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Coal Geology & Exploration

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Research On Tar-Rich Coals: Progress And Prospects, Wang Shuangming, Bao Yuan, Hao Yonghui, Wang Shengquan, Shi Qingmin, Li Dan, Hu Yiliang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Tar-rich coals are a coal-based oil and gas resource that integrates the properties of coal, oil, and gas. Given China's energy endowment of abundant coal resources but limited oil and gas reserves, exploiting tar-rich coals plays a significant role in alleviating China's tight supply of oil and gas resources and achieving green development and low-carbon utilization of coals. Using tar-rich coals as the keyword, we searched the CNKI and Web of Science databases for academic articles and patents published from 1985 to the end of 2023. Based on the search results, we statistically analyzed the process and main aspects of …

Response Mechanism Characteristics Of Mining-Induced Fault Activation, Sun Wenbin, Hao Jianbang, Dai Xianzheng, Kong Lingjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

In the process of coal mining, mining-induced stress perturbation is a key factor leading to fault activation, which is a primary challenge faced by safe coal mining. Fault activation is prone to induce geological disasters such as rock bursts and floor water inrushes of coal mines. Furthermore, it poses a serious threat to mining safety. Using the Flac^3D software for numerical simulations and similar material simulation experiments, this study established a model for faults’ stress-displacement responses under coal mining to analyze the mechanisms behind the evolution of fault structure zones in the process of coal mining. Key findings are …

Laws Of Changes In The Energy Of Gas Hydrate-Bearing Coals Under Different Confining Pressures And Saturations, Zhu Wei, Gao Xia, Zhang Baoyong, Wu Qiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Gas hydration for the solidification of coal seams susceptible to outbursts is a novel technology used to prevent coal and gas outbursts by reducing gas pressure and enhancing coal strength. However, an unclear understanding of the failure characteristics and the energy dissipation law of gas hydrate-bearing coals under different confining pressures and saturations leads to the lack of a theoretical basis for the prevention of dynamic disasters such as field coal and gas outbursts in deep mines. Based on the deviatoric stress-strain curves obtained using triaxial compression tests, this study calculated and analyzed the laws of changes in energy of …

Mechanism And Application Of Cross-Interface Fracturing For Permeability Enhancement Through The Roof Blasting Of Tectonic Coal Seams, Gao Kui, Wang Youwei, Qiao Guodong, Tian Yu, Fu Shigui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Deep coal mining is challenging due to deteriorating geological conditions. After undergoing multiphase tectonic movements, primary coals have evolved into soft tectonic coal seams with low permeability and high gas content, complicating drilling in coal seams. In this case, the blasting-induced fractures are not well-developed and are prone to be re-compacted. So far, no fundamental breakthrough has been achieved in the key technology of fracturing for permeability enhancement technology through the roof blasting of tectonic coal seams. Given this, this study established test models for similar simulation tests and numerical analysis on the roof blasting of coal seams. By monitoring …

Preliminarily Exploring The Theories And Technologies For Coalbed Methane Production Using Horizontal Wells: Comparison Of Conditions For Coalbed Methane And Shale Gas Exploitation, Wang Hongyan, Duan Yaoyao, Liu Honglin, Zhao Qun, Chen Shangbin, Lu Haibing, Shi Zhensheng, Sun Qinping, Chen Zhenhong, Zhou Shangwen, Yang Mingwei, Wang Cong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Through 30 years of unremitting explorations, coalbed methane (CBM) wells in China have gradually transitioned from vertical to horizontal wells. However, the lack of basic theories on CBM production using horizontal wells is the main challenge to current CBM development. Compared to shales, coal seams exhibit heterogeneity and a minor presence of foliations and brittle minerals, hindering the formation of volumetric fracture networks. Nevertheless, the roofs and floors of coal seams have high sealing capacities and mechanical strength, creating excellent conditions for hydraulic fracturing. Some fractures in coals are filled with calcite, rendering acidification conducive to the improvement of reservoir …

Accumulation Characteristics And Exploration Prospects Of Deep Coalbed Methane In The Longtan Formation Of The Nanchuan Block On The Southeastern Margin Of The Sichuan Basin, Guo Tao, Jin Xiaobo, Wu Didi, Xie Fei, Liu Jinxian

