METHOD FOR METHANE EMISSION CONTROL IN MINING FACE Russian patent published in 2006 - IPC E21F17/18 E21F7/00 

FIELD: mining industry, particularly methods or devices for drawing-off gases.

SUBSTANCE: method involves taking methane concentration in characteristic mining face points by sensors, wherein the characteristic points are selected in accordance with requirements fixed by Safety Rules; recording and processing methane sensor readings in central station; transmitting the methane sensor readings to signal receiving block; performing primary processing of the received signals and de-energizing bottomhole mechanisms; inputting safety factor, namely maximal value of gaseous methane content, which is less than critical methane concentration value and takes into consideration response time of methane emission control system; automatically forming commands aimed at cutter-loader output regulation by reducing or increasing speed of cutter-loader feeding if one sensor detects methane concentration reduction or growth from zero to maximal value after the received signal processing to provide safe operation in the mining face until critical methane concentration is reached in mining face atmosphere without bottomhole mechanism de-energizing. If above methane emission control system can not provide maximal methane content in mine face atmosphere the system will de-energize all bottomhole mechanisms with taking into consideration of response time of methane emission control system.

EFFECT: prevention of critical explosive methane concentration in mine without bottomhole mechanism operation stoppage.

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