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Volume II: Mining Innovation
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Volume II: Mining Innovation

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "H: Geo-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 27714

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Skrzypkowski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30 Av., 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Interests: underground mining methods; rock bolting; non destructive testing; backfilling; rock mass monitoring; model test; computer-aided design in mining and geoengineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The contemporary exploitation of natural raw materials by borehole, opencast, underground, seabed, and anthropogenic deposits is closely related to, among others, geomechanics, automation, computer science, and numerical methods. More and more often, individual fields of science coexist and complement each other, which contributes to lowering exploitation costs, increasing production, and reducing the time needed to prepare and exploit the deposit. The continuous development of national economies is related to the increasing demand for energy, metal, rock, and chemical resources. Very often, exploitation is carried out in complex geological and mining conditions that are accompanied by natural hazards such as rock bursts, methane, coal dust explosion, spontaneous combustion, water, gas, and temperature. In order to conduct a safe and economically justified operation, modern construction materials are increasingly used in mining in order to support excavations, both under static and dynamic loads. The individual production stages are supported by specialized computer programs for cutting the deposit as well as for modeling the behavior of the rock mass after excavation in it. Currently, the automation and monitoring of the mining works play very important roles, which will significantly contribute to the improvement of safety conditions.

In this Special Issue of Energies, we intend to focus on innovative laboratory, numerical, and industrial research that has a positive impact on the development of safety and exploitation in mining. We hope that you will consider submitting your original manuscript for peer review to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Skrzypkowski
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • model tests
  • numerical modeling
  • case studies
  • computer-aided design in mining
  • automation in mining
  • rock support
  • rock mass monitoring

Published Papers (17 papers)

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18 pages, 1269 KiB  
Article
The European Education Initiative as a Mitigation Mechanism for Energy Transition
by Natalia Kowalska, Ewelina Brodawka, Adam Smoliński and Katarzyna Zarębska
Energies 2022, 15(18), 6633; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15186633 - 10 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1399
Abstract
The transformation of the European energy sector is becoming a priority for the European Union. This is indicated, for instance, in the European Union strategy known as the European Green Deal. According to the Green Deal, the area of ‘research and innovation’ is [...] Read more.
The transformation of the European energy sector is becoming a priority for the European Union. This is indicated, for instance, in the European Union strategy known as the European Green Deal. According to the Green Deal, the area of ‘research and innovation’ is one which can counteract climate change. Universities can play a significant role in this by adopting a pedagogical approach aimed at mobilizing the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in young professionals. In addition to modifying curricula related to mining, energy, and environmental engineering, i.e., activities in recognized, traditional schemes, one prospective tool may be the involvement of students and PhD candidates in European initiatives such as the InnoEnergy PhD School (which is funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology). This paper aims to discuss the InnoEnergy PhD School programme as a possible instrument for mitigating the negative effects of energy transformation. The article analyzes the programme using a case study method, including surveys and open interviews. The paper draws attention to and highlights the role of human resources in the field of education and the stimulation of innovation, as well as the need to strengthen the business component in the education of PhD candidates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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12 pages, 7241 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Methane Prediction in Underground Longwall Coal Mining Using AI
by Doga Cagdas Demirkan, H. Sebnem Duzgun, Aditya Juganda, Jurgen Brune and Gregory Bogin
Energies 2022, 15(17), 6486; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15176486 - 05 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1674
Abstract
Detecting the formation of explosive methane–air mixtures in a longwall face is still a challenging task. Even though atmospheric monitoring systems and computational fluid dynamics modeling are utilized to inspect methane concentrations, they are not sufficient as a warning system in critical regions, [...] Read more.
