DefinePK

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing efficiency of the reverse-flow scheme of ventilation when working out the gas-bearing seam Mosshny of the Vorkuta deposit in the Pechora coal basin of Russia. The parameters of the used return flow scheme of ventilation and the method of degassing with inclined wells drilled from underground mine workings have been analyzed. Numerical studies of the air-gas dynamic processes at the excavation site have been performed, and the limit values of air flow and gas emission have been determined, where methane concentration does not exceed the maximum allowable level. As a result of the performed numerical studies, significant effect has been found of increasing the flow rate of the air supplied to the longwall for ventilation on methane removal from the mine workings. The increased risk of local methane accumulation in the conjunction with the conveyor working in case of the return flow ventilation scheme has been shown. Recommendations have been given for using the combined ventilation scheme of the working area when working out the Mosshny seam, and the scheme of goaf degassing has been proposed. The areas for further studies have been determined.