the problems in practice, the developing of its new series will promote the mining of LTC with light hydraulic supports. Some relevant technical problems of the caving technology and the future of this series of supports are analyzed in this paper with several new opinions.

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.

Demonstration Project of Safe and Efficient Mining Operations in Extra-thick Coal Seam

Mineable coal reserves in thick and extra-thick seams account for 44% of the total deposit in China. Fullymechanized top-coal caving technology is a new mining method of safe and efficient underground operations in extra-thick seams in China. The development of fullymechanized top-coal caving technology in China, which was successfully applied in Face 8105 in Tashan Coal Mine, Datong, Shanxi, China, is analyzed in this paper.Studies on movement pattern of top-coal and roof from fully-mechanized top caving face in 14–20 m extra-thick seams have been carried out. A series of key technologies were successfully developed, including strata control technology, equipment for high-efficient and high-recovery top caving operations, and safety guarantee technology for low gas occurrence and high gas emission. As a result, the fully-mechanized top-coal caving Face 8105, with large mining height in Tashan Coal Mine, has achieved a recovery rate of 88.9% and an average equipment operation rate of 92.1%. With coal production of 10.84 Mt in 2011,the demonstration project is a technology and equipment breakthrough for fully-mechanized top-coal caving face in extra-thick coal seams with large mining height.

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。