Detecting the formation of explosive methane–air mixtures in a longwall face is still a challenging task. Even though atmospheric monitoring systems and computational fluid dynamics modeling are utilized to inspect methane concentrations, they are not sufficient as a warning system in critical regions, such as near cutting drums, in real-time. The long short-term memory algorithm has been established to predict and manage explosive gas zones in longwall mining operations before explosions happen. This paper introduces a novel methodology with an artificial intelligence algorithm, namely, modified long short-term memory, to detect the formation of explosive methane–air mixtures in the longwall face and identify possible explosive gas accumulations prior to them becoming hazards. The algorithm was trained and tested based on CFD model outputs for six locations of the shearer for similar locations and operational conditions of the cutting machine. Results show that the algorithm can predict explosive gas zones in 3D with overall accuracies ranging from 87.9% to 92.4% for different settings; output predictions took two minutes after measurement data were fed into the algorithm. It was found that faster and more prominent coverage of accurate real-time explosive gas accumulation predictions are possible using the proposed algorithm compared to computational fluid dynamics and atmospheric monitoring systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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19 pages, 7675 KiB  
Article
Implementation and Verification of Effectiveness of Bulk Emulsion Explosive with Improved Energetic Parameters in an Underground Mine Environment
by Piotr Mertuszka, Bartlomiej Kramarczyk, Mateusz Pytlik, Marcin Szumny, Katarzyna Jaszcz and Tomasz Jarosz
Energies 2022, 15(17), 6424; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15176424 - 02 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2018
Abstract
Explosives are commonly used in the mining industry to extract minerals from hard rock deposits. Therefore, an efficient explosive should ensure that the appropriate blast outcome is achieved, taking into account the desired rock-breaking parameters and the costs of drilling and blasting works. [...] Read more.
Explosives are commonly used in the mining industry to extract minerals from hard rock deposits. Therefore, an efficient explosive should ensure that the appropriate blast outcome is achieved, taking into account the desired rock-breaking parameters and the costs of drilling and blasting works. Depending on the type of deposit and follow-up processes, a proper blast result may be characterized by fragmentation, muckpile shape, overbreaks, etc. Industry has struggled to respond to the demand for bulk emulsion explosives with improved energetic parameters, having so far been unable to do so safely, effectively, and cost-efficiently. Methods of improving blasting parameters mainly rely on introducing a variety of additives to the emulsion explosive formulation during production, which creates additional hazards at that stage. Alternative, safe methods of achieving an improved energetic performance of emulsion explosives are, therefore, highly desirable. This paper is focused on one such proposed method as a continuation of previous research works and the performance of a novel bulk emulsion formulation under real mining conditions during the firing of mine faces is described. The tests included density measurements over time, measurements of impact and friction sensitivity, measurements of the detonation velocity in blastholes, determination of brisance via Hess test, and analysis of rock fragmentation. Results were compared with those obtained with a commercially available bulk emulsion explosive, highlighting that the performance improvement achieved by the proposed emulsion modification method is not limited to artificial test conditions, but translates well into actual application conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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24 pages, 9734 KiB  
Article
Automatic Determination of Rock-Breaking Target Poses for Impact Hammers
by Daniel Cárdenas, Isao Parra-Tsunekawa, Francisco Leiva and Javier Ruiz-del-Solar
Energies 2022, 15(17), 6380; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15176380 - 01 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1230
Abstract
This paper describes a system for the automatic determination of rock-breaking target poses for impact hammers used in underground mines. The rock-breaking target pose is defined as the position and angle at which the impact hammer must strike a rock in order to [...] Read more.
