Physics of Coal and Mining Processes

Presenting a unifying methodology for addressing problems such as outbursts and explosions of methane in coal mining, this book integrates theoretical and experimental research on coal and bearing rocks and examines the anthropogenic processes that occur during deep underground mining. It reviews the latest in modern instrumentation and physical methods of analysis, including x-ray analysis of coal structure combined with computer simulation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with gas chromatography. Bridging the gap between the academic and practical aspects of coal mining, the text provides novel methods to predict rock mass conditions, control gas-dynamic phenomena, and estimate safe mining loads.

Anatoly Dmitriyevich Alexeev is the leading earth scientist in Ukraine. Dr. Alexeev has combined a career in physics, chemistry, and engineering with teaching, research, and writing more than 300 publications, 14 monographs, and 50 patents. He developed the theory of gas absorption and emission in porous media and an applied approach to extreme states or rocks and rock massifs. Dr. Alexeev's areas of interest in basic and applied research include the physics of rocks and mining processes, radiophysics, extreme states of solids, and physic-chemical mechanics. He studied the effects of surfagents on stress states of rocks and implemented surfagents to prevent outbursts in coal mines. He also applied nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to studies of methane-coal systems and developed new methods and technologies for predicting mine outbursts. Dr. Alexeev is a corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, a member of the Academy of Mining Sciences of Ukraine, and the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences. In recognition of his accomplishments, Dr. Alexeev was awarded the State Prize of Ukraine (1996), the A.A. Skotchinsky prize (1990), and the I. Puluy prize (2001). He was designated an Honored Miner of Ukraine (1996) and received several President's medals in all three classes for "Valiant Labour," "Miner's Glory," and "Miner's Valour."

Coal Structure. Equilibrium Phase States and Mass Transfer in Coal-Methane Systems. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Coal and Rocks. Behavior of Rocks and Coal in Volumetric Fields of Compressive Stresses. Genesis of Natural Gases, Methane Extraction, and Coal Mining Safety.