METHOD FOR HEAT AND WET TREATMENT OF COAL MASSIF BY SURFACTANTS SOLUTIONS (WETTING AGENTS) AND DEVICE FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION Russian patent published in 2016 - IPC E21F5/02 

FIELD: mining.

SUBSTANCE: invention can be used to increase efficiency and create safe and comfortable working conditions during underground and open development of coal massif. Method for heat and wet treatment of coal massif by surfactants solutions - wetting agents includes drilling network of wells, which are combined into a single system. Wells are sealed by hydraulic locks at the inlet, valves - pressure reducing valves or throttles are installed at the outlet. Then the solution is pumped in the wells under pressure, depending on mining and geological properties of the massif, at the concentration of 1-2 CCM, at high temperature in closed cycle to coal saturation with wetting agent. At that, deficiency of wetting agent in the solution, caused by its coal sorption, is filled with the amount determined according to the specified mathematical expression. Wetting agent is delivered in fractures and pores that creates pressure differentials, Amount of sorbed wetting agent is increased by heated solution circulation, micro-cracks are opened, massif is slackened, its filtration ability and delivery of wetting agent in the place of prefracture are increased. Process is controlled according to pressure in the system and to concentration of wetting agent at the well outlet. Optimum temperature of solution supplied into the massif is maintained within the range of 35-40 °C. End of the process is determined according to concentration of wetting agent at the well outlet, which must not be less than 0.5 CCM, or according to abrupt pressure decline between inlet and outlet of liquid in the system of wells.

EFFECT: higher efficiency of coal extraction and labour safety due to sorption coal saturation by wetting agent of heated solution under pressure, leading to significant reduction of strength of coal massif at simultaneous connection of dust and coal gas recovery.

3 cl, 5 dwg, 1 tbl