Underground Control Center for Safe Deep Coal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional underground coal mining methods pose significant safety risks due to the presence of methane gas, which can form explosive mixtures with oxygen, and require extensive ventilation and labor-intensive operations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the construction of an underground control center adjacent to the coal seam, equipped with a ventilation system, a computerized control panel, and advanced drilling technology, allowing for safe and efficient mining of deep coal seams by ventilating only the control center and using high-speed drill heads to extract coal as a slurry, while stabilizing the mine with resin roof bolting and filling voids with waste materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional underground mining methods are used to extract coal, then coal production is achieved, but safety hazards increase due to methane gas accumulation and extensive ventilation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary portion of the coal seam through directional drilling from a remote surface location, rather than extracting large volumes of coal that would release significant methane. The drill head selectively mines coal while minimizing disturbance to the surrounding coal seam structure, thereby reducing methane release while maintaining production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary controlled environment (the drilled cavity with managed atmosphere) between the mining operation and the surrounding coal seam. This controlled cavity allows coal extraction while isolating and managing methane gas, preventing its accumulation and reducing safety hazards associated with traditional open mining methods
2Productivity
If traditional underground mining methods are used, then coal is extracted, but ventilation requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts coal through a focused directional drill hole, creating a minimal cavity that requires only localized ventilation rather than the extensive ventilation systems needed for traditional underground mines. This extraction approach dramatically simplifies the ventilation infrastructure while maintaining coal production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ventilation systems with a simplified approach using the directional drill hole as a natural exhaust pathway. The controlled cavity design allows atmospheric pressure differentials to provide adequate air exchange without requiring large ventilation fans and complex ductwork, thereby reducing device complexity
3Productivity
If deep coal seams are mined using traditional methods, then coal production increases, but miner safety and working conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts coal from deep seams through remote directional drilling, eliminating the need for miners to physically enter dangerous deep underground environments. The drill head is advanced through the coal seam from a protected surface location, allowing deep coal production while keeping personnel safely above ground
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a computerized control system that acts as an intelligent intermediary between the operator and the drill head. The control panel receives input from the operator and automatically controls the drill head's positioning, advancement, and coal extraction, eliminating the need for miners to work in hazardous deep underground conditions while maintaining production capability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of storing waste material in a subterranean formation, the method including digging a mine shaft to reach the subterranean formation; constructing a ventilated underground control center wherein the center includes a computerized control panel; providing a drill head, wherein the computerized control panel controls the movements of the drill head; providing a hollow drill pipe; providing a movable hydraulic shield; providing a movable resin roof bolting machine; providing a movable waste extrusion device; operating the computerized control panel to advance the drill head into the subterranean formation to obtain a mined-out space; and extruding waste material into the mined-out space of the subterranean formation.