Development of an Automated ΔP Instrument and its Application to Mining, Handling and Preparation Problems

Abstract

The ΔP instrument measures the rate of gas release from coal under standard conditions. The original development of the technique took place in the USSR and France for use as an indicator of a coal seam's susceptibility to gas outburst in underground operations. In Canada, the ΔP technique was applied to coal degradation, oxidation and handling problems

This paper describes the development of a ΔP instrument for industrial use. The original glass instrument was redesigned in order to automate control of the entire procedure and record experimental data by using a desktop computer. Principles of operation, instrument design and test procedure are detailed along with relevant data. Application of the ΔP data for prediction of gas outburst propensity, handling, degradation and oxidation properties are discussed and compared with operating data and/or alternate predictive measurements. Emphasis is given to applications relevant to coal handling and preparation problems.