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Date submitted2021-05-08
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Date accepted2022-07-21
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Date published2023-12-25
Technologies of intensive development of potash seams by longwall faces at great depths: current problems, areas of improvement
- Authors:
- Vladimir P. Zubov
- Denis G. Sokol
The results of the analysis of practical experience in the development of potash seams using longwall mining systems at the mines of OAO “Belaruskali” are presented. Positive changes in the technical and economic indicators of mines and an increase in the safety of mining operations were noted with the introduction of resource-saving technologies without leaving the pillars between the excavation columns or with leaving the pillars between the columns with dimensions at which they are destroyed by mining pressure in the goaf. It is noted that the use of mechanized stoping complexes characterized by high energy capacity, combined with large depths of development, is the main reason for the temperature increase in longwalls to values exceeding the maximum permissible air temperature regulated by sanitary standards. Based on production studies, it was concluded that the temperature regime along the length of the longwall face is determined by the temperature of rocks in the developed longwall space, heat emissions from the equipment of the power train, and the temperature of the rock mass ahead of the longwall. The conclusion has been drawn about the feasibility of using developed technological schemes in deep mining conditions, which provide a reduction in longwall temperature by 6-9 °C or more through isolated ventilation of longwall and power trains, as well as heat exchange between the airflow entering the longwall and the rocks in the developed space.
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Date submitted2021-04-19
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Date accepted2022-05-25
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Date published2022-07-13
Development of the technology of stowing the developed space during mining
- Authors:
- Evgenii R. Kovalskii
- Kirill V. Gromtsev
An analysis of the world experience in the development of potash deposits shows that the main problems arising during their development are a high level of mineral losses, an increased risk of flooding of mine workings as a result of water-proof layer discontinuance and the development of emergency water inflows in the mined-out spaces. Reduction of potash ore losses can be achieved by using a long-pillar mining system, but this method is limited by the peculiarities of the geological structure of the potash deposits and the need to preserve the continuity of the water-proof layer during its underworking. The safety of underworking of the water-proof layer can be improved by using the stowing of the developed longwall space. However, the question of the influence of the stowing on the height of the zone of water supply cracks development remains little-studied. The world experience of stowing the developed spaces in the development of layers with long pillars is analyzed and the technology of placing the stowing masses, which can solve these problems, is proposed. The considered technology and the proposed solutions are supported by laboratory tests of stowing materials and mathematical modeling of deformation zones in the overlying rocks.
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Date submitted2021-03-16
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Date accepted2021-07-27
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Date published2021-10-21
Allocation of a deep-lying brine aquifer in the rocks of a chemogenic section based on the data of geophysical well logging and 2D seismic exploration
Advancement in the production of potassium fertilizers is an important strategic task of Russian agricultural industry. Given annually growing production rates, the reserves of discovered potassium-magnesium salt deposits are noticeably decreasing, which creates the need to ensure stable replenishment of the resource base through both the discovery of new deposits and the exploitation of deep-lying production horizons of the deposits that are already under development. In most cases, deposits of potassium-magnesium salts are developed by underground mining. The main problem for any salt deposit is water. Dry salt workings do not require any additional reinforcement and can easily withstand rock pressure, but with an inflow of water they begin to collapse intensively – hence, special attention is paid to mine waterproofing. Determination of spatial location, physical and mechanical properties of the aquifer and water-blocking stratum in the geological section represent an important stage in the exploration of a salt deposit. The results of these studies allow to validate an optimal system of deposit development that will minimize environmental and economic risks. On the territory of Russia, there is a deposit of potassium-magnesium salts with a unique geological structure – its production horizon lies at a considerable depth and is capped by a regional aquifer, which imposes significant limitations on the development process. To estimate parameters of the studied object, we analyzed the data from CDP seismic reflection survey and a suite of methods of radioactive and acoustic well logging, supplemented with high-frequency induction logging isoparametric sounding (VIKIZ) data. As a result of performed analysis, we identified location of the water-bearing stratum, estimated average thickness of the aquifers and possible water-blocking strata. Based on research results, we proposed methods for increasing operational reliability of the main shaft in the designed mine that will minimize the risks of water breakthrough into the mine shaft.