Coal Geology & Exploration

Vertical well Y2 in the Nanchuan bloc on the southeastern margin of the Sichuan Basin has yielded daily production of natural flowing gas of 13000 m³, signifying a strategic breakthrough in deep coalbed methane (CBM) exploration on the margin. This study aims to systematically reveal the enrichment and high-yield patterns of CBM in the Nanchuan block. Using data on the regional geology, tests, assays, and production, this study investigated the accumulation characteristic and conducted exploration potential evaluation for deep CBM in the Nanchuan block from the perspective of the quality, pore and fissure characteristics, gas content, and fracability …

Fracture Propagation Mechanism In Directional Perforation And Hydraulic Fracturing Of Coal Seam Horizontal Wells, Pang Tao, Jiang Zaibing, Hui Jiangtao, Jia Bingyi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Horizontal well perforation and fracturing in complex coal-bearing strata are key to increasing coal seam permeability and enhancing gas extraction efficiency, with the formation structure and perforation location determining fracture propagation. Considering the characteristics of formation structure and perforation locations, a fracturing geological model is established. Based on the finite element method, a numerical model is constructed to study the effects of perforation location, formation conditions, and the difference between vertical stress and horizontal stress on fracture perforation. Engineering verification is conducted, and construction suggestions are proposed. Key findings are as follows: There are three scenarios for the perforation locations: …

An Intelligent Water Source Discrimination Method For Water Inrushes From Coal Seam Roofs In The Inner Mongolia-Shaanxi Border Region, Wang Hao, Sun Junqing, Zeng Yifan, Shang Hongbo, Wang Tiantian, Qiao Wei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Water hazard on the coal seam proof induced by high-intensity coal mining are increasingly prominent in the Inner Mongolia-Shaanxi border region. The effective, accurate water-source discrimination of the water inrushes is the key to water hazard prevention. This study investigated three typical mines in the Inner Mongolia-Shaanxi border region. To this end, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to extract principal components from 80 groups of groundwater samples. Then, with inorganic indicators K⁺+Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, HCO₃ ⁻ and TDS and organic indicators UV_{254 …}

Sulphate Contamination In An Abandoned Coal Mine In Light Of Mining Effects, Qi Yueming, Zhou Pei, Zhou Lai, Jiang Dan, Yang Yuqing, Liu Yanzhuo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Abandoned high-sulfur coal mines will become deeply buried acid-producing contamination sites, posing hazards to adjacent aquifers and surrounding environments. Furthermore, mining effects and the complex spatial distribution of abandoned mines complicate the assessment of the contamination processes and degrees in adjacent aquifers. Focusing on a certain abandoned coal mine, this study examined the migration characteristics of SO₄ ²⁻ pollution in acid mine drainage using numerical simulations by taking sulfate (SO₄ ²⁻) as the characteristic contaminant and considering the effects of the fractures formed by the mining of multiple coal seams on the aquifer structure. Furthermore, it analyzed …

Experimental Study Of The Thermal Cracking Mechanism Of Limestones During Burning, Zhang Weiqiang, Cao Zhicheng, Zhou Qizhong, Wang Zuoquan, Wu Yun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Spontaneous combustion of coal seams will cause different degrees of structural damage to surrounding rocks at different high temperatures, significantly altering their physical and mechanical properties and engineering geological effects. To delve into the structural evolution patterns of rocks during burning, this study investigated the limestones from the floor of a coal mine in Xuzhou. It conducted thermal cracking experiments under different temperatures, exploring the thermal cracking patterns of rocks on multiple scales. Furthermore, this study revealed the genetic mechanism of thermal cracking by combining numerical simulations and microstructure tests. Key findings are as follows: (1) The thermal cracking temperature …

Prediction Of Mine Water Inflow Along Mining Faces Using The Ssa-Cg-Attention Multifactor Model, Ding Yingying, Yin Shangxian, Lian Huiqing, Liu Wei, Li Qixing, Qi Rongrong, Bu Changsen, Xia Xiangxue, Li Shuqian

Coal Geology & Exploration

Predicting mine water inflow plays an important role in ensuring mine safety, optimizing resource allocation, and improving work efficiency. This study aims to improve the accuracy and stability of the predicted mine water inflow. Given their strong correlations with water inflow, borehole water level and microseismic energy were chosen as multifactor characteristic variables. Using these variables, this study developed the SSA-CG-Attention multifactor prediction model for mine water inflow along mining faces. The new model extracted effective nonlinear local features of data utilizing a new network structure, which was formed by integrating a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on the time …