This paper describes a system for the automatic determination of rock-breaking target poses for impact hammers used in underground mines. The rock-breaking target pose is defined as the position and angle at which the impact hammer must strike a rock in order to break it. The automatic determination of this pose is essential for the autonomous operation of an impact hammer. The proposed system takes as input sensor data composed of point clouds and images, and automatically determines a rock-breaking target pose. The system consists of a rock segmentation subsystem that receives the sensor data and identifies and individualizes the rocks/boulders present above the grizzly, and a rock-breaking target pose generation and evaluation subsystem that receives the rock information produced by the rock segmentation subsystem, and generates a list of rock-breaking target pose candidates, it evaluates them, and it selects the best candidate as the rock-breaking target pose. The system is evaluated using real data. The reported experiments show the system’s capability to generate appropriate target poses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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10 pages, 1382 KiB  
Article
Modified Activated Carbon as an Effective Hydrogen Adsorbent
by Paweł Baran, Bronisław Buczek and Katarzyna Zarębska
Energies 2022, 15(17), 6122; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15176122 - 23 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1425
Abstract
Hydrogen adsorption measurements were taken by the weighting method using the Sartorius low-pressure microbalance. Experiments were conducted at two temperatures: 77.5 and 300 K; the adsorbent used was active carbon obtained from wood and modified with potassium hydroxide. The porous structure of the [...] Read more.
Hydrogen adsorption measurements were taken by the weighting method using the Sartorius low-pressure microbalance. Experiments were conducted at two temperatures: 77.5 and 300 K; the adsorbent used was active carbon obtained from wood and modified with potassium hydroxide. The porous structure of the carbon prior to and after modification was evaluated based on the nitrogen adsorption and desorption data. Thus, the densimetric characteristic of active carbon was modified; porous structures were developed in the range of micro-, meso- and macropores and the volume of hydrogen adsorbed at 77.5 K showed an almost four-fold increase. Modified active carbons are found to be suitable for applications in hydrogen storage systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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15 pages, 6742 KiB  
Article
Influence of a Type of Rock Mass on the Stability of Headings in Polish Underground Copper Mines Based on Boundary Element Method
by Karolina Adach-Pawelus and Natalia Szyry
Energies 2022, 15(16), 5837; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15165837 - 11 Aug 2022
Viewed by 992
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a numerical analysis of the impact of rock mass geomechanical parameters on the stability of preparatory headings located within the Legnica-Glogow Copper District. The paper shows the results of numerical calculations prepared for headings driven in two [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of a numerical analysis of the impact of rock mass geomechanical parameters on the stability of preparatory headings located within the Legnica-Glogow Copper District. The paper shows the results of numerical calculations prepared for headings driven in two rock mass types with different strength and deformation parameters, which allow illustrating their influence on the safety of mining performed in underground copper ore mines. Numerical modeling was performed using the Examine2D 7.0 software, in the plane strain state. Numerical simulations were performed for an isotropic and for a homogenous medium. The rock medium was described with an elastic model. The parameters of the rock mass for numerical modeling were calculated using the Hoek–Brown classification. The Coulomb–Mohr strength criterion was adopted as a measure for assessing the rock mass effort. Numerical simulations confirmed the dependance between the stability of the analyzed excavations and rock mass geomechanical parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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17 pages, 19216 KiB  
Article
The Stress Evolution of Adjacent Working Faces Passing through an Abandoned Roadway and the Damage Depth of the Floor
by Song Shi, Yichen Miao, Haikuan Wu, Zhipeng Xu and Changwu Liu
Energies 2022, 15(16), 5824; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15165824 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 941
Abstract
An advanced break or a vast region of pressurisation may occur when the working face passes through an abandoned roadway, resulting in a roof falling or water inrush. The stress evolution of the working face passing through an abandoned roadway in a coal [...] Read more.
An advanced break or a vast region of pressurisation may occur when the working face passes through an abandoned roadway, resulting in a roof falling or water inrush. The stress evolution of the working face passing through an abandoned roadway in a coal mine was comprehensively discussed using theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field monitoring. In this study, the calculated critical width of the abandoned roadway where the main roof was bound to an advanced break was 5.4 m. Reducing the suspended length of the main roof is beneficial to the stability of the working face’s passage across the abandoned roadway. The maximum abutment stress on the roof occurred at the working face through a semi-abandoned roadway, reaching 44.3 MPa. Subsequently, it decreased sharply until the working face completely passed and returned to the normal level. The damage depths of the floor strata from the field monitoring were 15 and 20 m, which showed that the use of hydraulic fracturing technology combined with floor grouting and hydraulic support for the abandoned roadway was proposed to stabilise the working face for safe mining. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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12 pages, 692 KiB  
Article
Good Practices to Counteract Epidemic Emergency in Mining Companies in Poland
by Patrycja Bąk
Energies 2022, 15(15), 5500; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15155500 - 29 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 983
Abstract
The date assumed as the beginning of the pandemic in Poland is 4 March 2020, the date of the first confirmed case of the virus. This article presents the actions undertaken by the management of underground hard coal mining plants concerning the risk [...] Read more.
