Title: Modelling mine gas explosive pattern in underground mine gob and overlying strata

Authors: Jianwei Cheng; Chang Qi; Siyuan Li

Addresses: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China; Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines, College of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China ' Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines, College of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China ' Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines, College of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China

Abstract: A 3D physical experimental model is well designed to simulate a U-type underground mine working face. Based on two important influence factors, the air quantity delivered into the ventilation system and the gas release rate (GRR) in gob, a series of experiments are designed to examine the range pattern of gas explosive zone changing in the mine gob with following various combinations of air velocities and GRRs. By sampling works, the gas concentration could be obtained at different horizontal levels and vertical lines in the experiment model. The experimental results show various shapes and areas of explosive zones in gob and in overlying caved spaces as the GRR and air velocities change. This research work is of great reference for mining engineers to apply the ventilation design practices to minimise the explosion hazard risk in a mine gob area. [Received: July 26, 2017; Accepted: December 13, 2017]

Keywords: modelling; mine gas; explosion; explosive pattern; 3D physical experimental model; physical simulation; gas release rate; GRR; air quantity; underground ventilation; mine gob; rock strata similarity; ventilation flow field similarity; gas distribution; overlying strata; coal.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2019.103506

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2019 Vol.22 No.4, pp.554 - 577

Received: 26 Jul 2017
Accepted: 13 Dec 2017
Published online: 08 Nov 2019 *