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Ground subsidence resulting from underground gasification of coal

Journal Article · · In Situ; (United States)
OSTI ID:5476758

Modes of subsidence (roof collapse) in underground in situ coal gasification operations caving, chimneying, bending, and plug failure are reviewed. USSR gasification operations are studied to determine causes and nature of subsidence problems. In gasification of coal seams 1-3 m thick, bending is the predominant form of subsidence. Thicker seams produce more severe subsidence problems; steeply dipping beds are the most hazardous for any given thickness. The formation of steeply dipping shafts can cause potentially catastrophic subsidence, forming craters and resulting in gas leakage from the system. (5 diagrams, 1 graph, 36 references)

Research Organization:
US Lawrence Livermore Lab, Calif
OSTI ID:
5476758
Journal Information:
In Situ; (United States), Journal Name: In Situ; (United States) Vol. 3:1; ISSN ISOMD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English