The date assumed as the beginning of the pandemic in Poland is 4 March 2020, the date of the first confirmed case of the virus. This article presents the actions undertaken by the management of underground hard coal mining plants concerning the risk of epidemic related to SARS-CoV-2. This work shows a set of implemented recommendations, guidelines and decisions, which were established after the appearance of the first wave of cases in Poland. What is more, it discusses measures aiming at reducing the risk of spreading the coronavirus among the mineworkers. The suggestions for different variants of the decision-making process concerning the pandemic and which have an enormous impact on the operating expenses of the company are also made. The paper presents the results of the study on actions taken in individual mining companies and good work practices recommended to be applied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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17 pages, 6172 KiB  
Article
Back-Calculation Method for Estimation of Geomechanical Parameters in Numerical Modeling Based on In-Situ Measurements and Statistical Methods
by Karolina Adach-Pawelus
Energies 2022, 15(13), 4729; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15134729 - 28 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 999
Abstract
An important element of numerical modeling for specific mining issues is the selection of model parameters. The incorrect determination of geomechanical parameters can result in significant calculation errors carried throughout the entire problem. This paper presents a method for determining effective geomechanical parameters [...] Read more.
An important element of numerical modeling for specific mining issues is the selection of model parameters. The incorrect determination of geomechanical parameters can result in significant calculation errors carried throughout the entire problem. This paper presents a method for determining effective geomechanical parameters for technological and residual pillars through the use of numerical modeling, specifically, back-calculation. This is based on the results of numerical simulations, measurement data (e.g., excavation convergence measurements), and statistical methods (a non-linear regression model with “dummy” variables). The result is that appropriate parameters of pillars are set out iteratively so that the displacements of selected points in the numerical model correspond (with some approximation) to the results of mine measurements. The procedure of determining pillar parameters is presented using a case study of one mining field in an underground copper mine, where the deposit is mined using the room and pillar system. Numerical calculations were performed using a Phase2 v. 8.0 program (Rocscience, Toronto, Canada), while statistical calculations used a Statistica computer program. The results of excavation convergence measurements performed in the analyzed mine have been applied. This paper shows that for the presented method, the resulting matching of theoretical values of convergence determined numerically for specified pillar parameters to in-situ results of convergence measurements, is very good (R2 = 0.9896). This work exemplifies a set of the parameters of pillars for an elastic model of rock mass, but this method can also be applied to other models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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16 pages, 2942 KiB  
Article
Research on Calculation Method for Discharge Capacity of Draining Well in Tailing Ponds Based on “Simplification-Fitting” Method
by Sha Wang, Guodong Mei, Lijie Guo, Xuyang Xie and Krzysztof Skrzypkowski
Energies 2022, 15(12), 4194; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15124194 - 07 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1168
Abstract
The existing empirical formulas concerning draining systems are complex in their expression: there are difficulties in locating the intersection point among different flow patterns and parameters vary depending on the water level, resulting in a large amount of data to be processed and [...] Read more.
