Advanced monitoring techniques incorporating wind, gas density, and temperature assessments within coal mines are crucial in minimising disaster risks. A collaborative research effort between Charles Darwin University (CDU) and University Technology Sydney (UTS) has shed light on the potential of such an approach.
Titled ‘An FSV Analysis Approach to Verify the Robustness of the Triple-Correlation Analysis Theoretical Framework,’ the study primarily aimed to devise a comprehensive gas monitoring system. This system would holistically evaluate wind, gas, and temperature conditions to preempt potential hazards.
Leveraging data from a significant Global Fortune 500 listed mining company in China, responsible for almost half of the world’s coal production in 2020, the study established significant correlations between gas, temperature, and wind. These findings confirmed the viability of constructing an enhanced gas warning system with heightened sensitivity to prevent gas explosions.
Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady, co-author and member of CDU’s Faculty of Science and Technology, underscored the relevance of the research. He cited the pressing concern of high gas content in numerous coal mines, posing a risk of outbursts. An incident in Liaoyuan, China in June 2020 led to casualties, injuries, and substantial economic losses.
Real-time monitoring of coal and rock dynamics during mining operations becomes pivotal to addressing such challenges.
The collaborative effort involved CDU, University of Technology Sydney, Shanxi Normal University, Central Queensland University, Taiyuan Normal University, Shanxi Fenxi Mining Industry Group Co, and Shanxi Fenxi Mining Zhongxing Coal Industry Co.
Associate Professor Shafiabady highlighted the practicality of the study’s outcomes. Mining companies can deploy these insights to avert gas-related incidents and apply them to diverse industries such as chemicals, oil and gas, water treatment, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Looking ahead, the team is diligently working on an AI-powered real-time decision-making system. This addition would proactively predict accidents, supplementing the existing gas monitoring setup.
As the mining landscape evolves, the collaborative efforts of institutions like CDU and UTS promise to usher in safer practices, safeguarding both human lives and valuable resources.