Effects of dust controls on respirable coal mine dust composition and particle sizes:case studies on auxiliary scrubbers and canopy air curtain

Control of dust in underground coal mines is critical for mitigating both safety and health hazards.For decades,the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH)has led research to evaluate the effectiveness of various dust control technologies in coal mines.Recent studies have included the evaluation of auxiliary scrubbers to reduce respirable dust downstream of active mining and the use of canopy air curtains(CACs)to reduce respirable dust in key operator positions.While detailed dust characterization was not a focus of such studies,this is a growing area of interest.Using preserved filter samples from three previous NIOSH studies,the current work aims to explore the effect of two different scrubbers(one wet and one dry)and a roof bolter CAC on respirable dust composition and particle size distribution.For this,the preserved filter samples were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis and/or scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray.Results indicate that dust composition was not appreciably affected by either scrubber or the CAC.However,the wet scrubber and CAC appeared to decrease the overall particle size distribution.Such an effect of the dry scrubber was not consistently observed,but this is probably related to the particular sampling location downstream of the scrubber which allowed for significant mixing of the scrubber exhaust and other return air.Aside from the insights gained with respect to the three specific dust control case studies revisited here,this work demonstrates the value of preserved dust samples for follow-up investigation more broadly.

原位法检测职业环境空气中致突变物和致癌物的研究

应用NIOSH发展的原位测试系统,以TA98W和TA100W为测试菌株,对职业环境空气中致突变和致癌物进行了测定研究。结果表明,TA98w±S9和TA100w±S9测试菌种对氯乙烯聚合工段采集大气样品均呈阳性反应,亦有剂量反应关系,TA98W+S9表现尤其敏感。由此可见,氯乙烯不仅是直接致突变剂,而且是间接致突变剂。

Guest editorial-special issue on ground control in mining in 2018

Ground control is the science of studying and controlling the behavior of rock strata in response to mining operations. Ground control-related research has seen significant advancements over the last 37 years, and these accomplishments are well documented in the proceedings of the annual International Conference on Ground Control in Mining (ICGCM)(1)The ICGCM is a forum to promote closer communication among researchers, consultants。

应用SOS/umu测试法对八组“致癌性/非致癌性”同系物的致遗传毒性研究

1982年,Quillardet P.等首先报道了一种监测环境中“致遗传毒性物质”的新方法,称SOS显色试验。1985年,作者根据对83种不同化合物的測试结果,认为极大多数Ames试验呈阳性反应的物质,SOS试验也呈阳性反应。同年,Oda Y.等采用TA

Improvements in seismic event locations in a deep western U.S. coal mine using tomographic velocity models and an evolutionary search algorithm

Methods of improving seismic event locations were investigated as part of a research study aimed at reducing ground control safety hazards. Seismic event waveforms collected with a 23-station three-dimensional sensor array during longwall coal mining provide the data set used in the analyses. A spatially variable seismic velocity model is constructed using seismic event sources in a passive tomographic method. The resulting three-dimensional velocity model is used to relocate seismic event positions. An evolutionary optimization algorithm is implemented and used in both the velocity model development and in seeking improved event location solutions. Results obtained using the different velocity models are compared. The combination of the tomographic velocity model development and evolutionary search algorithm provides improvement to the event locations.

Ground response to high horizontal stresses during longwall retreat and its implications for longwall headgate support

Roof falls in longwall headgate can occur when weak roof and high horizontal stress are present. To prevent roof falls in the headgate under high horizontal stress, it is important to understand the ground response to high horizontal stress in the longwall headgate and the requirements for supplemental roof support. In this study, a longwall headgate under high horizontal stress was instrumented to monitor stress change in the pillars, deformations in the roof, and load in the cable bolts. The conditions in the headgate were monitored for about six months as the longwall face passed by the instrumented site.The roof behavior in the headgate near the face was carefully observed during longwall retreat.Numerical modeling was performed to correlate the modeling results with underground observation and instrumentation data and to quantify the effect of high horizontal stress on roof stability in the longwall headgate. This paper discusses roof support requirements in the longwall headgate under high horizontal stress in regard to the pattern of supplemental cable bolts and the critical locations where additional supplemental support is necessary.

