It has been discovered how changes in atmospheric pressure affect the release of hazardous gases in mines.

The operation of potash mines often poses health and safety risks for workers, particularly due to the release of harmful gases from the rock during extraction. While various methods have been developed to address this issue, it remains a significant concern. To ensure necessary safety measures and reduce the risk of illness among miners, it is crucial to identify the locations and timing of gas emissions in the mines in advance. Understanding how gas movement occurs and what factors influence it is essential. Researchers at Perm Polytechnic University have investigated the relationship between changes in atmospheric pressure and gas conditions in the mine workings, developing a methodology that allows for the prediction of mine conditions based on meteorological data.

2024-12-11 10:00:18https://naked-science.ru/article/column/vydelenie-opasnyh-gazov-v

The article with the results has been published in the collection "Current Problems of Labor Protection and Production Safety, Extraction, and Use of Potassium-Magnesium Salts." The research was conducted as part of the strategic academic leadership program "Priority 2030."

Gas dynamic phenomena represent a significant challenge in the development of potash mines. During the extraction of salts from rocks, toxic sulfur-containing gases are released, posing health risks to workers.

Intensive ventilation is implemented in the mines, and the atmosphere's condition is monitored alongside the use of personal protective equipment. However, despite all precautionary measures, the situation remains hazardous, making it essential to continue developing new technologies to combat gas emissions.

Meteorological factors can greatly influence the processes of gas movement and concentration within the rocks. Scientists from Perm Polytechnic have studied this correlation and developed a forecasting methodology based on atmospheric pressure data in the mines.

“The intensity of gas release depends on the gas permeability of the rock mass, the gas content of the rocks, and the gas pressure in the mined layer. When atmospheric pressure is high, gas permeability is underestimated, and gas is released through microcracks and pores. A significant drop in pressure within the mine leads to intense gas release from both the walls and the crushed rock mass. The greater the volume of extraction under these conditions, the stronger the release,” explains Alexander Zemskov, professor at the Department of Mineral Resource Development at PNIUP, Doctor of Technical Sciences.

In such forecasting, it is crucial to consider that the operation of the ventilation system also affects changes in atmospheric pressure within the mines.

The polytechnic experts note that there are threshold pressure values, exceeding which drastically alters the intensity of gas emissions. These values vary depending on the season. Measurements of weather conditions around the large Verkhnekamskoye deposit indicated that in 62% of cases, the gas dynamic situation worsens during the spring and autumn periods with abrupt changes in meteorological indicators.

“Based on information about changes in atmospheric pressure and the analysis of data from potash mines, we have made a one-year forecast for the Verkhnekamskoye deposit and identified potentially dangerous and threatening days based on meteorological factors. On such days, workers should be informed of the increased danger to prevent adverse situations,” shares Alsu Imaikina, a student at the Department of Mineral Resource Development at PNIUP.

Scientists from Perm Polytechnic have demonstrated that forecasting gas emissions in potash mines using meteorological factors is a reliable tool for ensuring the safety of miners.