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Date submitted2020-05-08
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Date accepted2020-06-12
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Date published2020-12-29
Gas-dynamic roof fall during the potash deposits development
In the development of practically all potash salt deposits, the study of gas-dynamic phenomena (GDP) is one of the most difficult tasks to ensure mining safety. Sudden salt and gas outbursts, dynamic breakdown, which are accompanied by intense gas release and possible broken rock carry-over into the mine workings, are associated with GDP. Geological preconditions for the GDP development are often the layered structure of the salt rock mass, the presence of interlayers and layers of salt clays. For the conditions of the Usolsky potash plant mine, complex studies of factors that characterize the possibility of gas-dynamic roof fall of the stoping rooms were carried out. In mine studies, free gases pressure and the initial velocity of gas release in the rocks of the roof workings were determined. The obtained experimental estimations were used as a parametric basis for mathematical modeling of geomechanical processes under conditions of a near-contact accumulation of free gas. The deformation of a layered salt mass produced by a room development system was described by the model of an ideal elastic-plastic medium with internal friction. The parabolic envelope of Mohr circles was used as a plasticity criterion in the compression area. In the numerical implementation, the deformation of clay contacts was modeled by Goodman contact elements. Based on the results of multivariate numerical calculations, it is established that the main factors determining the possibility of implementing GDP are the additional gas pressure at the contact, the width of the workingspan, and the distance from the roof to the first gas-containing contact. With multi-level lamination of roof rocks, there is a danger of large sources of GDP formation and the mechanism of successive fall of layers in an instant mode is implemented.
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Date submitted2019-07-22
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Date accepted2020-01-04
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Date published2020-04-24
“Ural-20R” combines loading drives evaluation in two-stage development of the face
The technological features of the use of high-performance Ural-20R combines in the conditions of potash mines in Russia are described. It is shown that when the capacity of the worked potash seams is over 4 m, a two-layer ore extraction is used. The formation of cutting process, implemented by the second course of the combine in the treatment chamber, is carried out by an incomplete section of the executive bodies. The standard control system, display and protection of the Ural-20R combine does not allow monitoring and reliable estimation of the magnitude of dynamic components on the drives of the mining machine loads, as well as tracking the feed rate of the combine to the face. The regulation of the operating parameters and the assessment of the degree of loading of the drives of the excavating machine in real time are assigned to the operator. The fundamentals of the experimental research methodology for assessing the loading of drives of Ural-20R combines with the destruction of the potash mass by an incomplete section of the executive bodies are described. The device and the operating procedure of the “Vatur” software-recording complex, which measures, records and records the electrical parameters of the drive motors of a mining machine, is described. The process studies results of forming loads on drive elements of Ural-20R combines when mining a face with an incomplete section of executive bodies are presented. It is proved that the work of combine harvesters on the undercut of the formation with a high feed rate is accompanied by significant dynamic loads on the drives of planetary organs and an overload of the drives of the Berm organs, which leads to an accelerated consumption of the resource and emergency failures of the gearboxes and motors of the extraction machine.
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Date submitted2014-11-07
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Date accepted2015-01-07
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Date published2015-10-26
The concept of reducing the risks of potash mines flooding caused by groundwater inrush into excavations
- Authors:
- V. P. Zubov
- A. D. Smychnik
Results of the analysis of factors influencing the probability of accidental groundwater inrush into mine workings of salt (potash, potassium and magnesium) mines are given in the article. The cases of the potash mine flooding that occurred in different countries with developed mining industry are given. It is shown that at the present technical and scientific level of solving this problem the unexpected groundwater inrush in potash mines usually results in the shutdown of the enterprise and negative ecological consequences. It is pointed out that the underground waters flow into the mines through water-conducting fractures of either natural or technogenic origin which location and influence on a mine was almost impossible to predict at the design stage under existing regulations. The concept of reducing the risks of potash mine flooding caused by underground waters in-rush is formulated. Administrative and technical measures which allow reducing the risks of potash mine flooding caused by groundwater inrush into the excavations are considered.
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Date submitted2013-07-20
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Date accepted2013-09-04
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Date published2014-03-17
Some approaches to secure mining of potash deposits
- Authors:
- O. V. Kovalev
- S. P. Mozer
The basic aspects of safe mining of potash deposits is reviewed. Practical examples of the mechanism and possible consequences of violating the integrity of the waterproof rock strata are described. Use of remote non-destructive monitoring system for non-destructive integrity breeds of the waterproof rock strata is proposed.
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Date submitted2013-07-18
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Date accepted2013-09-02
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Date published2014-03-17
Rock mechanics problems decision algorithm for bottom layers of potash salt deposits
Decision algorithm for rock mechanics problems for bottom layers of potash deposits is suggested. Flow chart for the algorithm and it’s parts is shown. The algorithm represents the method to choose excavation technology for multi-layer potash deposits.
