Numerical Analysis of Top Coal Recovery Ratio by using Discrete Element Method
Abstract
There is a massive quantity of lignite coal reserves at the Thar Coal Mine Pakistan which are demarcated through thick coal seams. To extract these thick coal seams, the chosen method for mining is Top Coal Caving. The Longwall Top Coal Caving (LTCC) has been the preferred underground mining method that has been developed and then accepted by its guaranteed results in China’s coal mining industry. In this research paper, a 12 meter thick coal seam has been modeled successfully and the mechanism of top coal demonstrated and top coal recovery ratio was computed with the help of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) at Block-IX Thar Coal Mine. In the modeling consequences, the total top coal recovery ratio was computed to be 83.9% when the top coal thickness was three times as the height of cutting height with the drawing interval of 0.8m respectively. Thus, this recovery ratio suggests proficient production for the development of LTCC method at Thar coal mine Pakistan.
References
[1] Zhongming J. (2001). Theory of longwall top coal caving. Beijing: China Coal Industry Publishing House.
[2] Singh, R. (1999). Mining methods to overcome geotechnical problems during underground working of thick coal seams-case studies. Trans Inst Min Metall (Sec A: Min Indus), 108 (A1), 21–31.
[3] Wang, J., Yang, S., Li, Y., Wei, L., & Liu, H. (2014). Caving mechanisms of loose top-coal in longwall top-coal caving mining method. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 71, 160-170. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2014.04.024.
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[10] ZHANG Y., Yan-long, S.I and Liang, SHI. (2011). The influence
of large cut fully-mechanized top coal caving on recovery rate of granular top-coal mixed with inert-band hard coal. Journal of China Coal Society, 36(1): 1-6.
[11] ZHANG H.J., YAN, S.H., Mao, D.B. (2009). Research on
relationship of top coal recovery ratio and height of immediate roof with PFC numerical simulation. Journal of Coal Mining Technology, 14(6): 7-9.
[12] CHEN Qing-fens, CHEN, Z.H., LI Hui. (2014). Experimental study in fully mechanized top coal caving law in Pingshuo mining area. Journal of Coal Engineering, 46(1): 90-93.
[13] ZHANG, Y., Yan-long, S.I, Liang, SHI. (2011). Numerical simulation of effect of particle size of coal caving ratio. Journal of Mining & Safety Engineering, 28(2): 247-251.
[14] MAO D.B. (2009). Research on relationship of mining height recovery of top coal in fully-mechanized caving mining. Coal Mining Technology, 14(4): 13-15.
[15] Zhengyang S, and Zhang, J.W. (2015). Numerical Simulation
of Top-Coal Thickness Effect on the Top-Coal Recovery Ratio by Using DEM Method. EJEC, Vol. 20.
[16] WANG, J.C., QIANG, F.U. (2002). The loose medium flow field theory and its application on the long wall top coal caving [J]. Journal of China Coal Society, 27(4), 337-341.
[17] WANG, J.C., Zhi-gang, L.I., CHEN, Y.J (2004). The experimental study of loose medium flow field on the long wall top coal caving [J]. Journal of China Coal Society, 29(3): 260-263.
[18] WANG, J.C., YANG, J.L., Liu H.H., (2010). The practical observation on loose medium field theory on the top coal caving [J]. Journal of China Coal Society, 35(3): 353-356.
[19] Hai-yong, Y.U., Jian, W.U. (1992). The theory and practice of top coal caving. China University of Mining and Technology Press.
[20] Wang, J., Zhang, J., Song, Z., & Li, Z. (2015). Three-dimensional experimental study of loose top-coal drawing law for longwall top-coal caving mining technology. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 7(3), 318-326. doi: 10.1016/j.jrmge.2015.03.010
[21] Long, H. Study on Weakening Technology of Top-coal and Parameter Optimization of Caving in HouAn Mine. Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology. Thesis (in Chinese).
[22] Raghu N. S., Pathan, A.G., David J. R., Anthony S. A. (2011). Geotechnical appraisal of the thar open cut mining project, 11th underground coal operators’ conference, University of Wollongong & the Australian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy, 105-114.
[23] Shahani, N.M., Sajid, M.J., Brohi, M.A., Qureshi, A.R., Shahani, L.B., Bacha, S., Ullah, B. (2019) An Empirical Analysis of Fatal Accidents in the Coal Mines of Pakistan. Proceedings of the International Conference on Energy, Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China: 726-733.
[24] Shahani, N.M. Numerical Modelling of Longwall Top Coal Caving Method at Thar Coalfield, (2019). China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, P.R China.
