In the heart of Anhui Province, China, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of safe coal mining beneath thick, loose aquifers. Led by Pingsong Zhang from the School of Earth and Environment at Anhui University of Science and Technology, the research delves into the complexities of high-pressure grouting, a critical process for preventing water inrush and ensuring mining safety. The findings, published in Meitan kexue jishu, which translates to Coal Science and Technology, offer a roadmap for the energy sector to enhance operational safety and mitigate environmental risks.
The study focuses on the engineering context of grouting transformations in a water-rich sandstone beneath the roof covering at working surface 120501 of a mining area in Anhui. Zhang and his team employed numerical simulations using the COMSOL Multiphysics finite element method to investigate the process and temporal evolution characteristics of the overlying strata before and after high-pressure grouting. “The grouting process can be delineated into three distinct stages: ‘filling,’ ‘diffusion,’ and ‘disturbance,'” Zhang explains. “Each stage has unique impacts on the overlying strata, with the disturbance stage showing significant vertical displacements.”
To gain a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics, the researchers constructed a distributed fiber optic full-section monitoring system. This innovative approach allowed them to assess the deformation characteristics of the overlying strata at various depths and their influence on surface disturbances. The results were striking: the deformation characteristics throughout the grouting process were nonlinear, with the sandy clay strata and silty sand strata identified as the primary contributors to deformation.
The study’s findings have profound implications for the energy sector. By understanding the temporal evolution and deformation characteristics of the overlying strata, mining companies can optimize their grouting processes to minimize surface uplift and structural deflection. This not only enhances operational safety but also reduces the risk of secondary disasters triggered by regional grouting.
Moreover, the alignment between full-section monitoring and numerical simulations provides a robust framework for future research and practical applications. “The outcomes of our study can offer insights and practical references for ensuring the safe operation of coal mines,” Zhang notes. “This is particularly relevant for the eastern thick loose layer covered mining areas, where the risk of water inrush is high.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for safe and efficient mining practices becomes increasingly critical. Zhang’s research paves the way for future developments in grouting modification and formation deformation monitoring. By leveraging advanced technologies like distributed fiber optic monitoring and finite element simulations, the industry can achieve a new level of precision and safety in coal mining operations.
The study’s impact extends beyond immediate safety concerns. It also highlights the importance of environmental stewardship in mining practices. By minimizing surface disturbances and structural deflections, mining companies can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to sustainable energy production.
In an era where technological innovation and environmental responsibility are paramount, Zhang’s research stands as a beacon of progress. As the energy sector navigates the challenges of the 21st century, the insights gained from this study will undoubtedly shape the future of safe and sustainable coal mining.