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Date submitted2013-07-28
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Date accepted2013-09-27
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Date published2014-03-17
The analysis of the stress-and-strain state in vicinity of mining excavations
- Authors:
- A. A. Sankovskii
- E. R. Kovalsky
Estimation of the strain-and-stress state and displacement of the waterprotective layers in vicinity of mining excavations in conditions of SKRU-3 mine (Uralkali Group) is done. It is shown that loadings on pillars on layer Kr.II exceed 15-20 % loadings on layer AB.
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Date submitted2013-07-22
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Date accepted2013-09-24
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Date published2014-03-17
Contemporary Problems of salvaging drill cuttings on the Western Siberia oilfields of the final stage of development
- Authors:
- V. V. Katsilo
The article deals with the problem of disposing of industrial and technological drilling wastes due to the application of salt biopolymer drilling fluids for extraction of residual oilfields of Western Siberia, which are at an final stage of development using the technology of directional drilling. The problem of disposal of drilling waste in the oilfields of the final stage of development is proposed to solve through the introduction of protective functions of the complex engineering activities, including, the development of waterproofing layer of clay cuttings, which is formed by drilling the top of the production casing, for different host rock cuttings.
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Date submitted2009-09-12
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Date accepted2009-11-03
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Date published2010-06-25
One variant of boundary element method application to calculation of bearing pressure on conditions to coal and salt deposits
- Authors:
- L. A. Bespalov
- A. P. Gospodarikov
The analysis of stress-strain state near excavations was carried out in this work as applies to coal and salt deposits. The indirect boundary element method was used as a tool of research.
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Date submitted2009-08-26
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Date accepted2009-10-25
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Date published2010-02-01
The improvement of selective extraction of thick potash seams mined with room and pillar mining method
- Authors:
- Yu. G. Sirenko
- M. Yu. Brychkov
- E. R. Kovalsky
Technological scheme of selective extraction of a complex thick potash seam on the basis of cutting machine «Bucyrus Model 25 M0» is proposed. Stable pillars’ width and room dimensions are calculated. Economical effect is also presented.
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Date submitted2009-08-10
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Date accepted2009-10-21
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Date published2010-02-01
Precipitation of alumina liquor inclusive potassium
- Authors:
- V. V. Radko
The materials of experimental research on alumina liquor precipitation kinetics in system Na 2 O – K 2 O – Al 2 O 3 – H 2 O using carbonated alumina hydroxide as a seed are presented. Particle size distribution (PSD) analyses of settling products are given. Correlation link of alumina liquor decomposition degree and average median diameter of received aluminum hydroxide are shown.
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Date submitted2009-08-01
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Date accepted2009-10-29
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Date published2010-02-01
Increase of competitiveness of russian and belorussian potash companies owing to perfection of sale policy
- Authors:
- T. V. Ponomarenko
- A. N. Sultani
The potassium companies of Russia and Belorussia, developing the unique deposits of potassium salts, provide more than 40 % of the world production of potassium fertilizers. Therefore economic efficiency from their activity considerably influences to the world market of potassium. Being the companies which export more than 80 % producible products «Belaruskali», «Uralkali» and «Silvinite» have problems with the transport of fertilizers in Brazil, India, China. Therefore for the increase of competitiveness of these enterprises it is necessary to develop an effective logistic chain which would take into account their geopolitical features.
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Date submitted2009-08-02
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Date accepted2009-10-10
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Date published2010-02-01
The analyses of influence of goafs on the state of developmental excavations as applies to Starobinsky potassium salt deposit
- Authors:
- A. P. Gospodarikov
- L. A. Bespalov
The analysis of stress-strain state near excavations and influence of goafs on its redistribution were carried out in this work as applies to coal and salt deposits. The indirect boundary element method was chosen as a tool of research.
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Date submitted2008-11-28
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Date accepted2009-01-20
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Date published2009-12-11
Model of evaluation of the mining enterprise’s competitiveness’ potential
- Authors:
- T. V. Ponomarenko
- A. N. Sultani
Competitiveness of a mining enterprise has a dynamic character which defines a necessity to evaluate a potential of competitiveness at the moment and in the future. The evaluation of competitiveness’ potential has to be systematic, to engulf different levels which are differentiated by interval of evaluation, information sources, evaluation base, methods and results. The method of evaluation of basic indices of competitiveness’ potential is presented in this paper. The calculation of operation and dynamic competitiveness’ potential of JSC “Uralkali” and JSC “Silvinit” for 2007 year was made and the interpretation of received results was given.