Coal and Gas Outburst Risk Assessment Using Cluster Analysis Method

gas outbursts are one of the most significant accidents that occur in
underground coal mines. Despite many years of research, the
resources and mechanisms of this phenomenon are not well
understood. Thus, it is difficult to forecast and control these events.
As the mining depth and density increase, initial gas pressure and gas
content of coal seams continue to increase, and the risk of explosion
increases. Hence, explosion-prone areas expand gradually. As a
result, a dynamic phenomenon has emerged in areas where there is
no danger of outbursts. The risk of outbursts becomes more and more
serious in coal mines. A coal outburst risk assessment includes
evaluating the risk factors to what degree are present and then
determining the risk areas of the mine. In this study, the Cluster
Analysis method was implemented to identify the risk level of coal
seams based on the evaluation of the outburst risk factors for an
underground coal mine. Coal and gas outbursts occurring in
Zonguldak hard coal basin were divided into two clusters, Cluster A
and Cluster B. Coal seams in Cluster A were determined riskier than
Cluster B coal seams.