Heliyon (May 2025)
Multi-criteria assessment of coal seams suitability for co-gasification using the preference selection index
Abstract
This study aims to determine the suitability criteria of coal seams for underground co-gasification using a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach. The methodology incorporates geological, hydrogeological, and mining-technical factors to assess the feasibility of underground gasification. The Preference Selection Index (PSI) technique is applied to analyze 18 criteria, enabling a systematic ranking and prioritization of coal seams based on their suitability. The research findings highlight the importance of considering gasification process intensification as a critical factor in optimizing thermochemical conversions. The results demonstrate that while standard assessment methods indicate a relatively uniform suitability of coal seams, the PSI technique provides a more precise ranking, ensuring a more objective and reliable selection process. For the first time, this study adapts the PSI technique for assessing coal seams in the context of underground co-gasification, offering a novel approach to improving decision-making in coal seam selection. The proposed methodology has broad applicability, allowing its use in other mines and coal deposits with similar geological and technical conditions. However, the study has certain limitations, including the need to expand the evaluation criteria by incorporating additional geological and coal quality parameters and refining the PSI methodology to account for interval-type criteria. The research findings contribute to the scientific advancement of coal gasification assessment methodologies, providing a structured and data-driven approach to ranking coal seams for underground co-gasification projects.
