Heping Xie

Discover the most cutting-edge solutions to the environmental problems posed by coal In Innovative Approaches towards Ecological Coal Mining and Utilization, a distinguished team of researchers delivers a comprehensive and fulsome exploration of the ecological problems caused by coal mining and utilization. The book discusses environmental pollution and carbon emissions in the context of modelling coal engineering issues, the design of innovative coal engineering systems, and the evaluation of innovative coal mining systems. The authors consider the technical and economic viability of each proposed solution, making the book ideal reading for environmental and energy researchers in academic and industrial circles. Fully interdisciplinary, Innovative Approaches towards Ecological Coal Mining and Utilization offers readers an integrated look at the management science and policy simulation involved solutions to ecological problems caused by coal mining and utilization. The included resources make full use of expansive case studies to illustrate the concepts discussed in the book, as well as robust economic analyses of the various technologies. Readers will also discover: A thorough introduction to ecological coal mining and developing trends in ecological coal utilizationComprehensive explorations of innovative approaches in coal mining and a multiple coal seams-oriented equilibrium strategy towards coal-water conflict resolutionPractical discussions of seasonal change-oriented dynamic strategies towards coal-water conflict resolution and GIS-oriented equilibrium strategies for coal gangue contamination mitigationIn-depth examinations of carbon dioxide emission reduction in coal-fired power operations Perfect for environmental and water chemists, mining specialists, and chemical engineers, Innovative Approaches towards Ecological Coal Mining and Utilization will also prove to be an invaluable addition to the libraries of process engineers seeking the latest information on solutions to the environmental problems caused by coal mining and utilization.

This text covers the use of computer applications in the mineral industries, encompassing topics such as the use of computer visualization in mining systems and aspects such as ventilation and safety.

Important developments in the progress of the theory of rock mechanics during recent years are based on fractals and damage mechanics. The concept of fractals has proved to be a useful way of describing the statistics of naturally occurring geometrics. Natural objects, from mountains and coastlines to clouds and forests, are found to have boundaries best described as fractals. Fluid flow through jointed rock masses and clusterings of earthquakes are found to follow fractal patterns in time and space. Fracturing in rocks at all scales, from the microscale (microcracks) to the continental scale (megafaults), can lead to fractal structures. The process of diagenesis and pore geometry of sedimentary rock can be quantitatively described by fractals, etc. The book is mainly concerned with these developments, as related to fractal descriptions of fragmentations, damage and fracture of rocks, rock burst, joint roughness, rock porosity and permeability, rock grain growth, rock and soil particles, shear slips, fluid flow through jointed rocks, faults, earthquake clustering, and so on. The prime concerns of the book are to give a simple account of the basic concepts, methods of fractal geometry, and their applications to rock mechanics, geology, and seismology, and also to discuss damage mechanics of rocks and its application to mining engineering. The book can be used as a textbook for graduate students, by university teachers to prepare courses and seminars, and by active scientists who want to become familiar with a fascinating new field.