Exploitation technology of pressure relief coalbed methane in vertical surface wells in the Huainan coal mining area

Exploitation technology of pressure relief coalbed methane in vertical surface wells is a new method for exploration of gas and coalbed methane exploitation in mining areas with high concentrations of gas, where tectonic coal developed. Studies on vertical surface well technology in the Huainan Coal Mining area play a role in demonstration in the use of clean, new energy resources, preventing and reducing coal mine gas accidents and protecting the environment. Based on the practice of gas drainage engineering of pressure relief coalbed methane in vertical surface wells and combined with relative geological and exploration en- gineering theories, the design principles of design and structure of wells of pressure relief coalbed methane in vertical surface wells are studied. The effects of extraction and their causes are discussed and the impact of geological conditions on gas production of the vertical surface wells are analyzed. The results indicate that in mining areas with high concentrations of gas, where tectonic coal developed, a success rate of pressure relief coalbed methane in surface vertical well is high and single well production usually great. But deformation due to coal exploitation could damage boreholes and cause breaks in the connection between aquifers and bore-holes, which could induce a decrease, even a complete halt in gas production of a single well. The design of well site location and wellbore configuration are the key for technology. The development of the geological conditions for coalbed methane have a significant effect on gas production of coalbed methane wells.

Production Characteristics and the Control Factors of Surface Wells for Relieved Methane Drainage in the Huainan Mining Area

Based on the production data of a large number of surface drainage wells in the Huainan mining area,the present study shows that four types of typical production characteristics for relieved methane wells are recognized,of which the stable type for production and gas concentration is the most dominate,as determined by a comprehensive study on the volume and concentration of drained gases, as well as the stress changes of rocks influenced by mining.Some influence factors for the productive differences of the drainage wells were also been discussed.The results indicate that protective coal-seam mining has a significant effect on overlying strata,which promotes the development of pores and fractures of coal reservoirs for methane desorption and migration;however,the production and the stability of drainage wells are affected by deformation and damage of the overlying strata.The second distribution of strata stress is caused by mining engineering,and if the stress load is larger than the carrying capacity of the extraction well,the gas production would be influenced by the drainage well that has been damaged by rock movement.Furthermore,the case damage occurs first in the weak, lithologic interface by its special mechanical properties.The stability of drainage wells and the production status are also influenced by the different drilling techniques,uneven distribution of gas concentration,and combination of gob gas and methane from the protected layer.

Failure characteristics of surface vertical wells for relieved coal gas and their influencing factors in Huainan mining area

Based on data from through-hole and logging,we studied the failure characteristics of surface drainage wells for relieved coal gas in Huainan mining area and its influencing factors.The results show that the damaged positions of drainage wells are mainly located at the thick clay layer in the low alluvium and the lithological interface in the upper section of bedrock in west mining area.The failure depth of casing is 244-670 m and concentrates at about 270-460 m deep.These damaged positions are mainly located in the bending zone according to three zones of rock layers in the vertical section above the roof divided. Generally,the casing begins to deform or damage before the face line about 30-150 m.Special formation structure and rock mass properties are the direct causes of the casing failure,high mining height and fast advancing speed are fundamental reasons for rock mass damage.However,the borehole configuration and spacing to the casing failure are not very clear.

Numerical simulation of gas flow process in mining-induced crack network

The exploitation of coal bed methane or coal gas is one of the most effective solutions of the problem of coal gas hazard.A better understanding of gas flow in mining-induced cracks plays an important role in comprehensive development and utilization of coal gas as well as prevention of coal gas hazard.This paper presents a case study of gas flow in mining-induced crack network regarding the situation of low permeability of coal seam.A two-dimensional physical model is constructed on the basis of geological background of mining face No.1122(1) in coal seam No.11-2,Zhangji Coal Mine,Huainan Mining Group Corporation.The mining-induced stress and cracks in overburden rocks are obtained by simulating an extraction in physical model.An evolution of mining-induced cracks in the process of advancing of coal mining face is characterized and three typical crack networks are taken from digital photos by means of image analysis.Moreover,the numerical software named COMSOL Multiphysics is employed to simulate the process of gas flow in three representative crack networks.Isograms of gas pressure at various times in mining-induced crack networks are plotted,suggesting a shape and dimension of gas accumulation area.

