GAS EMISSION AND GAS UTILISATION IN THE ABANDONED MINING AREA OF THE RUHR DISTRICT
Deutsche Montan Technologie GmbH, Am Technologiepark 1, D-45307 Essen, Germany. Kunz@dmt.de
Abstract
As in other coal mining areas of Europe also in the Ruhr district problems with gas outfl ows on thesurface may occur, when mines are closed and the ventilation system is shut down. The gas volume, which remains inthe coal measures in the abandoned area, causes diffuse gas infl ows on the surface. This depends on the permeabilitiesof the remaining roadway system, the fi lled shafts and the rock layers, both in the area of the fi lled shafts and outsideof it. The problems of safety and their control are described on concrete examples.However the mine gas is also an energy source the utilisation of which is supported in Germany by a new law sincethe year 2000. The gas is exhausted and utilized at ten locations at the moment (electrical power so far about 39 MW).For example the location Kurl is explained in more detail. Further development of gas utilisation schemes, especiallyby boreholes, is intended.