Effects of overburden characteristics on dynamic failure in underground coal mining

Dynamic failures, or ‘‘bumps", remain an imperative safety concern in underground coal mining, despite significant advancements in engineering controls. The presence of spatially discrete, stiff roof units are one feature that has been linked to these events. However, an empirical stratigraphic review indicates that no significant difference exists in the relative commonality of discrete units between bumping and non-bumping deposits. Instead an apparent relationship exists between reportable bumping and the overall stiffness of the host rock. However, this initial study is too simplistic to be conclusive; to weight the relative impact of changes in a single variable, such as the thickness or location of sandstone members, it must be examined in isolation—i.e., in a setting where all other variables are held constant.Numerical modelling provides this setting, and the effects of variability in a stiff discrete member in a hypothetical longwall mining scenario are investigated within the context of three stratigraphic ‘‘types",Compliant, Intermediate and Stiff. A modelling experiment examines changes in rupture potential in stiff roof units for each stratigraphic type as discrete unit thickness and location are manipulated through a range of values. Results suggest that the stiff-to-compliant ratio of the host rock has an impact on the relative stress-inducing effects of discrete stiff members. In other words, it is necessary to consider both the thickness and the distance to the seam, within the context of the host rock, to accurately anticipate areas of elevated rupture-induced hazard; acknowledging the presence of a discrete unit within the overburden in general terms is an insufficient indicator of risk. This finding helps to refine our understanding of the role of individual stiff, strong roof members in bumping phenomena, and suggests that a holistic view of overburden lithology and site-specific numerical modelling may be necessary to improve miner safety.

Applying robust design to study the effects of stratigraphic characteristics on brittle failure and bump potential in a coal mine

Bumps and other types of dynamic failure have been a persistent, worldwide problem in the underground coal mining industry, spanning decades.For example, in just five states in the U.S.from 1983 to 2014,there were 388 reportable bumps.Despite significant advances in mine design tools and mining practices,these events continue to occur.Many conditions have been associated with bump potential, such as the presence of stiff units in the local geology.The effect of a stiff sandstone unit on the potential for coal bumps depends on the location of the stiff unit in the stratigraphic column, the relative stiffness and strength of other structural members, and stress concentrations caused by mining.This study describes the results of a robust design to consider the impact of different lithologic risk factors impacting dynamic failure risk.Because the inherent variability of stratigraphic characteristics in sedimentary formations,such as thickness, engineering material properties, and location, is significant and the number of influential parameters in determining a parametric study is large, it is impractical to consider every simulation case by varying each parameter individually.Therefore, to save time and honor the statistical distributions of the parameters, it is necessary to develop a robust design to collect sufficient sample data and develop a statistical analysis method to draw accurate conclusions from the collected data.In this study,orthogonal arrays, which were developed using the robust design, are used to define the combination of the(a) thickness of a stiff sandstone inserted on the top and bottom of a coal seam in a massive shale mine roof and floor,(b) location of the stiff sandstone inserted on the top and bottom of the coal seam,and(c) material properties of the stiff sandstone and contacts as interfaces using the 3-dimensional numerical model, FLAC3D.After completion of the numerical experiments, statistical and multivariate analysis are performed using the calculated results from the orthogonal arrays to analyze the effect of these variables.As a consequence, the impact of each of the parameters on the potential for bumps is quantitatively classified in terms of a normalized intensity of plastic dissipated energy.By multiple regression, the intensity of plastic dissipated energy and migration of the risk from the roof to the floor via the pillars is predicted based on the value of the variables.The results demonstrate and suggest a possible capability to predict the bump potential in a given rock mass adjacent to the underground excavations and pillars.Assessing the risk of bumps is important to preventing fatalities and injuries resulting from bumps.

Design concerns of room and pillar retreat panels

Why do some room and pillar retreat panels encounter abnormal conditions? What factors deserve the most consideration during the planning and execution phases of mining and what can be done to mitigate those abnormal conditions when they are encountered? To help answer these questions, and to determine some of the relevant factors influencing the conditions of room and pillar(R & P) retreat mining entries, four consecutive R & P retreat panels were evaluated. This evaluation was intended to reinforce the influence of topographic changes, depth of cover, multiple-seam interactions, geological conditions, and mining geometry. This paper details observations were made in four consecutive R & P retreat panels and the data were collected from an instrumentation site during retreat mining. The primary focus was on the differences observed among the four panels and within the panels themselves. The instrumentation study was initially planned to evaluate the interactions between primary and secondary support, but produced rather interesting results relating to the loading encountered under the current mining conditions. In addition to the observation and instrumentation, numerical modeling was performed to evaluate the stress conditions. Both the La Model 3.0 and Rocscience Phase 2 programs were used to evaluate these four panels. The results of both models indicated a drastic reduction in the vertical stresses experienced in these panels due to the full extraction mining in overlying seams when compared to the full overburden load. Both models showed a higher level of stress associated with the outside entries of the panels. These results agree quite well with the observations and instrumentation studies performed at the mine. These efforts provided two overarching conclusions concerning R & P retreat mine planning and execution. The first was that there are four areas that should not be overlooked during R & P retreat mining: topographic relief, multiple-seam stress relief, stress concentrations near the gob edge,and geologic changes in the immediate roof. The second is that in order to successfully retreat an R &P panel, a three-phased approach to the design and analysis of the panel should be conducted: the planning phase, evaluation phase, and monitoring phase.