Study on Critical,Modern Technology for Mining in Gassy Deep Mines

To achieve safe and highly efficient mining in the gassy, deep mines of the Huainan collieries simultaneous coal and gas extraction, and the corresponding ventilation methods were developed. This includes a set of mining procedures and principles which help insure safe and efficient production. Furthermore, green mining, meaning the comprehensive use of emitted gas, proper treatment of the environment and appropriate mine temperature control, is now standard. The concepts of modem mining and the principles of pressure relief are described. Coal-gas simultaneous ex- traction and multi-pressure relief techniques were developed which require a combination of surface and underground gas extraction. The application of Y-ventilation systems, of roadways retained along goafs, of stress control techniques for highly fragile mine roofs and of powerful, automatic and reliable mining equipment contributes to safe operation of modem deep mines. Operating parameters for these techniques are described and the results of their use discussed.

Optimum location of surface wells for remote pressure relief coalbed methane drainage in mining areas

Based on engineering tests in the Huainan coal mining area,we studied alternative well location to improve the performance of surface wells for remote pressure relief of coalbed methane in mining areas.The key factors,affecting location and well gas production were analyzed by simulation tests for similar material.The exploitation results indicate that wells located in various positions on panels could achieve relatively better gas production in regions with thin Cenozoic layers,low mining heights and slow rate of longwall advancement,but their periods of gas production lasted less than 230 days,as opposed to wells in regions with thick Cenozoic layers,greater mining heights and fast rates of longwall advancement.Wells near panel margins achieved relatively better gas production and lasted longer than centerline wells.The rules of development of mining fractures in strata over panels control gas production of surface wells.Mining fractures located in areas determined by lines of compaction and the effect of mining are well developed and can be maintained for long periods of time.Placing the well at the end of panels and on the updip return airway side of panels,determined by lines of compaction and the effect of mining,would result in surface wells for remote pressure relief CBM obtaining their longest gas production periods and highest cumulative gas production.

Technique of coal mining and gas extraction without coal pillar in multi-seam with low permeability

Aimed at the low mining efficiency in deep multi-seams because of high crustalstress,high gas content,low permeability,the compound 'three soft' roof and the trouble-somesafety situation encountered in deep level coal exploitation,proposed a new idea ofgob-side retaining without a coal-pillar and Y-style ventilation in the first-mined key pressure-relieved coal seam and a new method of coal mining and gas extraction.The followingwere discovered:the dynamic evolution law of the crannies in the roof is influenced bymining,the formative rule of 'the vertical cranny-abundant area' along the gob-side,thedistribution of air pressure field in the gob,and the flowing rule of pressure-relieved gas ina Y-style ventilation system.The study also established a theoretic basis for a new miningmethod of coal mining and gas extraction which is used to extract the pressure-relievedgas by roadway retaining boreholes instead of roadway boreholes.Studied and resolvedmany difficult key problems,such as,fast roadway retaining at the gob-side without a coalpillar,Y-style ventilation and extraction of pressure-relieved gas by roadway retainingboreholes,and so on.The study innovated and integrated a whole set of technical systemsfor coal and pressure relief gas extraction.The method of the pressure-relieved gasextraction by roadway retaining had been successfully applied in 6 typical working faces inthe Huainan and Huaibei mining areas.The research can provide a scientific and reliabletechnical support and a demonstration for coal mining and gas extraction in gaseous deepmulti-seams with low permeability.

Water quality variation of mining-subsidence lake during the initial stage： cases study of Zhangji and Guqiao Mines

Four quarters＇ water collecting and monitoring samples were done in the mining subsidence lakes of different water storing periods （ 2 to 7 years）, considering the water storing time and pollution sources state of the subsidence lakes. The following indexes were discussed such as organic indexes （TOC, CODM,, BOD, COD）, nutrient salts （TN, NH4^＋, NO3, NO,, Kjeldahl Nitrogen, TP, PO4^3- ）, etc. It is shown that water quality of the mining subsidence lake during the initial stage （ 2 years to 7 years） can stay relatively stable with a fluctuation during different quarters in a year, which can reach class Ill or IV of the Surthcc Water Environmental Quality Standard.

