Substantiating parameters of stratification cavities formation in the roof rocks during underground coal gasification

Purpose. Underground coal gasification, as a complex and technically difficult process, should be supported in many aspects by computer simulations or analytical calculations of rock mass behavior. However, little is known about the formation of stratification cavities in the roof rocks during coal seam gasification. To research the formation of stratification cavities and rocks deformations by mine pressure with the methods of calculation based on hypotheses or statistical information, a number of hypotheses are used. The main purpose is to examine the rock mass behavior and formation of stratification cavities during gasification of a thick coal seam. Methods. Analytical calculations were used as the research method for the work presented. The mathematical model of the stress-strain state of rock mass based on the theory of elasticity, resiliency, and maximum equilibrium, was developed and used in this paper. Findings. Critical analysis of geomechanical models of coal gasification together with their mathematical formulation was the result of considerations presented in this paper. Equations were derived for substantiating parameters of stratification cavities above the goaf of the underground gasifier. Subsequently, the volumes of stratification cavities depending on the length of gasification channel were calculated. The results have significant influence on gasifiers development and the final efficiency of gasification process. Originality. The research results were obtained from analytical calculations of rock mass behavior during thick coal seams gasification. The authors implemented a mathematical model based on the method suggested by professor A. Savostianov which was used in carrying out the calculations. Practical implications. The present study provides a starting point for further research and analytical calculations of rock mass behavior. The data and conclusions outlined in this paper may be useful in preliminary optimization and analysis of coal seams gasification. They can also be a point of reference for more advanced geomechanical simulations.