The existing empirical formulas concerning draining systems are complex in their expression: there are difficulties in locating the intersection point among different flow patterns and parameters vary depending on the water level, resulting in a large amount of data to be processed and low calculation efficiency. To solve these problems, a “simplification-fitting” method was proposed herein to calculate the discharge capacity of a window-type draining well, and optimal and reasonable locations were selected as discrete points of water level to deduce the increasing progressive relationship of free flow discharge capacity among discrete points according to the window size and longitudinal layout of window-type draining wells. Additionally, the algorithm simplified the discharge formulas of half-pressure flow and pressure flow and defined the convergence criteria for water level-discharge capacity to further simplify the expression of pressure flow. The comparison and contrast between the simplified calculation method and empirical formula method show that the method herein is of high precision. It is able to resolve the shortcomings of the traditional theoretical formula method in solving the discharge capacity curve of a window-type draining well and simplify the algorithm integration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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21 pages, 5598 KiB  
Article
Investigation and Stability Assessment of Three Sill Pillar Recovery Schemes in a Hard Rock Mine
by Huawei Xu, Derek B. Apel, Jun Wang, Chong Wei and Krzysztof Skrzypkowski
Energies 2022, 15(10), 3797; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15103797 - 21 May 2022
Viewed by 1684
Abstract
In Canada, many mines have adopted the sublevel stoping method, such a blasthole stoping (BHS), to extract steeply deposited minerals. Sill pillars are usually kept in place in this mining method to support the weight of the overburden in underground mining. To prolong [...] Read more.
In Canada, many mines have adopted the sublevel stoping method, such a blasthole stoping (BHS), to extract steeply deposited minerals. Sill pillars are usually kept in place in this mining method to support the weight of the overburden in underground mining. To prolong the mine’s life, sill pillars will be recovered, and sill pillar recovery could cause failures, fatality, and equipment loss in the stopes. In this paper, three sill pillar recovery schemes—SBS, SS1, and SS2—were proposed and conducted to assess the feasibility of recovering two sill pillars in a hard rock mine by developing a full-sized three-dimensional (3D) analysis model employing the finite element method (FEM). The numerical model was calibrated by comparing the model computed ground settlement with the in situ monitored ground settlement data. The rockburst tendency of the stope accesses caused by the sill pillar recovery was assessed by employing the tangential stress (Ts) criterion and burst potential index (BPI) criterion. All three proposed sill pillar recovery schemes were feasible and safe to recover the sill pillars in this hard rock mine, and the scheme SBS was the optimum one among the three schemes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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21 pages, 4535 KiB  
Article
Choice of the Arch Yielding Support for the Preparatory Roadway Located near the Fault
by Krzysztof Skrzypkowski, Krzysztof Zagórski, Anna Zagórska, Derek B. Apel, Jun Wang, Huawei Xu and Lijie Guo
Energies 2022, 15(10), 3774; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15103774 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 1482
Abstract
The article presents a method of selecting an arch yielding support for preparatory workings driven in a hard coal seam. Particular attention was paid to discontinuous deformation in the form of a fault, which significantly contributes to the change of the excavation protection [...] Read more.
The article presents a method of selecting an arch yielding support for preparatory workings driven in a hard coal seam. Particular attention was paid to discontinuous deformation in the form of a fault, which significantly contributes to the change of the excavation protection schemes. On the basis of the geometry of the machines and devices in the designed excavation, the support was selected, which was then checked for the ventilation criterion. In the next stage, analytical calculations were carried out using the determined spacing of the steel support in the fault zone and the area outside of it. Additionally, using the RS3 numerical software based on the finite element method, a rock mass model with a fault was built, through which the preparatory excavation passes. The aim of the research was to determine the total displacements occurring in the fault crossing zone for the excavation without support and with the use of steel arch yielding and with additional reinforcement in the form of straight segments. In conclusion, it was found that the variants of the excavation reinforcement can be modeled and selected in advance, which allows for the fastest possible execution of the driving and the maintenance of the minimum movement dimensions while passing through the fault. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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17 pages, 10105 KiB  
Article
Determining the Stability of a Mobile Manipulator for the Transport and Assembly of Arches in the Yielding Arch Support
by Krzysztof Krauze, Kamil Mucha, Tomasz Wydro, Ryszard Klempka, Andrzej Kutnik, Waldemar Hałas and Piotr Ruda
Energies 2022, 15(9), 3170; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15093170 - 26 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1257
Abstract
The yielding arch support is transported and installed in the face with the use of auxiliary machines. These activities in underground mining cause many problems, which have as yet not been solved. Currently, transport and assembly are carried out manually, using the roadheader [...] Read more.