Experimental research on methane control of mining upper protective layers

In order to solve coal and gas outbursts during mining coal seam,studying on related problems were carried out. According to the theories of mining upper protective layer,proper mining plan were designed and performed through field experiment. By means of examining several parameters obtained from the field experiment,the protective effects were evaluated and the protective scope and related parameters were determined. The results of field experiment show that the danger of outbursts was evidently eliminated and the method of mining protective layers is effective and the safety and economic benefits are remarkable. The research has really applied worth and will give beneficial references to mining area with analogous conditions.

Dynamic development characteristics of amounts of gas and levels of pressure in the Pan-1 coal mine of Huainan

The Pan-1 coal mine located in Huainan municipality, Anhui province, is abundant in coal resources. In order to discover the natural conditions of gas in its coal seams, we inverted the burial history of these coal seams using the software of Easy%Ro method and simulated the development process of gas volumes and pressure of the major coal seams using CBM History Simulation Software. Our analysis shows that the devolution of gas volumes and levels of pressure can be divided into four stages: i.e., a biogas stage (P1-P3), a pyrolysis gas stage (T1-T2), an active gas enrichment stage (T3-K1) and a gas dissipating stage (K2-present). Currently, the average amounts of gas and gas pressure in coal seams Nos. 13-1, 11-2 and 8 of the Pan-1 coal mine are 8.18 m3/t and 2.20 MPa; 3.89 m3/t and 2.47 MPa and 6.35 m3/t and 2.89 MPa, respectively. This agrees very well with current mining data.

Theory and practice of integrated coal production and gas extraction

The integrated extraction of coal and gas combines coal mining with gas capture. Taking into account the gas deposition and flow conditions in the Chinese coal basins, this paper describes the status of the theory and key technologies of this integrated extraction system, and presents its application and practice in the Shaqu, Zhongxing, Fenghuangshan and Pingmei mines. Areas for further improvements in future studies are discussed, focusing in particular on the fundamentals of the extraction system to make it greener, more scientific, and more advanced in both the exploitation and utilization of coal and the gas in coal.

An integrated approach to study of strata behaviour and gas flow dynamics and its application

This paper presents an advanced and integrated research approach to longwall mining-induced strata move- ment, stress changes, fractures, and gas flow dynamics with actual examples of its application from recent studies for coextraction of coal and methane development at Huainan Mining Group in China, in a deep and multi-seam mining environment. The advanced approach takes advantage of the latest techniques in Australia for mine scale geotechnical characterisation, field measurement, monitoring and numerical modelling. Key techniques described in this paper include coal mine site 3D geotechnical characterisation methods, surface deep downhole multi-point extensometers and piezometers for overburden displacement and pore pressure measurements during mining, tracer gas tests for goal gas flow patterns, and advanced numerical modelling codes for coupled coal mine strata, water and gas simulations, and longwall goaf gas ttow investigations. This integrated approach has resulted in significant insights into the complex dynamic imeraction between strata, groundwater, and gas during mining at Huainan Mining Group in recent years. Based on the lindings from the extensive field monitoring and numerical modelling studies, a three-dimensional annular-shaped over-lying zone along the perimeter of the longwall panel was identified for optimal methane drainage during mining.

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Groundwater Inrush Source Identification for a Multi-aquifer System in a Coal Mine

Correct identification of water inrush sources is particularly important to prevent and control mine water disasters.Hydrochemical analysis,Fisher discriminant analysis,and geothermal verification analysis were used to identify and verify the water sources of the multi-aquifer groundwater system in Gubei coal mine,Anhui Province,North China.Results show that hydrochemical water types of the Cenozoic top aquifer included HCO3-Na+K-Ca,HCO3-Na+K-Mg and HCO3-Na+K,and this aquifer was easily distinguishable from other aquifers because of its low concentration of Na++K+and Cl-.The Cenozoic middle and bottom aquifers,the Permian fissure aquifer,and the Taiyuan and Ordovician limestone aquifers were mainly characterized by the Cl-Na+K and SO4-Cl-Na+K or HCO3-Cl-Na+K water types,and their hydrogeochemistries were similar.Therefore,water sources could not be identified via hydrochemical analysis.Fisher model was established based on the hydrogeochemical characteristics,and its discrimination rate was 89.19%.Fisher discrimination results were improved by combining them with the geothermal analysis results,and this combination increased the identification rate to 97.3%and reasonably explained the reasons behind two water samples misjudgments.The methods described herein are also applicable to other mines with similar geological and hydrogeological conditions in North China.

