Neutralization of the explosive properties of residual hydrocarbons in coal seams by gas-filled solutions of surfactant agents

The distribution of residual hydrocarbons by coal grades in the Donetsk and Kuznetsk basins has been established, and the role of heavy hydrocarbons in the explosion and fire hazard system of coal mines has been evaluated. The content of heavy hydrocarbons is generally higher in Donbas coal than in Kuznetsk coal, and the distribution of residual gases by coal grades is approximately the same. The highest content of residual coal gases is found in coal grades J and KJ. Residual coal gases are more than 80% represented by heavy hydrocarbons in all coal grades for both basins. In grade J coal, the amount of propane and butane exceeds the content of other gases by 3–7 times, so calculating the relative methane abundance of mining areas and preparation workings based on the difference between the natural methane content of the developed seam and the residual methane content of the coal may underestimate the increased potential for heavy hydrocarbon explosions. The content of combustible gases in the residual gases of coal grade J varies from 27 to 53%, while the content of ballast gases reaches the lowest value (46.5%), which increases the concentration limits of explosibility, but does not ensure explosion and fire safety. A technology has been proposed to increase the content of ballast gases in residual hydrocarbon gases of coal layers of grade J by injecting a gas-filled surfactant solution into the coal seam.

Skopintseva O. V., Rybichev A. A., Balovtsev S. V. Neutralization of the explosive properties of residual hydrocarbons in coal seams by gas-filled solutions of surfactant agents. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2025;(11):140-152. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/ 0236_1493_2025_11_0_140.

O.V. Skopintseva¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, e-mail: skopintseva54@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7257-8720,
A.A. Rybichev¹, Graduate Student, Assistant, e-mail: rybichev@yandex.ru, ORCID ID: 0009-0005-9269-201X,
S.V. Balovtsev¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant Professor, e-mail: balovcev@yandex.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-0961-6050,
¹ University of Science and Technology MISIS, 119049, Moscow, Russia.

A.A. Rybichev, e-mail: rybichev@yandex.ru.

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