The yielding arch support is transported and installed in the face with the use of auxiliary machines. These activities in underground mining cause many problems, which have as yet not been solved. Currently, transport and assembly are carried out manually, using the roadheader and suspended rail, or various types of mounting platforms. The analysis of the structure of the existing solutions resulted in the development of an original structure that met the requirements of Polish mines. Developed jointly by FAMA Sp. z o.o. and the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland, the mining modular transport and assembly unit (MZT-M) will enable the transport and assembly of support arches in the mining face. Additionally, it can also be used to reload works, which is related to the work ergonomics in underground coal mining, which is the main energy resource in Poland. The most important problem to be solved in the case of this manipulator, due to the limited space in the excavation, is how to ensure its stability during various phases of its operation. Therefore, analyses were carried out to find a solution, which resulted in determining specific conditions and design requirements related to the operation of this manipulator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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18 pages, 2718 KiB  
Article
Vapour Sorption on Coal: Influence of Polarity and Rank
by Katarzyna Czerw, Andrzej Krzyżanowski, Paweł Baran and Katarzyna Zarębska
Energies 2022, 15(9), 3065; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15093065 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1111
Abstract
The surface properties of coal, interactions with gaseous and vapour media, and knowledge of the pore structure are important in terms of preparation, use, and utilisation of coal. This publication combines new unpublished data with analyses included in earlier publications by the research [...] Read more.
The surface properties of coal, interactions with gaseous and vapour media, and knowledge of the pore structure are important in terms of preparation, use, and utilisation of coal. This publication combines new unpublished data with analyses included in earlier publications by the research team to expand and systematise information on the sorption of water vapour, methanol vapour, and the saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons hexane, 1-hexene, heptane, 1-heptene, octane on coals of different ranks. The study showed that the affinity of coal for water and methanol is related to the content of oxygen in the coal rather than the rank of the coal. Water sorption is a multilayer phenomenon, while methanol sorption is a monolayer phenomenon. The water monolayer is greater than that of methanol for low-rank coal, but for the higher-rank coals it is the opposite. The sorption capacity of the applied hydrocarbons depends on the presence or absence of a double bond and the size of the molecule. It increases in the order: n-octane < n-heptane/n-hexane < 1-heptene < 1-hexene. The effect of a double bond is dominant over the influence of the length and shape of the molecule. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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20 pages, 9077 KiB  
Article
Relationships between the Petrographic and Abrasive Properties of Sandstones in the Aspect of Their Cutting
by Iwona Jonczy and Kamil Mucha
Energies 2022, 15(7), 2692; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15072692 - 06 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1787
Abstract
The research described in this article was carried out on samples of sandstone obtained from the underground excavations of four hard coal mines that operate in the region of Poland with the highest energy resources, i.e., Upper Silesia. The majority of underground tunnel [...] Read more.
The research described in this article was carried out on samples of sandstone obtained from the underground excavations of four hard coal mines that operate in the region of Poland with the highest energy resources, i.e., Upper Silesia. The majority of underground tunnel excavations are mainly drilled using roadheaders, the organs of which are equipped with conical picks. The selection of pick type is usually based on rock compressive strength. However, sandstones often cause more problems during cutting compared to other waste rocks because of their variety. This article’s primary purpose is to emphasize the importance of researching various properties of waste rock in addition to uniaxial compression strength, which is crucial in the selection of both the appropriate cutting method and appropriate cutting tools. Accordingly, relations between mineralogical, petrographic, physical and mechanical properties were examined in this study, with special attention paid to the abrasive properties that comprise rock abrasivity. Sandstones from the regions of Upper Silesia are characterized by a heterogeneity of mineralogical and petrographic features that strongly affect the physical and mechanical properties of these rocks, especially their abrasive properties. The determined correlations can aid understanding of the behavior of rocks during their mechanical cutting and facilitate the selection of appropriate cutting tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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29 pages, 9077 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effects of Yielding Rockbolts on Controlling Self-Initiated Strainbursts: A Numerical Study
by Jun Wang, Derek B. Apel, Huawei Xu, Chong Wei and Krzysztof Skrzypkowski
Energies 2022, 15(7), 2574; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15072574 - 01 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2005
Abstract
In this paper, a 2D distinct element method (DEM) model of a deep tunnel in an underground coal mine is built to thoroughly evaluate the effects of yielding (D-bolt and Roofex) and the traditional rockbolt (fully resin-grouted rebar) on controlling self-initiated strainbursts. The [...] Read more.