Gas drainage from different mine of drainage systems for deep coal areas： optimal placement seams with high gas emissions

The techniques of stress relief mining in low-permeability coal seams and pillarless gob side retained roadway entry using Y-type ventilation and gas drainage systems were developed to control gas outbursts and applied successfully. However, as the mining depth increasing, parts of the gas drainage system are not suitable for mines with high gas emissions. Because larger mining depths cause higher ground stresses, it becomes extremely difficult to maintain long gob side roadways. The greater deformation suffered by the roadway is not favorable lor borehole drilling for continuous gas drainage. To solve these problems, Y-type ventilation and gas drainage systems installed from a roof roadway were designed for drainage optimization. This system was designed based on a gas-enrichment zone analysis developed from mining the 11-2 coal seam in the Zhuji Mine at Huainan, Anhui Province, China. The method of Y-type gas extraction from different mine areas was applied to the panel 1112（1） in the Zhuji Mine. The absolute gas emission rate was up to 116.3 m^3/min with an average flow of 69.1 m^3/min at an average drainage concentration of nearly 85 %. After the Y-type method was adopted, the concentration of gas in the return air was 0.15 %-0.64 %, averaging 0.39 % with a ventilation rate of 2100-2750 m^3/min. The gas management system proved to be efficient, and the effective gas control allowed safe production to continue .

Features of pipe transportation of paste-like backfilling in deep mine

Based on the pipe transportation of paste-like backfilling system of a certain deep coal mine,its dynamics process was simulated and analyzed.A two-dimensional dynamic model of extraordinary deep and lone pipe was built by GAMBIT,on the basis of which the simulation was done by implicit solver of FLUENT 2ddp.The results show that hydraulic loss of pipe transportation is less than the pressure produced by gravity,which means the backfilling material can flow by itself.When the inlet velocity is 3.2 m/s,the maximum velocity of 4.10 m/s is at the elbow and the maximum velocity in the horizontal pipe is 3.91 m/s,which can both meet the stability requirement.The results of the simulation are proved to be reliable by the residual monitor plotting of related parameter,so it can be concluded that the system of pipe transportation is safe.

Breaking mechanism and control technology of sandstone straight roof in thin bedrock stope

The key problem to be solved urgently is how to avoid the occurrence of support break-off and water inrush in the stoping of sandstone straight roof under the action of load transfer in unconsolidated aquifer.For this reason,taking the thin bedrock 1602(3)working face of Huainan(the middle part of Anhui Province)Panyi Coal Mine as the engineering background,this study establishes the stope mining model by using the discrete element UDEC software and the mathematics mechanical model of the support load,and analyzes the reason of support crushing and decides to re-mining the working face by using the compulsive roof caving method.It is concluded that when the working face of sandstone straight roof is broken,the"voussoir beam"structure cannot be formed and acts on the support in the form of cantilever beam,but only when it falls to the high key stratum can the"voussoir beam"structure be formed and at this point,at this time,the bracket bears the weight of the rock layer in the range from the fractured sandstone layer to the lower critical layer.The working resistance of the support increases with the increase of the thickness and the breaking length of straight sandstone roof.When the breaking length of the roof reaches a certain extreme value,the support crushing accidents will occur.Managing roof with compulsive roof caving method can reduce the intensity of rock pressure in the stope,and the working face can be safely stoped,which provides a certain reference for similar conditions.

