Flow of top coal and roof rock and loss of top coal in fully mechanized top coal caving mining of extra thick coal seams

This study investigates the flow and caving characteristics of top coal and roof rock, as well as top coal loss pattern in the fully mechanized top coal caving mining of extra thick coal seams. The two dimensional discrete element numerical simulation software program, particle flow code (PFC), is used for the simulation of top coal caving and the inversion analysis. The original locations, distribution, and migration pattern of caved top coal and lost coal were obtained. The analysis shows that in the initial site of caving, the caved bodies are in the form of arc shaped strips in front of the working face. During the caving, caved bodies of different heights move towards the lower rear of the face at different speeds. The lost coal and caved roof rock are originally located at the interface between coal seam and roof, the lost coal is mainly distributed in the goaf on the floor. Behind the support, the caved top coal bodies originally are arc shaped strips, with the highest points located at the midline of the caving opening. The strips are more curved near the goaf than those near the support. During top coal caving, the strips successively cave, with the adjacent outer strip replacing the caved one. The variations of top coal loss and waste rock ratio with time reflect the different phases of top coal caving. In order to improve coal recovery and limit the amount of caved roof rock, the waste rock ratio should be controlled below 10 %. When the waste rock ratio reaches this value, the caving opening should be closed. This paper provides theoretical bases for the improvement of top coal recovery in the fully mechanized top coal caving mining of extra thick coal seams.