In this paper, a 2D distinct element method (DEM) model of a deep tunnel in an underground coal mine is built to thoroughly evaluate the effects of yielding (D-bolt and Roofex) and the traditional rockbolt (fully resin-grouted rebar) on controlling self-initiated strainbursts. The occurrence of self-initiated strainbursts is judged based on the stiffness difference between the loading system and rock masses for the first time. The results suggest that the total deformations of the tunnel supported with Roofex and resin-grouted rebar are 1.53 and 2.09 times that of D-bolts (1411 mm). The average velocities of detached rock blocks in the tunnel supported with Roofex and resin-grouted rebar are 3.22 and 3.97 m/s, respectively, which are much higher than that of D-bolts (0.34 m/s). 13 resin-grouted rebar bolts are broken during the strainburst, while D-bolts and Roofex survive. Compared with Roofex (295.16 kJ) and resin-grouted rebar (125.19 kJ), the D-bolt can reduce the most kinetic energy (469.30 kJ). D-bolt and resin-grouted rebar can maintain high axial force levels (214.87 and 151.05 kN) during strainbursts. Both Roofex and resin-grouted rebar fail to control strainbursts. The bolt number significantly influences the control effects of yielding rockbolts on strainbursts. 9 and 12 D-bolts cannot control the strainburst, while 15 and 18 D-bolts can make the tunnel stable. In addition, the detachment and ejection of rocks between rockbolts can be well restrained using surface retain elements, e.g., steel arch. This study highlights the usage of numerical modeling methods in assessing the performance of yielding rockbolts, which can be served as a promising tool to improve and optimize the design of rock supporting in burst-prone grounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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Review

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27 pages, 2056 KiB  
Review
A Review of Reliability and Fault Analysis Methods for Heavy Equipment and Their Components Used in Mining
by Prerita Odeyar, Derek B. Apel, Robert Hall, Brett Zon and Krzysztof Skrzypkowski
Energies 2022, 15(17), 6263; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15176263 - 28 Aug 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4039
Abstract
To achieve a targeted production level in mining industries, all machine systems and their subsystems must perform efficiently and be reliable during their lifetime. Implications of equipment failure have become more critical with the increasing size and intricacy of the machinery. Appropriate maintenance [...] Read more.
To achieve a targeted production level in mining industries, all machine systems and their subsystems must perform efficiently and be reliable during their lifetime. Implications of equipment failure have become more critical with the increasing size and intricacy of the machinery. Appropriate maintenance planning reduces the overall maintenance cost, increases machine life, and results in optimized life cycle costs. Several techniques have been used in the past to predict reliability, and there’s always been scope for improvement of the same. Researchers are finding new methods for better analysis of faults and reliability from traditional statistical methods to applying artificial intelligence. With the advancement of Industry 4.0, the mining industry is steadily moving towards the predictive maintenance approach to correct potential faults and increase equipment reliability. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive review of different statistical techniques that have been applied for reliability and fault prediction from both theoretical aspects and industrial applications. Further, the advantages and limitations of the algorithm are discussed, and the efficiency of new ML methods are compared to the traditional methods used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volume II: Mining Innovation)
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