On 16 June, Shendong Coal officially launched its first research project Study on Online Monitoring and Heat-Extraction Fire-Prevention Technology for Gangue Mountains in Coal Mine Subsidence Areas at the Shangwan Mine. The project addresses the industry-wide problem of toxic and hazardous gases entering underground workings as a result of spontaneous combustion in gangue mountains, with the goal of reinforcing mine safety through science-based management measures.
As Shendong Coal’s first systematic research effort dedicated to spontaneous combustion control in gangue piles, the successful execution of this project holds significant value in closing the technological gap in this domain for the company. Beyond ensuring safe mining operations, the project is expected to serve as a demonstration and guide for achieving green mine development objectives and promoting the sustainable development of the coal sector.
The project encompasses four breakthrough technologies: (1) a multi-parameter three-dimensional monitoring system that establishes a “surface-shallow-deep” monitoring network, enabling comprehensive surveillance without blind spots; (2) a dynamic layout technology for gravity heat pipes that utilizes the high thermal conductivity of superconducting materials, achieving a thermal conductivity coefficient of no less than 10,000 W/(m·K); (3) a gas migration coupling modelling technology that integrates “multi-field coupling, path prediction, and risk blocking” into a unified technical framework, with prediction error maintained within 15%; and (4) a multi-parameter coupled intelligent early warning system based on neural network algorithms, capable of issuing alarms within one minute and providing 72-hour early prediction of spontaneous combustion hazards.
The project has now progressed to the site survey and data collection phase. Subsequent work will involve pilot-scale testing of superconducting gravity heat pipes, culminating in the development of a replicable technical solution that integrates “monitoring-management-early warning.” This will contribute the “Shendong solution” to gangue management across the coal industry.
