Over the past two decades, the number of sudden outbursts of coal and methane in Russian mines has significantly reduced. This is associated with the closure of the most hazardous seam sectors and the implementation of stricter safety controls. According to practices, however, such outbursts still occur, which relates to the imperfect methods and means of forecast, caused by the insufficient understanding of the mechanisms of their manifestations. The article considers the main factors affecting the occurrence of sudden outbursts: rock pressure, gas pressure, features of filtration & collection properties, and coal structure. The disadvantage of most forecast methods is the assumption of the leading role of one of the three key factors.
The goal of the study is to consider the variability of the gas factor in the bottomhole space of a coal seam and its impact on the hazard of a gas-dynamic manifestation. Specific attention has been paid to the rock pressure, which is an important index when forecasting outbursts. The growth of the pressure gradient in proximity to the coalface indicates the increased hazard. Methane abundance, that is, the ability of deposits to emit methane, is also a crucial parameter affecting the probability of sudden outbursts. Criteria of outburst hazard estimation based on the analysis of gas pressure, methane concentration, and acoustic signals have been described.
According to the experimental data, changes in rock pressure and coal filtration & collector properties affect the location of the high-pressure zone in relation to the coalface. The reduction of the filtration coefficient facilitates the approximation of the zone to the coalface, which increases the risk of outbursts. Methane abundance control based on methane concentration helps to timely forecast hazardous situations.
Gas pressure and methane abundance monitoring is an essential tool to increase safety in mines. Its use facilitates the timely detection of hazardous conditions and the prevention of sudden outbursts, which is an important aspect of ensuring the safe operation of mining enterprises.
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