Mining Publication: NIOSH Research for Monitoring and Controlling Methane at U.S. Underground Coal Mining Operations
Original creation date: November 2008
NIOSH research has focused on the monitoring and the control of methane levels in active mine workings. Response times for instrumentation using catalytic heat-of-combustion sensor technology were evaluated. NIOSH research has modeled the flow of methane gas onto longwall faces and gobs, developed engineering controls to limit methane levels during mining, and designed coalbed and gob degasification systems. Available methane control systems have been challenged by recent developments in longwall and room-and-pillar mining systems. This includes increased face advance rates leading to increased productivities, increased longwall panel sizes, and the generally deeper workings of U.S. coal mines. The potentially violent nature of any underground explosion or ignition requires the measurement, control, and reduction of methane emissions into the mine environment for continued worker safety.
Authors: GV Goodman, CĂ Karacan, SJ Schatzel, RB Krog, CD Taylor, ED Thimons
Conference Paper - November 2008
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20034506
Proceedings of the 21st World Mining Congress, September 7-11, 2008, Krakow, Poland. Sobczyk EJ, Kicki J, eds., London: Taylor & Francis Group, 2008; :291-299
See Also
- Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Machine-Mounted Methane Monitors by Measuring Response Time
- Historical Development of Technologies for Controlling Methane in Underground Coal Mines
- Ignition of Methane-Air Mixtures by Laser Heated Small Particles
- Methane Control for Underground Coal Mines
- Methane Emission Rate Studies in a Northern West Virginia Mine
- Peak Methane Concentrations During Coal Mining: An Analysis
- Remote Methane Sensors
- Review of Horizontal Drilling Technology for Methane Drainage From U. S. Coalbeds
- Rotary Drilling Techniques Used in the Beckley Coalbed
- Use of a Test Box to Measure Response Times for Machine-Mounted Monitors
- Page last reviewed: 9/21/2012
- Page last updated: 9/21/2012
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program