Exploring The Pore Structure Of Reconstructed Soils And Its Effects On Water And Salt Transport Based On Ct Scanning, Li Huakun, Zheng Liugen, Chen Yongchun, Li Bing, Tao Pengfei, Li Hao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Coal gangue serves as a critical material for landfilling and reclamation in the subsidence areas of coal mines. However, due to its rough textures and poor water-holding capacity, soils reconstructed using coal gangue exhibit somewhat different pore structures and water-salt transport from undisturbed soils. To explore the changes in the pore structure of the reconstructed soils and their effects on water and salt transport, this study analyzed the differences in the pore structures between four samples from undisturbed soils, the overburden, mud-gangue mixtures, and gangue using CT scanning and image analysis. Furthermore, an indoor experimental device was designed to simulate …

Exploring The Detection Performance Of Different Array Configurations For Multi-Electrode Resistivity Method Tomography Using A 2.5d Finite Element Method, Zhao Rongchun, Lyu Yuzeng, Zhang Zhi, Wei Liuye, Pan Hongxu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Multi-electrode resistivity method is equipped with various electrode array configurations. Due to their different electrode arrangements, various electrode array configurations tend to exhibit significantly varying detection effects under different survey environments. Hence, to achieve satisfactory detection effects using high-resolution electrical resistivity tomography, it is necessary to explore the strategy for choosing appropriate array configurations targeting different objects in practical work. Given the high applicability of the method, its forward and inversion calculations remain a critical task. Based on the differential equations to be satisfied by the point source potential in a three-dimensional structure, this study derived the variational problem to …

Three-Dimensional Forward Modeling Using The Transient Electromagnetic Method Under Complex Terrains And The Analysis Of Terrain Effects, Qu Shaobo, Zhu Jiao, Jiang Zhihai, Li Maofei, He Zhilong

Coal Geology & Exploration

The ground-based transient electromagnetic method (TEM), with unique advantages, has been extensively applied for hydrogeological exploration in coal mines. However, in field exploration, complex terrains tend to cause variations in geometric shapes of transmitting sources and deviations in signals received, reducing exploration accuracy. Hence, by integrating theoretical analysis and numerical simulations with the analysis of actual terrain data, this study systematically investigated the response characteristics of electrical- and magnetic-source TEM fields under complex terrains. Using the vector finite-element electromagnetic forward modeling technique based on second-order backward Euler discretization, this study delved into the laws of influence of peak and valley …

Research On Path Planning Methods For Underground Roadheader Robots, Zhang Xuhui, Zheng Xili, Yang Wenjuan, Li Yuyang, Ma Bing, Dong Zheng, Chen Xin

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to solve the problems of difficulty and low efficiency in the movement of robotic roadheaders under conditions of non-full-section roadways in coal mines, the characteristics of unstructured environments in coal mines and the motion characteristics of robotic roadheaders were analyzed, and a path planning method for robotic roadheaders based on deep reinforcement learning was proposed. The tunnel environment was constructed in real time using depth cameras, a virtual model for detecting roadheader-tunnel collisions was established, collision detection was performed in a virtual environment using the hierarchical bounding box method, and an obstacle avoidance strategy under the restrictions of …

Intelligent Identification Method For Overburden Three Zones Of A Goaf, Li Jianwen, Zhao Wen, Wu Zhenkun, Xu Xiaobing, Wang Qingtao, Duan Longchen

Coal Geology & Exploration

In this paper, an intelligent identification method was proposed to ascertain overlying strata failure types and fracture development in the overlying strata of a goaf, and identify three zones (sagging zone, fractured zone and caving zone) quickly and accurately. This method is expected to be a basis in later development of goaf treatment plans. A coal mine goaf in Shandong Province was introduced for case study, where the Bayesian Online Changepoint Detection (BOCD) algorithm was employed to analyze the changes and response characteristics of the drilling fluid loss and drilling rate over the drilling process at the boundaries of three …

Edge Detection Of Low Illumination Image In Cutting Unit Of Shearer, Jia Pengtao, Jin Luwei, Wang Bin, Guo Fengjing, Li Na

Coal Geology & Exploration

In this paper, a fractional differentiation-based edge detection algorithm named Lif is proposed to address the edge detection problems of missing edge and fuzzy details in the cutting unit of shearers working in low-light underground environments. First, the initial fractional mask operator was built using a larger detection template according to the Grünwald-Letnikov definition of the fractional derivative. Then, the weight coefficients at various positions of the mask operator were determined according to the theory of Pascal’s triangle, and the mask operator was extended to four different directions. Finally, the mask operator was convolved with the image, and the local …

