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Numerical simulation of retentive reservoirs of methane in coal mines |
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Numerical simulation of retentive reservoirs of methane in coal mines Authors: J. Berger, W. Dziurzyński, S. Nawrat
The problem of using sealed coal mine headings for retentive storing of methane obtained in the process of methane drainage in coal mines is important for economic and ecological reasons, because this process enables to obtain a qualitatively and quantitatively stabilized low-methane-content fuel used in power and heat generation installations. Improvement in the degree of the utilization of methane from methane drainage influences directly the limitation of methane emission to the atmosphere. In 2001 year experimental research in the above-mentioned scope was carried out in the "Zofiówka" coal mine on three experimental objects which were headings sealed against explosions, of various lengths, volumes, and structures of the surrounding rocks. The experimental research indicated that the sealed headings were not leak proof to various degrees, however, if they were adapted appropriately, they could be used as underground retentive reservoirs of methane from methane drainage in operating coal mines on condition that their locations and level of leakproofness guaranteed work safety and economic effectiveness. The research also confirmed the operational usability of the applied machines and technological solutions. The development of a mathematical model, and in the next stage--methods of numerical simulation of the studied phenomena based on that model and computer software, creates a possibility to carry out preliminary evaluations of the usability of sealed headings as retentive reservoirs of methane from methane drainage and to consider optional solutions for planned and already operating reservoirs. For the acepted mathematical model a computer software has been developed. Results of simulation of transients during pumping methane in and out of a reservoir (Fig.l) have been presented in diagrams (Fig. 3--6).
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2011