Effective goaf gas capture design at Ravensworth Underground Mine

This paper highlights a reliable goaf gas capture system developed and used at Ravensworth Underground Mine since its trial in 2009. The method utilises horizontal holes drilled from underground sites and connected to an underground gas pipeline. This system incorporates a gas suction and flaring plant designed specifically for this method. The current method has captured effectively a total longwall, and adjacent goaf gas accounts for over 85%. The design of the holes drilled has been the success of the gas flow reliability. The flow is extraordinarily consistent and predictable. The management of the underground pipeline determines the overall reliability of flow. The design has resulted in Ravensworth Management being confident to remove a gas bearing bleeder roadway and still manage the existing tailgate roadway for allowing access as required. The reduction of CO2 equivalent emissions recorded is approximately 0.35 × 106 tons annually. This design has further improvements to be added to allow use at any other site with gas in the overlying strata.