Effect of an electrostatic field on gas adsorption and diffusion in tectonic coal

Abstract

The characteristics of adsorption, desorption, and diffusion of gas in tectonic coal are important for the prediction of coal and gas outbursts. Three types of coal samples, of which both metamorphic grade and degree of damage is different, were selected from Tongchun, Qilin, and Pingdingshan mines. Using a series of experiments in an electrostatic field, we analyzed the characteristics of gas adsorption and diffusion in tectonic coal. We found that gas adsorption in coal conforms to the Langmuir equation in an electrostatic field. Both the depth of the adsorption potential well and the coal molecular electronegativity increases under the action of an electrostatic field. A Joule heating effect was caused by changing the coal–gas system conductivity in an electrostatic field. The quantity of gas adsorbed and ΔP result from competition between the depth of the adsorption potential well, the coal molecular electronegativity, and the Joule heating effect. ΔP peaks when the three factors control behavior equally. Compared with anthracite, the impact of the electrostatic field on the gas diffusion capacity of middle and high rank coals is greater. Compared with the original coal, the gas adsorption quantity, ΔP, and the gas diffusion capacity of tectonic coal are greater in an electrostatic field. In addition, the smaller the particle size of tectonic coal, the larger the ΔP.