Distribution of Methane Concentration in the Ventilating Area of the Longwall

The paper presents an analysis of experimental data that include space-time distributions of methane concentration at the shearer-exploited longwall. The main objective of the observation was to identify the sources of methane emission and determine the methane distribution along the longwall and the adjacent workings. At present, numerical simulation methods are used more and more extensively while testing the air parameters in mine workings. The conducted analysis was also aimed at preparing input data for verification of numerical models of the longwall area as well as a simulation of the algorithm for controlling the shearer operating at the longwall being exploited in the seam exposed to methane hazards. The object of observation was longwall 841a, seam 405/2 in the Bielszowice mine. In the area of the longwall nine methane detectors (including two in the longwall) were located and used as common protection against methane hazard. As part of the experimental research, 10 additional methane detectors were located in the longwall and the adjacent workings, including 4 in the longwall.