Physics of Coal and Mining Processes

Around the world, on average, four coal miners die for each million tons of coal recovered. Improving the safety of mining work while responding to the need for increased coal production, however, is impossible without further development of the physics of mining processes. A relatively new branch of science, it tackles problems that arise during mineral products recovery, particularly safety issues such as rock failures, coal and gas outbursts, and methane explosions.

The first book to present a unifying methodology for addressing problems such as outbursts and explosions of methane in coal mining, Physics of Coal and Mining Processes integrates theoretical and experimental research on coal and bearing rocks and examines the anthropogenic processes that occur during deep underground mining.

The book summarizes the results of recent and established research, including studies conducted at the Institute of Physics of Mining Processes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, headed by the author. Key topics covered include rock mass in multi-component compressive stress fields and phase conditions of methane in coal. The book also examines state-of-the-art instrumentation and physical methods of analysis, among them x-ray analysis of coal structures combined with computer simulation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with gas chromatography.

Bridging the gap between the academic theory and the practice of coal mining, the book proposes novel methods to predict rock mass condition, control gas-dynamic phenomena, and estimate safe mining loads. A useful reference for scientists, technicians, and engineers working in the coal industry, it also offers an overview of the physics of mining processes for students pursuing careers in the field.

Coal Structure. Equilibrium Phase States and Mass Transfer in Coal-Methane Systems. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Coal and Rocks. Behavior of Rocks and Coal in Volumetric Fields of Compressive Stresses. Genesis of Natural Gases, Methane Extraction, and Coal Mining Safety.

Anatoly Dmitriyevich Alexeev is the leading earth scientist in Ukraine. Dr. Alexeev has combined a career in physics, chemistry, and engineering with teaching, research, and writing more than 300 publications, 14 monographs, and 50 patents. He developed the theory of gas absorption and emission in porous media and an applied approach to extreme states or rocks and rock massifs.

Dr. Alexeev’s areas of interest in basic and applied research include the physics of rocks and mining processes, radiophysics, extreme states of solids, and physic-chemical mechanics. He studied the effects of surfagents on stress states of rocks and implemented surfagents to prevent outbursts in coal mines. He also applied nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to studies of methane–coal systems and developed new methods and technologies for predicting mine outbursts.

Dr. Alexeev is a corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, a member of the Academy of Mining Sciences of Ukraine, and the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences. In recognition of his accomplishments, Dr. Alexeev was awarded the State Prize of Ukraine (1996), the A.A. Skotchinsky prize (1990), and the I. Puluy prize (2001). He was designated an Honored Miner of Ukraine (1996) and received several President’s medals in all three classes for "Valiant Labour," "Miner’s Glory," and "Miner’s Valour."