A case study of multi-seam coal mine entry stability analysis with strength reduction method

In this paper,the advantage of using numerical models with the strength reduction method(SRM) to evaluate entry stability in complex multiple-seam conditions is demonstrated.A coal mine under variable topography from the Central Appalachian region is used as a case study.At this mine,unexpected roof conditions were encountered during development below previously mined panels.Stress mapping and observation of ground conditions were used to quantify the success of entry support systems in three room-and-pillar panels.Numerical model analyses were initially conducted to estimate the stresses induced by the multiple-seam mining at the locations of the affected entries.The SRM was used to quantify the stability factor of the supported roof of the entries at selected locations.The SRM-calculated stability factors were compared with observations made during the site visits,and the results demonstrate that the SRM adequately identifies the unexpected roof conditions in this complex case.It is concluded that the SRM can be used to effectively evaluate the likely success of roof supports and the stability condition of entries in coal mines.

Dynamic failure in coal seams Implications of coal composition for bump susceptibility

As a contributing factor in the dynamic failure(bumping) of coal pillars,a bump-prone coal seam has been described as one that is ‘‘uncleated or poorly cleated,strong...that sustains high stresses."Despite extensive research regarding engineering controls to help reduce the risk for coal bumps,there is a paucity of research related to the properties of coal itself and how those properties might contribute to the mechanics of failures. Geographic distribution of reportable dynamic failure events reveals a highly localized clustering of incidents despite widespread mining activities. This suggests that unique,contributing geologic characteristics exist within these regions that are less prevalent elsewhere. To investigate a new approach for identifying coal characteristics that might lead to bumping,a principal component analysis(PCA) was performed on 306 coal records from the Pennsylvania State Coal Sample database to determine which characteristics were most closely linked with a positive history of reportable bumping. Selected material properties from the data records for coal samples were chosen as variables for the PCA and included petrographic,elemental,and molecular properties. Results of the PCA suggest a clear correlation between low organic sulfur content and the occurrence of dynamic failure,and a secondary correlation between volatile matter and dynamic failure phenomena. The ratio of volatile matter to sulfur in the samples shows strong correlation with bump-prone regions,with a minimum threshold value of approximately 20,while correlations determined for other petrographic and elemental variables were more ambiguous. Results suggest that the composition of the coal itself is directly linked to how likely a coal is to have experienced a reportable dynamic failure event. These compositional controls are distinct from other previously established engineering and geologic criteria and represent a missing piece to the bump prediction puzzle.

Evaluation of seismic potential in a longwall mine with massive sandstone roof under deep overburden

A recent seismic event was recorded by a deep longwall mine in Virginia at 3.7 ML on the local magnitude scale and 3.4 MMS by the United States Geological Survey(USGS) in 2016.Further investigations by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) and Coronado Coal researchers have shown that this event was associated with geological features that have also been associated with other, similar seismic events in Virginia.Detailed mapping and geological exploration in the mining area has made it possible to forecast possible locations for future seismic activity.In order to use the geology as a forecaster of mining-induced seismic events and their energy potential, two primary components are needed.The first component is a long history of recorded seismic events with accurately plotted locations.The second component is a high density of geologic data within the mining area.In this case, 181 events of 1.0 MLor greater were recorded by the mine's seismic network between January, 2009, and October, 2016.Within the mining area, 897 geophysical logs, 224 core holes, and 1031 fiberscope holes were examined by mine geologists.From this information, it was found that overburden thickness, sandstone thickness, and sandstone quality contributed greatly to seismic locations.After the data was analyzed, a pattern became apparent indicating that the majority of seismic events occurred under specific conditions.Three forecast maps were created based on geology of previous seismic locations.The forecast maps have shown an accuracy of within 74%–89% when compared to the recorded 181 events that were1.0 MLor greater when considering three major geological criteria of overburden thickness of 579.12 m or greater, 6.096–12.192 m of sandstone within 15.24 m of the Pocahontas number 3 seam, and a longwall caving height of 4.572 m or less.