Exploring Dynamic Parameters And Tooth Structure Of Self-Propelled Borehole Repairing Drill Bits, Liu Yong, Li Yang, Wei Jianping, Yuan Yongwang, Dai Shuo, Li Linyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Self-propelled borehole repairing drill bits provide an effective technique for repairing long boreholes that have failed. In order to further improve the borehole repair speed and gas drainage efficiency, based on the theory of jet recoil, the relationship between the jet recoil force and nozzle parameters was analyzed, and a theoretical model was established for rotational mechanics of self-propelled borehole repairing drill bits. Subsequently, the coal-breaking processes of drill bits with different tooth structures were simulated using LS-DYNA, the failure modes in coal mass broken by cutting teeth and the rules of variation in the volume of coal broken by …

Environmental Health Impacts Of Small-Scale Gold Mining In East Indonesia: Mercury Pollution And Nature Conservation, Tri Edhi Budhi Soesilo, Nada Ismita Hawa, Nuraeni Nuraeni

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The expansion of small-scale gold mining impacts environmental health and socioeconomic. Research in Bombana District, one of the gold mining centers in eastern Indonesia, was conducted to explore perceptions of the impact of small-scale gold mining on human health and attitudes towards environmental conservation activities related to small-scale gold mining activities. This research uses a quantitative approach with univariate tests to identify respondent characteristics, bivariate tests (Chi-square) to test relationships and frequency differences, and multivariate analysis (regression) to test the direction and magnitude of the relationship. The perception of the impact of small-scale gold mining on human health was not …

Critical Raw Material In Mineral Elements Found In Fly Ashes From The Czech Republic Power Plant, Agnieszka Klupa

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The economic development of EU countries is limited due to limited access to a number of mineral raw materials, which necessitates actions aimed at securing the supply of CRM. For this reason, CRMs constitute elements of particular importance for the EU. The aim of the study was to assess the content of CRMs as a potential source of REY in fly ash resulting from the coal combustion in one of the power plants in the Czech Republic. In the tested ash the main phases are: glassy phase, mullite and quartz. The chemical composition of the tested fly ashes showed dominance …

Induced Oxidation Effects On Physical And Mechanical Properties Of Lignite From Tempoku, Hokkaido, Japan For Sustainable Mining Via Subsurface Cultivation And Gasification Method, Akm Badrul Alam, Noritaka Aramaki, Shuji Tamamura, Akio Ueno, Takuma Murakami, Yoshiaki Fujii, Katsuhiko Kaneko

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The lignite resource has been under consideration for the subsurface cultivation and gasification (SCG) method to produce biomethane from lignite in Hokkaido, Japan. The primary phase of the method entails initiating the oxidative transformation of lignite using an H₂O₂ solution, resulting in the formation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), a pivotal component. To examine the effects of induced oxidation on lignite's mechanical properties, artificial oxidation tests were conducted to form DOC. While there was a slight decrease in P-wave velocity and density, the uniaxial compression and indirect tensile strengths, as well as stiffness, did not decrease. These …

A Biocompatible Hybrid Approach For The Selection Of Gas Drainage Methods In Coal Mines Based On The Best-Worst Method And Analytic Network Process, Amir Jafarpour, Mehdi Najafi, Ali Dabagh

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Methane drainage is one of the main steps in underground coal mining projects. The operation of methane extraction from coal mines/seams is important from the safety, economic, and technical points of view. Selecting the appropriate method for methane drainage is very difficult, and if the method is not chosen correctly, it will lead to environmental problems. The relationship between different influencing factors, parameters, and methods (and how they affect) is significant in choosing the method of gas drainage. In the current study, a hybrid algorithm is presented based on an Analytic Network Process (ANP) and a method based on the …

Analysis Of The Key Performance Indicators Between Lithologies On Mine To Crusher, Janine Figueiredo, Vidal Torres, Rodolfo Cruz, Douglas Moreira

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The evolution of the mineral economy requires greater technological developments to find a better use of resources and reserves through the relationships between the characteristics of the rocks and the need to enable the entire mining enterprise. This study focuses on the development of new rock blasting technologies that result in a more optimized fragmentation according to the lithology in the feed of the primary crusher. This methodology is known as Mine to Crusher, through which it becomes possible to minimize costs in the future prospecting of the mine and maximize productivity. For this methodology to be developed, it was …

Review On Quarrying Methods Suitable For Space Mining Missions, Daniel Chpolianski, Zong-Xian Zhang

