Methane Hazard Predictions in Underground Coal Mining

摘要

Methane emissions present a major hazard during underground coal mining. The knowledge of the emission levels is required to plan the mining operations, to select the mining me-thod and the degasification strategy. Methane emission levels can be determined from reliable fo-recasts. Prediction methods involve a number of models which vary in the degree of precision. The study outlines the empirical methods, followed by a prognosis of methane emissions based on the geomechanical model. Simulation methods and computer programs are presented that are used to evaluate the methane hazard. Prediction methods used in Poland are reviewed in further sections. One has to bear in mind, however, that these methods may not be effective in deep mines. Finally, the forecasting method is presented that is based on neural networks.