The design of a laboratory apparatus to simulate the dust generated by longwall shield advances

A laboratory apparatus (shield dust simulator) was designed and constructed to simulate the dust generated during the advance of longwall hydraulic roof supports,or shields.The objective of the study was to develop a tool that could be used to test the hypothesis that foam applied to a mine roof prior to a shield advance could be used to reduce the respirable dust generated during shield advances.This paper will outline the design parameters for the development of thesystem,as well as describe baseline testing of coal and limestone dust.Results show that the average instantaneous respirable dust concentrated during simulated shield advance.Confidence intervals were calculated from the instantaneous respirable dust data to determine the repeatability of the data produced by the device.

A case study of the stability of a non-typical bleeder entry system at a U.S.longwall mine

Longwall abutment loads are influenced by several factors,including depth of cover,pillar sizes,panel dimensions,geological setting,mining height,proximity to gob,intersection type,and size of the gob.How does proximity to the gob affect pillar loading and entry condition?Does the gob influence depend on whether the abutment load is a forward,side,or rear loading?Do non-typical bleeder entry systems follow the traditional front and side abutment loading and extent concepts?If not,will an improved understanding of the combined abutment extent warrant a change in pillar design or standing support in bleeder entries?This paper details observations made in the non-typical bleeder entries of a moderate depth longwall panel—specifically,data collected from borehole pressure cells and roof extensometers,observations of the conditions of the entries,and numerical modeling of the bleeder entries during longwall extraction.The primary focus was on the extent and magnitude of the abutment loading experienced due to the extraction of the longwall panels.Due to the layout of the longwall panels and bleeder entries,the borehole pressure cells(BPCs)and roof extensometers did not show much change due to the advancing of the first longwall.However,they did show a noticeable increase due to the second longwall advancement,with a maximum of about 4 MPa of pressure increase and 5mmof roof deformation.The observations of the conditions showed little to no change from before the first longwall panel extraction began to when the second longwall panel had been advanced more than 915 m.Localized pillar spalling was observed on the corners of the pillars closest to the longwall gob as well as an increase in water in the entries.In addition to the observations and instrumentation,numerical modeling was performed to validate modeling procedures against the monitoring results and evaluate the bleeder design.ITASCA Consulting Group’s FLAC3D numerical modeling software was used to evaluate the bleeder entries.The results of the models indicated only a minor increase in load during the extraction of the longwall panels.These models showed a much greater increase in stress due to the development of the gateroad and bleeder entries--about 80%development and 20%longwall extraction.The FLAC3D model showed very good correlation between modeled and expected gateroad loading during panel extraction.The front and side abutment extent modeled was very similar to observations from this and previous panels.

Analysis of the design and performance characteristics of pumpable roof supports

Pumpable roof supports are currently being used to provide a safe working environment for longwall mining. Because different pumpable supports are visually similar and installed fundamentally in the same manner as other supports, there is a tendency to believe they all perform the same way. However, there are several design parameters that can affect their performance, including the cementitious material properties and the bag construction practices that influence the degree of confinement provided. A full understanding of the impact of these design parameters is necessary to optimize the support application and to provide a foundation for making further improvements in the support performance. This paper evaluates the impact of various support design parameters by examining full-scale performance tests conducted using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) Mine Roof Simulator(MRS) as part of manufacturers' developmental and quality control testing. These tests were analyzed to identify correlations between the support design parameters and the resulting performance. Based on more than 160 tests over 7 years, quantifiable patterns were examined to assess the correlation between the support dimensions, cementitious material type, wire pitch, and single-wall vs. dualwalled bag designs to the support capacity, stiffness, load shedding events, and yield characteristics.

