The influence of atmospheric pressure on methane drainage from mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin

This article presents the impact of various factors on the parameters of gas drainage using a methane drainage station. This problem has been poorly researched so far; the widest presentation was offered in the article by Myszor (1972). We decided to investigate the mutual correlations of gas drainage factors and parameters. Having measured the atmospheric pressure and the composition of mine gas at two mines, Pniowek in Poland and Paskov in the Czech Republic, correlations were found between individual parameters. The measurements were obtained using an automatic chromatograph NGC8200 and the INMAT 66 system. Based on the research results, we found that the atmospheric pressure on the surface of the mine had the greatest impact on drainage gas, which allows us to conclude that it is possible to create a computer model enabling the prediction of methane drainage station operating parameters. Thus, it will be possible to predict the quality and quantity of mine gas, based on which the entire energy system and cooperation of individual sources will be effectively managed. [Received: August 13, 2020; Accepted: April 22, 2021]