This edited volume includes all papers presented at the 22nd International Conference on Mine Planning and Equipment Selection (MPES), Dresden, Germany, 2013. Mineral Resources are needed for almost all processes of modern life, whilst the mining industry is facing strict requirements regarding efficiency and sustainability. The research papers in this volume deal with the latest developments and research results in the fields of mining, machinery, automatization and environment protection.
This book aims to understand, analyze and mitigate the harmful impacts of spontaneous coal combustion in underground mines, a thermal phenomenon that triggers fires and explosions threatening the safety of mine workers globally. Based on experimental and theoretical research findings, the book emphasizes three essential questions that are fundamental to understand spontaneous coal combustion: What are the root causes? How to evaluate the causative factors to determine the activity of coal? and How to bring this issue under control in real longwall panel? Readers are introduced to experimental techniques applied to investigate the basic molecular structure of coal and evaluate chemical properties that induce self-heating behavior, theoretical analyses to predict the extrinsic effect on low temperature oxidation of coal in experimental scale and full-size longwall panel, and preventive measures to mitigate this issue using methods for retardant screening, numerical simulations for optimal grouting and nitrogen injections, and case studies analyzing thermal events using mine atmosphere gas monitoring data. The book will be of interest to students and researchers studying mining engineering and chemistry, as well as engineers and practitioners involved in coal mine development and risk assessment.
There is a growing concern about fires in mines, coal mines in particular. Attempts are being made to improve mine fire combat efforts and their prevention, taking advantage of developments in the fields of science and technology. This book looks at those developments and their applications.
Drying of Biomass, Biosolids, and Coal: For Efficient Energy Supply and Environmental Benefits provides insight into advanced technologies and knowledge of the drying of biomass, biosolids, and coal in terms of improved efficiency, economics, and environmental impact. It comprehensively covers all the important aspects of drying for a variety of biomass, biosolids and coal resources. This book covers the drying of biomass, bio-solids and coal while also providing integration of the drying process with the energy system. Important issues in the commercial drying operations are tackled, including energy and exergy efficiencies, environmental impact, and potential safety concerns. It also assesses the performance of energy production plants in integration with biomass/coal drying to provide information for plant optimization. It offers in-depth analysis and data for process understanding and design, and analyzes the drying process’s effect on economics and the environment. This book is aimed at drying professionals and researchers, chemical engineers, industrial engineers, and manufacturing engineers. It will also be of use to anyone who is interested in the utilization of biomass, organic solid wastes, algae and low-rank coals for energy.
The research papers presented in these proceedings volumes cover the latest developments and findings in the fields of mine health, safety, energy, waste management,reclamation and rehabilitation, mine closure and environmental protection. Authors from over 20 countries with backgrounds in chemistry, engineering, technology and management, and hailing from the government, industry and academia, have contributed to this book. The contents of this book will be of interest to scientists, engineers, consultants and government personnel who are responsible for the development and implementation of innovative approaches, techniques and technologies in the minerals industries. It will also benefit academic researchers, as it addresses the latest advances in fundamental research.
