Podzemni radovi

ROBOTICS IN UNDERGROUND COAL MINING: ENHANCING EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY THROUGH TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

2025-01-07T14:24:21+00:00

The aim of this paper is to explore how robotics can be applied to underground coal mining in order to make operations more efficient and safer with the help of technology. It calls for the use of regulations developed by industry bodies including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to ensure that robotics are used safely and efficiently in mining. The study also points to NIOSH efforts to resolve health and safety issues around automation technology in the mining industry. When high-tech robotic equipment is deployed, it demonstrates great productivity gains and less human suffering from disease. In demonstrating these innovations, the paper proposes that robotics must be continually innovated to maximize extraction of resources and worker safety, positioning robots as the new force in the coal mining industry.

MACHINE LEARNING METHODS OF SATELLITE IMAGE ANALYSIS FOR MAPPING GEOLOGIC LANDFORMS IN NIGER: A COMPARISON OF THE AÏR MOUNTAINS, NIGER RIVER BASIN AND DJADO PLATEAU

2025-01-07T14:06:12+00:00

This study analyses geological landforms and land cover types of Niger using spaceborne data. A landlocked African country rich in geological structures, Niger is notable for contrasting environmental regions which were examined and compared: 1) lowlands (Niger River basin); 2) Aïr Mountains; and 3) Djado Plateau. The methodology is based on machine learning (ML) models and programming applied for Earth observation data. Spatio-temporal analysis was performed using Landsat 8-9 OLI-TIRS multispectral images classified by GRASS GIS. Data were processed by scripts using ML algorithms by modules r.random, r.learn.train, r.learn.predict, i.cluster, and i.maxlik. The algorithms of the probabilistic forecasting included support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), decision tree classifier and K neighbors classifier. Variations in landscapes caused by water deficit and soil erosion were analysed, and parallels between geologic and environmental setting were drawn. The intra-landscape variability of patches within Niger is revealed from 2014 to 2024. Landscape patterns are affected by drought periods in central Niger, geological setting of mountains, distribution of crust karst pits and sinkholes in eastern Niger. Western region of the Niger River basin shown land cover patterns linked to hydrological effects of soil erosion. This paper shown the use of ML methods for geological-environmental analysis.

OPTIMIZATION OF VENTILATION USING IIOT METHODOLOGY IN SERBIAN COAL MINES

2025-01-07T14:06:43+00:00

The application of information technologies in the optimization of ventilation contributes significantly to the improvement of all aspects of mine operations. Coal mines face numerous challenges on a daily basis in terms of the organization, implementation and supervision of production activities. Some global mining companies have already implemented numerous technical solutions in the field of robotics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). This article describes the basic principles of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the configuration of the automation system for ventilation. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges of technology implementation in the coal mine.

LABORATORY RESEARCH FOR THE CHEMICAL EOR PROJECTS. CASE STUDY IN SERBIA

2025-01-07T14:07:53+00:00

During analysis of work process after first chemical EOR project done in Serbia it was observed that our available resources were not used in an optimal way. Some of laboratory tests that were part of standard testing procedures for selection of chemicals gave us little or none useful information but took a lot of time and resources. This drove us to analyse all our available resources and to develop a process algorithm that will give us best “value for money spent” in terms of time optimization, and developing testing methodology that will utilize equipment that is already available in our laboratory. In a way, entire process was adapted to local conditions – focusing on conditions in Serbian oilfields and chemical selection methods needed for those conditions. Process described here is applied after chemical EOR method selection and it is covering all possible combinations: Surfactant, Polymer, SP or ASP EOR. In case that one component is excluded, workflow can be modified with ease.

PELLETIZATION OF FLY ASH FOR UTILIZATION IN DYNAMIC SORPTION PROCESSES

2025-01-07T14:08:29+00:00

Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants, has transitioned from an industrial waste to a valuable technogenic raw material. Its alumino-silicate composition, porous structure, large specific surface area, and sorption activity make fly ash an efficient and low-cost sorbent for removing metal ions from acidic mine waters but only in discontinuous (static) systems. Its small particle size and poor hydraulic properties limit its application in continuous (dynamic) water treatment systems. This study aims to produce fly ash pellets with suitable properties for use as a sorbent in dynamic- column purification systems. By agglomerating fly ash with cement and plasticizer, pellets with enhanced mechanical properties such as compressive strength, impact strength, abrasion resistance, and disintegration time in water were developed. These pellets promise to improve the applicability and effectiveness of fly ash in dynamic water treatment processes, offering an economical and efficient solution for removing metal contaminants from wastewater.

WELL COMPLETION OF SUSPENDED AND ABANDONED WELLS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THERMAL AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY

2025-01-07T14:08:59+00:00

Suspended and abandoned wells present a considerable opportunity for renewable energy production, whether in the form of thermal, electrical, or combined energy. By utilizing existing infrastructure to harness these forms of energy, it is possible to reduce negative environmental impacts while simultaneously increasing energy efficiency and sustainability. This approach contributes to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promotes the development of technologies based on renewable energy sources. Suspended wells offer the advantage of being immediately ready for use when needed, making them an efficient solution. In this paper, completion of suspended and abandoned wells for the production of thermal and/or electrical energy is presented.

CRITERIA FOR DECISION-MAKING FOR BEST RECLAMATION SOLUTION

2025-01-07T14:09:34+00:00

Mine site reclamation is a relevant step in maintaining ecological balance after mining activities. Although mining activities provide many economic benefits, they often have negative impact to the environment. These environmental problems require effective and sustainable solutions. To minimise the effects of mining, environmental management is obligated to stabilise the land, so it is productive after mine closure and leads to the best possible purpose. Regulatory authority sets out the criteria for reclamation to be accomplished by the mine reclamation program such as compliance, land re-contouring, revegetation, and final completion.

OPTIMAL ARTIFICIAL LIFT METHODS FOR SMALL OIL FIELD PRODUCTION

2025-01-07T14:10:17+00:00

Artificial lift methods are essential for maintaining productivity of oil wells that are depleted or lack sufficient natural energy for self-sustaining production. Properly selected artificial lift methods enable fluid production continuity, ensure stability and maintain long-term economic viability, especially when the reservoir can no longer support natural fluid lift to the surface. On the small oil field X, the initial production phase utilized natural flow methods, whereas declining reservoir energy prompted the implementation of sucker rod pumps (SRP), which were later replaced by electrical submersible pumps (ESP). Performance analysis revealed that ESP systems encountered challenges, including motor overheating due to reduced fluid inflow and insufficient cooling. In contrast, SRP systems exhibited more stable and reliable performance under the specific operating conditions of oil well at field X. This study investigates artificial lift methods, and through analyzing SRP and ESP system performance, concludes that SRP systems are more suitable for sustained and efficient production on small oil field X.