[25] Ali, J., Kazi, T., Baig, J., Afridi, H., Arain, M., & Brahman, K. et al. (2015). Arsenic in coal of the Thar coalfield, Pakistan, and its behavior during combustion. Environmental Science And Pollution Research, 22(11), 8559-8566.doi: 10.1007/s11356-014-4038-6
[26] Munir, M., Liu, G., Yousaf, B., Ali, M., & Abbas, Q. (2018). Enrichment and distribution of trace elements in Padhrar, Thar and Kotli coals from Pakistan: Comparison to coals from China with an emphasis on the elements distribution. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 185, 153-169. doi: 10.1016/j.gexplo.2017.11.009
[27] Özfirat, M. K., Şimşir, F., and Gönen, A. A. (2005). Brief Comparison of Longwall Methods Used at Mining of Thick Coal Seams. The I9th International Mining Congress and Fair of Turkey, ÏMCET2005, Izmir, Turkey.
[28] Mustafa E.Y et al. (2018). Numerical modelling of stress-
strain analysis in underground thick coal mining. International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology, P. 199.
[29] Yasitli, N., & Unver, B. (2005). 3D numerical modeling of longwall mining with top-coal caving. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 42(2), 219-235. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2004.08.007,
[30] Yasitli, N.E., Unver B. (2003). 3-D estimation of stresses around a longwall face by using finite difference method. 18th international mining congress of Turkey, Antalya. p. 83–8.
[31] Hoek E. (1995) Strength of rock and rock masses. ISRM News Journal; 2(2): 4–16.
[32] Sonmez, H., & Ulusay, R. (1999). Modifications to the geological strength index (GSI) and their applicability to stability of slopes. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 36(6), 743-760. doi: 10.1016/s0148-9062(99)00043-1.
[33] Unver, B., and Yasitli, N.E. (2002) Simulation of sublevel caving method used in thick coal seam by computer. Hacettepe University Scientific Research Unit, Project no: 00 02 602 008, p. 148 .
[34] Itasca. User manual for UDEC2D, version. 6.0. Minnesota: Itasca Consulting Group Inc.
[35] Liu X.G. (1995). The base on running ore. Beijing: Metallurgical Industry Press.
[2] Singh, R. (1999). Mining methods to overcome geotechnical problems during underground working of thick coal seams-case studies. Trans Inst Min Metall (Sec A: Min Indus), 108 (A1), 21–31.
[3] Wang, J., Yang, S., Li, Y., Wei, L., & Liu, H. (2014). Caving mechanisms of loose top-coal in longwall top-coal caving mining method. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 71, 160-170. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2014.04.024.
[4] Yasitli N.E. (2002). Numerical modeling of longwall with top coal caving. M.Sc. thesis, Hacettepe University, Ankara, p. 148.
[5] Cai, Y, Hebblewhite, B., Onder, U., Xu, B., Kelly, M., Wright, B., and et al. (2003). Application of longwall top coal caving to Australian operations. CSIRO–ACARP report C11040.
[6] Zhang H.G, et al. (1995). Top coal movement and cavability study at LTCC face. In: Proceedings of the longwall top coal caving technology, Beijing.
[7] Jian, W.U. (1991). Theory and practice of sub-level caving method in China. Journal of China Coal Society, 16(3): 1-11.
[8] WANG, J.C. (2009). The theory and technology of thick coal seam mining. [M] Metallurgical Industry Press.
[9] MENG X.R., Qiang, F.U., Liu H.Y. (1998). Research of reasonable top-coal thickness for ligneous coal deposits in DAYAN mining area. Journal of China University of Mining & Technology, 27(4):332-335.
[10] ZHANG Y., Yan-long, S.I and Liang, SHI. (2011). The influence
of large cut fully-mechanized top coal caving on recovery rate of granular top-coal mixed with inert-band hard coal. Journal of China Coal Society, 36(1): 1-6.
[11] ZHANG H.J., YAN, S.H., Mao, D.B. (2009). Research on
relationship of top coal recovery ratio and height of immediate roof with PFC numerical simulation. Journal of Coal Mining Technology, 14(6): 7-9.
[12] CHEN Qing-fens, CHEN, Z.H., LI Hui. (2014). Experimental study in fully mechanized top coal caving law in Pingshuo mining area. Journal of Coal Engineering, 46(1): 90-93.
[13] ZHANG, Y., Yan-long, S.I, Liang, SHI. (2011). Numerical simulation of effect of particle size of coal caving ratio. Journal of Mining & Safety Engineering, 28(2): 247-251.
