An Impact of Mechanical Stress in Coal Briquettes on Sorption of Carbon Dioxide

Abstract

The presence of gases (methane or carbon dioxide) in hard coal is connected with numerous threats for miners employed in underground mining facilities. When analyzing the coal-methane system, it is necessary to determine the relationship between pressure and gas sorption. Such a relationship should be determined under conditions similar to the natural ones - when it comes to both temperature and pressure. The present paper discusses the results of research conducted with the use of coal briquettes under the state of mechanical stress. Carbon dioxide sorption isotherms were determined for different values of stress affecting the coal material. For five coal samples collected in different mines of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Langmuir's sorption isotherms were determined. The results point to significant impact that mechanical stress has upon the sorption process. It is about 1 percent of the value obtained for coal not subjected to stress per 1 MPa. The research results can also prove useful when analyzing hard coal seams from the perspective of their carbon dioxide sequestration abilities.