The purpose of this article is to determine the environmental impacts of underground gasification on the population and to analyze the risk of underground coal gasification (UCG) activities using selected risk assessment methods. Coal gas is a regular part of coal deposits and its extraction also allows the use of coal deposits that cannot be extracted by traditional methods. These technologies bring both positive and negative aspects. The paper points out the risk analysis, hazard identification and assessment during the operation of UCG technology using a risk graph and a risk matrix. Identified risks to workers that cannot be reduced should be taken into consideration and appropriate safeguard should be used. For each risk, it is necessary to inform employees about regular education and training. From worldwide experience with this technology, it is possible to analyze risks in Slovakia. Actual gasification produces polluting gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen oxides, tar and ash, and creates a risk that may occur on and under the surface of the site depending on the geological and hydrogeological structure of the deposits. Possible measures to mitigate the adverse effects are proposed for the implementation of this technology. Coal is still one of the main domestic primary energy sources. Currently, only 5 out of 19 deposits in the Slovak Republic are used. Underground gasification could increase the use of Slovak coal and brown coal deposits.
Countries of the European Union have stated transition to carbon-neutral economy until the year of 2050. Countries with a higher share of coal-fired power generation currently have no solution to end their combustion and use clean, emission-free energy immediately. The solution to this problem in the energy industry appears to be the increased use of natural gas, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions. In this article, we investigated the possibility of using coal in situ, using UCG (underground coal gasification) technology. We focused on verified geological, hydrogeological, and tectonic information about the selected brown coal deposit in Slovakia. This information has been assessed in research projects in recent years at the Technical University. From the abovementioned information, possible adverse factors were evaluated. These factors affect the rock environment around the underground generator by UCG activity. As part of the process management, measures were proposed to eliminate the occurrence of pollution and adverse effects on the environment. In the final phase of the UCG technology, we proposed to carry out, in the boreholes and in the generator cavity, water flushing and subsequent grouting. The proposed are suitable materials for solidification and stabilization. Results of this article´s solutions are crucial in the case of usage of this so-called clean technology, not only in Slovakia but also worldwide.
During mechanical disintegration of the rock, for mining works are used also roadheaders. Roadheaders, in comparison with disintegration by blasting operations can without interuption, and works changes with one machine, dissolve, load and at the same time mine disintegrated rock. These electro-hydraulic machines cause no harmful vibrations and are ideal for mining coal and other soft rock minerals. Mechanical mining is safer, protects the rock environment, allows mining without further breaks, allows you to achieve a higher level of daily progress and also saves work. The analysis of occupational accidents in the Slovak Republic shows that it is necessary require from employees increased attention in any work activity and attention in the work performed (mainly work in handling material, objects and burdens). In the underground coal mines further attention needs to be paid to securing hazardous areas, it is necessary to proceed in such a way as to prevent as much as possible the fall of rock as much as possible Underground roads require modification and equipment in accordance with regulations. It is necessary to follow health and safety instructions mentioned in operating and maintenance documentation. Correction of some deficiencies is ordered by a decision of the Mining Office. Most measures are aimed at adhering to technological discipline, to complement operating documentation, to prevent rock falls, to equip some machinery and transport equipment, to work procedures for handling loads, to maintenance of mining works and for explosion and anti-vapor prevention. In this article, we assess the safety risks of two roadheaders for coal mining works in Slovak conditions. Pairwise comparisons of the criteria of selected roadheaders were used to determine the safety risks, as well as taking into account the risks and safety measures according to the mixed methods following to the standard.
Mining of raw materials and their modification has a negative impact on the environment. During the mining and processing of mineral raw materials (coal, oil, ore), solid, liquid and gaseous wastes are created. The production of waste is linked to the mining site, respectively production. Many of the negative phenomena can be minimized or even eliminated by using appropriate technologies and work procedures. At the present, the search and secondary use of large-volume waste is gaining more and more importance. In the underground, possibilities are offered in the field of fire prevention, closing and disposal of mine works, fill and so on. A thorough assessment of the criteria and their compliance during implementation creates a basic prerequisite for the use of underground waste with the verification that there will be no release of hazardous pollutants from the source of harmful substances as well as that the elements of the environment will not be endangered and the use of waste will be safe.
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