Optimization of gob ventilation boreholes design in longwall mining

Abstract

Gob ventilation boreholes (GVBs) are widely used for degasification in U.S. longwall coal mines. Depending on geological conditions, 30–50% of methane can be recovered from longwall gob using GVBs. A NIOSH funded research at the Colorado School of Mines confirmed that GVBs can efficiently reduce methane at the face. However, GVBs can also draw some fresh air from the face and create explosive gas zones (EGZs). Explosive gas mixtures may be formed in gob areas due to the increased ingress of oxygen from GVBs. It is critical to identify the locations for GVBs for maximizing extraction of methane and minimizing hazards of explosion. This study analyzes the effect of operating parameters and design of GVB on methane extraction, EGZs formation, and face and tailgate methane concentrations. Methane extraction, formation of EGZs, and concentration of methane in working areas are significantly impacted by various factors. These factors include the distance of work face and tailgate from GVBs, diameter of GVBs, vacuum pressure of wellhead, GVB distance from the roof of the coal seam, and number of operating GVBs in a panel. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) evaluations suggest optimal design and operating parameters of GVBs that can contribute to maximum benefits with minimum risks.

Keywords

• Longwall mining
• Explosive gas zones
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Gob ventilation boreholes