Development of a fault-rupture environment in 3D: A numerical tool for examining the mechanical impact of a fault on underground excavations

While faults are commonly simulated as a single planar or non-planar interface for a safety or stability analysis in underground mining excavation, the real 3D structure of a fault is often very complex, with different branches that reactivate at different times. Furthermore, these branches are zones of nonzero thickness where material continuously undergoes damage even during interseismic periods. In this study, the initiation and the initial evolution of a strike-slip fault was modeled using the FLAC3D software program. The initial and boundary conditions are simplified, and mimic the Riedel shear experiment and the constitutive model in the literature. The FLAC3D model successfully replicates and creates the 3D fault zone as a strike-slip type structure in the entire thickness of the model. The strike-slip fault structure and normal displacement result in the formation of valleys in the model. Three panels of a longwall excavation are virtually placed and excavated beneath a main valley. The characteristics of stored and dissipated energy associated with the panel excavations are examined and observed at different stages of shear strain in the fault to evaluate bump potential. Depending on the shear strain in the fault, the energy characteristics adjacent to the longwall panels present different degrees of bump potential, which is not possible to capture by conventional fault simulation using an interface.

Analysis of global and local stress changes in a longwall gateroad

A numerical-model-based approach was recently developed for estimating the changes in both the horizontal and vertical loading conditions induced by an approaching longwall face.In this approach, a systematic procedure is used to estimate the model's inputs.Shearing along the bedding planes is modeled with ubiquitous joint elements and interface elements.Coal is modeled with a newly developed coal mass model.The response of the gob is calibrated with back analysis of subsidence data and the results of previously published laboratory tests on rock fragments.The model results were verified with the subsidence and stress data recently collected from a longwall mine in the eastern United States.

Analysis of monitored ground support and rock mass response in a longwall tailgate entry

A comprehensive monitoring program was conducted to measure the rock mass displacements, support response, and stress changes at a longwall tailgate entry in West Virginia.Monitoring was initiated a few days after development of the gateroad entries and continued during passage of the longwall panels on both sides of the entry.Monitoring included overcore stress measurements of the initial stress within the rock mass, changes in cable bolt loading, standing support pressure, roof deformation, rib deformation,stress changes in the coal pillar, and changes in the full three-dimensional stress tensor within the rock mass at six locations around the monitoring site.During the passage of the first longwall, stress measurements in the rock and coal detected minor changes in loading while minor changes were detected in roof deformation.As a result of the relatively favorable stress and geological conditions, the support systems did not experience severe loading or rock deformation until the second panel approached within 10–15 m of the instrumented locations.After reaching the peak loading at about 50–75 mm of roof sag, the cable bolts started to unload, and load was transferred to the standing supports.The standing support system was able to maintain an adequate opening inby the shields to provide ventilation to the first crosscut inby the face, as designed.The results were used to calibrate modeled cable bolt response to field data, and to validate numerical modeling procedures that have been developed to evaluate entry support systems.It is concluded that the support system was more than adequate to control the roof of the tailgate up to the longwall face location.The monitoring results have provided valuable data for the development and validation of support design strategies for longwall tailgate entries.

Geologic data collection and assessment techniques in coal mining for ground control

The identification and mitigation of adverse geologic conditions are critical to the safety and productivity of underground coal mining operations.To anticipate and mitigate adverse geologic conditions,a formal method to evaluate geotechnical factors must be established.Each mine is unique and has its own separate approach for defining what an adverse geological condition consists of.The collection of geologic data is a first critical step to creating a geological database to map these hazards efficiently and effectively.Many considerations must be taken into account,such as lithology of immediate roof and floor strata,seam height,gas and oil wells,faults,depressions in the mine floor(water)and increases in floor elevation(gas),overburden,streams and horizontal stress directions,amongst many other factors.Once geologic data is collected,it can be refined and integrated into a database that can be used to develop maps showing the trend,orientation,and extent of the adverse geological conditions.This information,delivered in a timely manner,allows mining personnel to be proactive in mine planning and support implementations,ultimately reducing the impacts of these features.This paper covers geologic exploratory methods,data organization,and the value of collecting and interpreting geologic information in coal mines to enhance safety and production.The implementation of the methods described above has been proven effective in predicting and mitigating adverse geologic conditions in underground coal mining.Consistent re-evaluation of data collection methods,geologic interpretations,mapping procedures,and communication techniques ensures continuous improvement in the accuracy of predictions and mitigation of adverse geologic conditions.Providing a concise record of the work previously done to track geologic conditions at a mine will allow for the smoothest transition during employee turnover and transitions.With refinements and standardization of data collection methods,such as those described in this paper,along with improvement in technology,the evaluation of adverse geologic conditions will evolve and continue to improve the safety and productivity of underground coal mining.