METHOD OF PROTECTING DEVELOPMENT WORKINGS IN WINNING OF COAL SEAMS Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: mining industry. SUBSTANCE: method of protection of development workings in mining of coal seams by long-pillar method with use of belt heading of one pillar as airway for removable pillar, includes location in belt heading of pneumatic balloons after advance of breakage face, withdrawal of pneumatic balloons after stabilization of rock displacement. Simultaneously with driving of belt heading, berm is made over its entire length for stope step with spacing of pneumatic balloons and supply of compressed air to them. Support frames of belt heading are installed in line with gaps between pneumatic balloons. When removable pillar is extracted in backward direction, pneumatic balloon the nearest to face support is released and withdrawn to belt heading, and U-shaped supports are laid on seam floor behind the face support, and pneumatic balloons are located in U-shaped support, and compressed air is supplied to inflate pneumatic balloon between roof and floor of seam. After displacement of U-shaped support under effect of rock pressure and their walls contacting seam floor, pneumatic balloons are released with withdrawn to belt heading. Distance L between frames of belt heading support is selected from relationship. EFFECT: improved protection of belt heading and reduced expenditures for its maintenance. 4 dwg