Characterization of Gas Seepage in the Mining Goaf Area for Sustainable Development: A Numerical Simulation Study

Bing Li, Hao Li, Yuchen Tian, Helong Zhang, Qingfa Liao, Shiheng Chen, Yinghai Liu, Yanzhi Liu, Shiqi Liu (), Shuxun Sang and Sijian Zheng ()
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Bing Li: National Engineering Laboratory for Protection of Coal Mine Eco-Environment, Huainan 232001, China
Hao Li: National Engineering Laboratory for Protection of Coal Mine Eco-Environment, Huainan 232001, China
Yuchen Tian: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
Helong Zhang: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
Qingfa Liao: National Engineering Laboratory for Protection of Coal Mine Eco-Environment, Huainan 232001, China
Shiheng Chen: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
Yinghai Liu: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
Yanzhi Liu: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
Shiqi Liu: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
Shuxun Sang: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
Sijian Zheng: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-18

Abstract: An in-depth understanding of gas (oxygen and methane) seepage characteristics in coal mine goafs is essential for the safe production of mines and for advancing sustainable development practices within the mining industry. However, the gas distribution and its flow processes still remain ambiguous. In this article, we developed a three-dimensional porous media mining goaf mathematical model (considering the heterogeneity) to analyze the methane and oxygen flow features. Firstly, based on the variation laws of the “three zones”—the free caving zone, fracture zone, and subsidence zone—porosity changes in the vertical direction were set. A three-dimensional physical model of a fully mechanized caving mining area with a “U”-shaped ventilation system was established as the basis, and a COMSOL Multiphysics multi-field coupled model was built. Secondly, based on the established model, the characteristics of porosity distribution, mixed gas pressure changes, and the volume fraction of oxygen in the goaf were analyzed. The results show that as the distance from the working face increases, the compaction intensity in the mined-out area gradually rises, resulting in a decreasing porosity trend. The porosity distribution characteristics significantly impact the mechanical behavior and gas flow. The gas pressure inside the mined-out area is much higher than the surroundings, decreasing with depth. The upper and middle parts have the highest-pressure concentrations, requiring focused assessment and targeted monitoring measures based on the pressure characteristics of different regions. The oxygen concentration gradually decreases with depth due to poor ventilation, leading to potential explosive gas mixtures, necessitating ventilation system optimization, enhanced monitoring, and emergency preparedness. The gas exhibits vertical stratification, with higher concentrations in the upper and deep regions. Targeted drainage and ventilation methods can effectively control the gas concentration and ensure production safety.

Keywords: coal mine safety; numerical simulation; gas flow; sustainability; Huainan mining area (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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