Journal of Sustainable Mining

In this review paper, existing mining techniques and technologies are scrutinized for the purpose of superterrestrial use. Different aspects and challenges of a space mining mission are examined in light of the viable iron-nickel quarry operation on M-Type (metallic) asteroids. The research and findings presented in this work cover different disciplines of science and engineering, including Geology, Rock Engineering, Space Exploration, and Explosives Engineering. The particular focus of this study is on the application of shaped charge explosives in military munitions, oil well perforations, tunneling, open-pit mines, and bolder fracturing that could be deployed in asteroid mining missions. The central …

Municipal Waste Management Based On Geomechanical Assessments Of The Landfill Site Slope – A Case Study In Southern Poland, Tomasz Janoszek, Phu Minh Vuong Nguyen, Jacek Grabowski

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Over time, municipal waste landfills tend to go higher and become larger. The stability of the municipal landfill slope is one of the basic geotechnical tasks. This task ensures continuous waste deposition on the landfill surface and safety in its surroundings. With the increasing height and volume of the landfill, it is difficult to estimate the available area of the municipal landfill, where more waste can be safely deposited due to a number of variable factors, such as the geotechnical conditions of the municipal landfill, the morphological composition, age, and degree of compaction and decomposition of the deposited waste.

This …

Coal-Rock Interface Imaging Based On Acoustic Remote Reflection Logging Within Crossing Boreholes Using The Finite Element Method, Xu Hongyang, Zhai Cheng, Xia Jigen, Sun Yong, Dong Xingmeng, Lai Yongshuai, Yu Xu, Xu Jizhao, Cong Yuzhou

Coal Geology & Exploration

The presence of small geological structures is the main cause of coal and gas outbursts, making the precise detection of these structures an urgent need. High-precision detection of coal-rock interfaces is essential for identifying small structures and achieving transparent mining faces. The acoustic remote reflection logging technology, with a large detection range, a high resolution, and imaging capability, can accurately identify coal-rock interfaces. In this context, this study proposed a technique for coal-rock interface detection based on acoustic remote reflection logging within crossing boreholes. Specially, by placing acoustic detectors in crossing boreholes, the array waveforms generated by the coal-rock interfaces …

Positioning Error Compensation Of Drilling Robot Arm For Coal Mine, Liang Chunmiao, Yao Ningping, Yao Yafeng, Peng Tao

Coal Geology & Exploration

At present, the pose of drilling robots is mostly adjusted by manual remote control and manual retest in combination. Full automatic adjustment has not been achieved. Besides, due to the low precision of open-loop control and inadequate automation capability, the accurate hole positioning and automatic construction of hole groups cannot be realized by drilling robots with water exploration and discharge, outburst prevention and punching prevention in coal mines. Herein, the kinematic model of drilling arm was established by analyzing the structure and action of the drilling robot’s drilling arm. Meanwhile, the dip angle factors such as machining error, body deformation …

Development And Application Of An Automatic Online Testing Instrument For The Funnel Viscosity And Density Of Drilling Fluids, Xie Hui, Zheng Liqun, Liu Fulin, Liang Mengjia, Liu Xuan, Cai Jihua, Yang Xianyu, Hou Jiwu

Coal Geology & Exploration

In recent years, the research on the automatic performance testing technology for drilling fluids has achieved significant progress both domestically and internationally. However, automatic drilling fluid testing instruments face challenges, such as high costs, complicated structures, and restricted working environments. Given these challenges, this study developed an automatic online testing instrument for the funnel viscosity and density of drilling fluids. The testing instrument consists of mud pumping, testing, cleaning, and control modules, which are built using a programmable logic controller (PLC), an Internet of things (IoT) module, a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a peristaltic mud pump, an electric ball …

High-Accuracy Reconstruction Of Missing Ground-Penetrating Radar Signals Based On Projection Onto Convex Sets In The Curvelet Domain, Wu Qiming, Wang Honghua, Xi Yuhe, Wang Yucheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Influence by the acquisition environments and instrument performance, missing signals and destructed channels are inevitable in measured ground-penetrating radar (GPR) profiles. They can cause event discontinuity of reflected and diffracted waves generated by targets, severely impairing the accuracy and resolution of subsequent processing and imaging. Hence, by combining the projection onto convex sets (POCS) algorithm extensively used in image processing with the curvelet transform exhibiting high sparsity, this study proposed a high-accuracy reconstruction method for missing GPR signals based on curvelet-domain POCS. Building on the compressive sensing theory, the objective function for missing signal reconstruction based on discrete curvelet transform …