Information support for the monitoring system of coal mine degassing process

Purpose. The purpose of the publication is to find solutions aimed at reducing the error in measuring methane content by thermoconductometric analysers used in coal mine degassing monitoring systems, improving their dynamic characteristics and reliability. Research methods. The paper uses analytical methods to study the processes occurring in thermoconductometric methane sensors based on the basic principles of heat and mass transfer theory and electrical engineering, and evaluates and summarises the research results. Results. The article considers directions of improvement of monitoring systems of the coal mine degassing process. It is shown that the efficiency of the degassing process can be significantly increased by timely provision of existing monitoring systems with reliable information on the current state and parameters of the degassing system, current and forecasted volumes of methane extraction, and the efficiency of its individual sections. The requirements for automatic monitoring of the degassing system and the explosiveness of gas mixtures in degassing pipelines are substantiated. Solutions are proposed that allow to increase the reliability of the means and reliability of the results of monitoring the content of methane transported by the degassing pipeline and to simplify the process of adjustment and control of the operation of thermoconductometric methane analysers. The algorithm of the measuring device operation is presented. Originality. It has been established that when a single-chamber thermoconductometric sensor with a non-insulated comparison element is powered by a direct current source, the voltage difference across the elements depends solely on the heat exchange of the working element with the environment and clearly depends on the methane content of the mixture. Practical value. The proposed solutions aimed at improving the monitoring systems of coal mine degassing process allow to increase the efficiency of degassing systems and use of co-opted mixtures, as well as to reduce the amount of harmful methane emissions into the environment and reduce economic losses of mining enterprises due to non-use of conditioned mixtures, and reduce the risk of emergency situations. Keywords: methane, degassing, monitoring systems, sensors, explosion hazard, risk.