Gas-dynamic processes and causes of accidents at mines

Abstract

Geodynamic phenomena that occur during the exploitation of a coal-bearing massif lead to human casualties, reduce the speed of penetration, and significantly complicate the operation of the mine.The article analyzes existing views on geodynamic processes occurring within mining fields located in coal-bearing formations. A safe technology for identifying potential outburst locations during coal mining is characterized. The technology has been tested during prospecting and environmental studies within the mining workings at active mines and abandoned mining fields. The results of profile and planar investigations in he areas exhibiting geodynamic outbursts in coal deposits and mines are presented.When sampling subsoil air using the technology of structural-thermo-atmospheric-hydrogeochemical research (STAHGS), which is carried out on the surface of the earth in profile and planar versions, the authors came to the conclusion about the possibility of predicting fault zones of increased permeability and zones of low fluid permeability. The first affect the rate of destruction of rocks under pressure, and in the second case, the possibility of gas emissions into the mine, which can be accompanied by an explosion and fire. Such zones are dangerous, because the most destructive events occur in places of collision. Early identification of places of geodynamic stress of rocks, fault zones of increased permeability, accumulation of gases – all this will allow to make a decision in advance about changing the conditions of conducting mining operations and degassing of the coal massif.In addition, the authors draw attention to hydrogen gas as one of the causes of initiation of explosions and fires during underground mining operations in mines, which is not taken into account at the current stage of safety control of mining operations. The possible cause of a hydrogen explosion is not taken into account in coal mine accidents. The appearance of hydrogen and helium in coal samples taken from the mine may indicate the deformation of the massif, which leads to the opening of cracks and the outflow of gas from deeper horizons. And then an increase in the concentration of hydrogen, not methane, creates the conditions for explosions and fires.