Determination of indices and critical values of gas parameters of the first gas outburst in a coal seam of the Xieqiao Mine

Based on the important role in mine safety played by parameters of the first gas outburst, we propose a method of combining historic data, theoretical analysis and experimental research for the purpose of crit- ical values of gas parameters of the first gas outburst in a coal seam of the Xieqiao Mine. According to a characteristic analysis and a summary of the rules of coal and gas outbursts in the No.8 coal seam of a Hua- inan mine, we have investigated their effect on coal and gas outbursts in terms such as ground stress, gas, and coal structure. We have selected gas parameters and determined the critical values of each of the fol- lowing indices： gas content as 7.7 m^3/t, tectonic coal as 0.8 m thick, the absolute gas emission as 2 m3/min, the rate of change as 0.7 m3/min, the gas desorption index of a drilling chip KI as 0.26 mL/（g min^1/2） and the values of desorption indexes Ah2 as 200 Pa. From a verification of the production, the results indicate that application of each index and their critical values significantly improve the level of safety in the pro- duction process, relieve the burden upon the mine, save much labor and bring clear economic benefits.

Swelling and breaking characteristics of limestone under high temperatures

The elemental composition,heat expansibility and breaking characteristics of limestone have been investigated with the use of an energy spectrum analyzer,a SEM,an optical microscope and an experimental heat swelling power system.The results show that 1) the heat expansibility of limestone has anisotropic properties,and 2) the heat expansion rate in the direction perpendicular to stratification is eight times greater than the rate parallel to stratification.The changes in heat expansibility as a function of heating temperature is essentially coincident with that of swelling and breaking of mineral particles and the appearance of cracks,indicating that the reason for causing the heat expansion of rock are the structural changes of limestone caused by thermal stress,crystal transformation and mineral decomposition.The apparent destruction of limestone under high temperatures is largely characterized by rock stratification breaks.When the limestone is heated beyond a certain limit,the rock destroys into crazed cracks.

Experimental study on supporting technology of gob-side entry with different roof conditions

Aiming to effectively solve the problem of deep mining with safety and high efficiency, according to geological conditions, production and stress analysis in roadway surrounding rock, experimental studies on roadway supporting of workface 103 under three types of roof conditions with different supporting technologies and parameters were carried out based on the theory of supporting technology of gob-side entry. The results show the supporting of gob-side entry retaining is successful, and the deep surrounding rock is effectively controlled by field monitoring and drilling-hole photos. After stress in surrounding rock of roadways restores stable, the final roadway deformation of surrounding rock of haulage roadway and air-roadway are both about 300 mm; width of gob-side entry is 3.8-4.0 m and average height is 2.0-2.2 m; roadway section is above 8.0 m^2, which solves the problems of gob-side entry retaining support strength and safe mining; necessary conditions of mining safety in workface 103 are met.

Adsorption and desorption of Cd in reclaimed soil under the influence of humic acid:characteristics and mechanisms

Exogenous humus can change the content and migration activity of cadmium(Cd)in soil.Humic acid(HA)is an important soluble humus component in soil.In order to explore the relationship between cadmium pollution mechanism and ecological environment of humic acid in reclaimed soil,the characteristics of humic acid adsorbing cadmium in alkaline conditions were studied.This study employed reclaimed soil from the Huainan mining area,China.The adsorption and desorption characteristics as well as influence mechanisms on the heavy metal cadmium(Cd)were explored under the influence of HA.The results show that:(1)When Cd concentration was low(0.2–10 mg/L),HA had little effect on Cd adsorption and desorption in reclaimed soil.When the Cd concentration was high(15–80 mg/L),HA had a great influence on the adsorption and desorption of Cd in reclaimed soil.The addition of HA can inhibit the adsorption of Cd by reclaimed soil and effectively improve the desorption capacity of Cd by reclaimed soil.(2)The kinetic curves of Cd adsorption and desorption of reclaimed soil with added HA show that both processes(adsorption and desorption)include two stages:rapid reaction and slow reaction.The adsorption of Cd by reclaimed soil under the influence of HA was 18.18%lower than that of normal reclaimed soil,and the increase of Cd desorption was 50.29%.(3)The factors affecting the adsorption and desorption of Cd in the soil were analyzed with gray theory,and their importance can be ordered as follows:Cd concentration>HA concentration>pH>temperature.Considering the influence of HA,a multi-factor coupling function model of adsorption and desorption of Cd in soil is established.This model provides theoretical guidance for the scientific prediction and evaluation of Cd environmental pollution risks in soil and will be useful for developing a new solution for engineering remediation of high concentration Cd contaminated soil.