Estimation of Gas Emission from a Long-Wall Panel

Abstract

Gas explosion in underground coal mines is a major hazard in coal production. Here, to evaluate gas emission increases in anthracite coal mines in Vietnam, estimated gas emissions from a long-wall panel were calculated by scale models of Mine Gas Stress (MGS) and Mine Gas Flow (MGF) for various depths of longwall panels with various gas contents. These calculated results suggest that it will be difficult to dilute the emitted methane gas by conventional ventilation even when gallery cross sections are enlarged in deeper coal seams containing much gas. The calculation results showed the necessity of gas drainage prior to actual mining to ensure the safety in coal exploitation. The paper also reviews gas explosion accidents in light of the calculated results of gas emissions and finds that many accidents occurred at the preparation stage of the coal mining panels, supporting the calculated results.