[14] MAO D.B. (2009). Research on relationship of mining height recovery of top coal in fully-mechanized caving mining. Coal Mining Technology, 14(4): 13-15.
[15] Zhengyang S, and Zhang, J.W. (2015). Numerical Simulation
of Top-Coal Thickness Effect on the Top-Coal Recovery Ratio by Using DEM Method. EJEC, Vol. 20.
[16] WANG, J.C., QIANG, F.U. (2002). The loose medium flow field theory and its application on the long wall top coal caving [J]. Journal of China Coal Society, 27(4), 337-341.
[17] WANG, J.C., Zhi-gang, L.I., CHEN, Y.J (2004). The experimental study of loose medium flow field on the long wall top coal caving [J]. Journal of China Coal Society, 29(3): 260-263.
[18] WANG, J.C., YANG, J.L., Liu H.H., (2010). The practical observation on loose medium field theory on the top coal caving [J]. Journal of China Coal Society, 35(3): 353-356.
[19] Hai-yong, Y.U., Jian, W.U. (1992). The theory and practice of top coal caving. China University of Mining and Technology Press.
[20] Wang, J., Zhang, J., Song, Z., & Li, Z. (2015). Three-dimensional experimental study of loose top-coal drawing law for longwall top-coal caving mining technology. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 7(3), 318-326. doi: 10.1016/j.jrmge.2015.03.010
[21] Long, H. Study on Weakening Technology of Top-coal and Parameter Optimization of Caving in HouAn Mine. Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology. Thesis (in Chinese).
[22] Raghu N. S., Pathan, A.G., David J. R., Anthony S. A. (2011). Geotechnical appraisal of the thar open cut mining project, 11th underground coal operators’ conference, University of Wollongong & the Australian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy, 105-114.
[23] Shahani, N.M., Sajid, M.J., Brohi, M.A., Qureshi, A.R., Shahani, L.B., Bacha, S., Ullah, B. (2019) An Empirical Analysis of Fatal Accidents in the Coal Mines of Pakistan. Proceedings of the International Conference on Energy, Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China: 726-733.
[24] Shahani, N.M. Numerical Modelling of Longwall Top Coal Caving Method at Thar Coalfield, (2019). China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, P.R China.
[25] Ali, J., Kazi, T., Baig, J., Afridi, H., Arain, M., & Brahman, K. et al. (2015). Arsenic in coal of the Thar coalfield, Pakistan, and its behavior during combustion. Environmental Science And Pollution Research, 22(11), 8559-8566.doi: 10.1007/s11356-014-4038-6
[26] Munir, M., Liu, G., Yousaf, B., Ali, M., & Abbas, Q. (2018). Enrichment and distribution of trace elements in Padhrar, Thar and Kotli coals from Pakistan: Comparison to coals from China with an emphasis on the elements distribution. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 185, 153-169. doi: 10.1016/j.gexplo.2017.11.009
[27] Özfirat, M. K., Şimşir, F., and Gönen, A. A. (2005). Brief Comparison of Longwall Methods Used at Mining of Thick Coal Seams. The I9th International Mining Congress and Fair of Turkey, ÏMCET2005, Izmir, Turkey.
[28] Mustafa E.Y et al. (2018). Numerical modelling of stress-
strain analysis in underground thick coal mining. International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology, P. 199.
[29] Yasitli, N., & Unver, B. (2005). 3D numerical modeling of longwall mining with top-coal caving. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 42(2), 219-235. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2004.08.007,
[30] Yasitli, N.E., Unver B. (2003). 3-D estimation of stresses around a longwall face by using finite difference method. 18th international mining congress of Turkey, Antalya. p. 83–8.
[31] Hoek E. (1995) Strength of rock and rock masses. ISRM News Journal; 2(2): 4–16.
[32] Sonmez, H., & Ulusay, R. (1999). Modifications to the geological strength index (GSI) and their applicability to stability of slopes. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 36(6), 743-760. doi: 10.1016/s0148-9062(99)00043-1.
[33] Unver, B., and Yasitli, N.E. (2002) Simulation of sublevel caving method used in thick coal seam by computer. Hacettepe University Scientific Research Unit, Project no: 00 02 602 008, p. 148 .
[34] Itasca. User manual for UDEC2D, version. 6.0. Minnesota: Itasca Consulting Group Inc.
[35] Liu X.G. (1995). The base on running ore. Beijing: Metallurgical Industry Press.
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