This paper presents a conceptual design for a technological installation aimed at mitigating ventilation air methane (VAM) from coal mine exhaust shafts, offering combined heat and power generation. It addresses the challenge posed by low methane concentrations (below 0.7%), which preclude direct combustion. To overcome this, the proposed concept involves diverting a portion of the VAM to a combustion chamber of the power boiler dedicated to co-combustion with flotation concentrate suspension, which is properly prepared for feeding into the combustion chamber. The heat generated in the power boiler produces steam to drive a turbine generator for electricity production. Back-pressure steam from the turbine can be utilized for district heating or as a thermal energy source for various industrial processes, optimizing the plant’s energy efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint. The feasibility of this technology hinges on its cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. This aspect of efficiency has been outlined. An energy balance analysis, based on real emission data from a selected mine, is provided to determine power boiler efficiency, fuel consumption, and a VAM reduction rate. The forecast of the amount of energy produced was presented for a single installation with a grate boiler capable of co-firing fuels with a VAM flow participation of 25 m3/s. Such installations can be scaled to meet mine requirements, enabling the neutralization of VAM at a total capacity of up to 300 m3/s, which corresponds to emissions from a large ventilation shaft.
Dyczko et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: