Bibliography: leaves 322-335. / xxxvii, 343 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Highlights the need for extensive testing of large particle coal devolatilization models with both volatile matter evolution and particle temperature data in order to ensure that the predictions generated by the model can be thoroughly trusted. By undertaking an in-depth investigation into the particle temperature measurements and associated model predictions, shows that accurate model predictions can be obtained for the evolution of volatile matter, and of individual volatile species. The model is also capable of predicting the behaviour of wet coal particles by assuming that drying is heat transfer controlled and that the enthalpy of drying observed by Chen is applicable. Ultimately, this model forms a sound basis for the on-going development of a model encompassing all of the reactions required to model the behaviour of a typical coal particle in a fluidished bed combustor or gasifier. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, 1999

This thesis presents the results of research into the potential of underground mining methods applicable to inclined thick seams (thickness greater than 3.5m, and seam dip of 15 - 35 degree) in the Quangninh coalfield, Vietnam. The primary objectives of this research are to investigate the most suitable underground methods applicable to inclined thick seams in the Quangninh coalfield and to improve understanding of the operational and geotechnical issues associated with the application of chosen methods in thick seams with steeply dipping conditions. From a risk and operational assessment, the Longwall Top Coal Caving (LTCC) method is considered most appropriate for inclined thick seams under the current mining conditions in Vietnam. The LTCC method offers great potential for the efficient extraction of thick seams by caving coal from the upper section during the mining of the lower section. This significantly reduces the development cost per tonne. Compared to High reach Single Pass Longwalling, the LTCC method offers a low extraction height, resulting in smaller and less expensive equipment and better face conditions. Results from this study identified that for extracting an inclined thick seam, the face retreating along the strike has better operational advantages and better cavability than the face retreating updip or downdip of the seam. The operational issues of the LTCC method when extracting inclined seams are: the stability of the support, transport in the mine, and the difficulties in roof control at the transition between face ends and the gateroads. In terms of geotechnical issues, better cavability of the top coal is anticipated for flat coal seams compared to inclined seams. In addition, the chain pillar for flat coal seams is subjected to a higher vertical stress distribution than that of inclined ones. An improved cavability assessment method for the categorisation of the cavability of the top coal with four categories, ranging from 1 (excellent cavability) to 4 (very poor cavability), was suggested to assist the feasibility and design stages of the LTCC application. The cavability assessment method was conducted by numerical analysis combined with back analysis from the database obtained from past LTCC practices.

Coal seams in the Waikato Coal Measures can vary significantly in thickness over distances of hundreds of meters to kilometers. Previously, the primary depositional controls on these variations have been inferred to be syn-depositional normal faulting and pre-depositional paleotopography. The data presented in support of these models are typically equivocal and which, if any, of these processes provide the principal control on the geometry and spatial distribution of coal seams in the Waikato Coal Region is uncertain. This study utilizes a large database of drill-logs, seismic-reflection lines and mine exposures in four areas (Huntly, Maramarua, North HuntlylWaikare and Rotowaro Coalfields) to test whether syn-depositional faulting and/or paleotopography influence coal seam architecture. These data were used to construct cross sections across faults and basement topography, which in turn, offer information on the relative timing of faulting and coal measure deposition, together with information on the spatial relations between seam thicknesses, faulting and paleotopography. Cross sections and isopach maps together with examination of spatial and temporal variations in fault displacements reveal that syn-depositional normal faulting had little or no impact on the deposition of the Waikato Coal Measures. Only in the Maramarua study area was any evidence found of fault control on coal measure deposition, with the Landing Fault accruing displacement between deposition of the Kupalrupa Seam and the end of coal measure sedimentation. The vast majority of faults in the Waikato Coalfield were, however, active following coal measure deposition. For example, the Foote, Kimihia and Pukekapia faults show evidence of displacement accrual, which commenced during deposition of the Mangakotuku Formation (37-35 Ma BP). The duration of this episode of faulting is difficult to determine, but may have ceased about 30 Ma ago. In addition, a number of faults (e.g. Foote Fault) display evidence oflate stage extension during the last 5 Ma. Given the lack of stratigraphic evidence for fault displacements during deposition of coal measures, it is suggested that the Mangakotuku and Waipuna basement scarps are erosional rather than tectonic features. Cross sections, together with structure contour and isopach maps in each of the four study areas examined, indicate that basement topography was the dominant control on the spatially variable accumulation of peat. These data show coal seams both thinning into, and away from, topographic lows. To account for this observation a model is proposed, in which peat accumulation is controlled by basement relief and sediment supply to parts of the depositional system. In the model it is postulated that the Waikato Coal Measures depositional system was a continuum between two end members. In one end member, with a high sediment supply, sediment is channeled into the lowest topographic areas and peat accumulates mainly on topographic highs. In the other end member, with little or no sediment supply, peat accumulates to its greatest thickness in areas of relatively low topography, in addition to on basement ridges. In the Rotowaro and North Huntly/Waikare study areas, the thickest peat developed on basement highs and the lows acted as a conduit for sedimentation. On basement highs, peat mires were largely sheltered from clastic sediment influx. In the Huntly East and Maramarua study areas, the thickest peat accumulated in basement lows, with comparable clastic sedimentation in highs and lows. The proposed model has application to other coalfields where peat accumulated on an undulating topographic surface and sediment supply was channelised. Prediction of coal seam thickness, as well as lithological types, is crucial in coal exploration and development. The methodology developed and employed in this study can be applied to other basins to access and model coal and clastic sediment distribution.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2008. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 70 p. : ill. (some col.). Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 69-70).

Thesis (MSc.(Metallurgical Engineering)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Professional Degree)--University of Missouri, School of Mines and Metallurgy, 1938. / The entire thesis text is included in file. Typescript. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed April 20, 2010)

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2002. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 150 p. : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-90).

Thesis (Professional Degree)--University of Missouri, School of Mines and Metallurgy, 1939. / The entire thesis text is included in file. Typescript. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed April 6, 2010) Includes index (p. iv-v).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 433-465).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 169-173). Also available on the Internet.