Mining Publication: Three Coal Mine Gob Degasification Studies Using Surface Boreholes and a Bleeder System

• Bleeder systems
• Boreholes
• Coal mining
• Degasification
• Gas emissions
• Methane

The use of vertical surface degasification boreholes with bleeder systems and the use of a timbered bleeder system to degasify gob areas were studied by the Bureau of Mines. This report describes three gob degasification studies conducted in the Pittsburgh coalbed. One study was conducted to determine the number of panels degasified with one large borehole. The study showed that the borehole provided degasification for three panels. Another study was conducted during the retreat of a 35-acre panel with a single- entry and a two-entry bleeder system and a large surface borehole. A major portion of methane emitted from the panel was carried away by the borehole, leaving the bleeder entries relatively free of methane. The last study was made to determine the effectiveness of a timbered bleeder system. The bleeder entries successfully degasified the gob area when enough entries were available and adequate pressure was available to force the air through roof falls.