Correlation analysis of the longwall shearer's cutting heads currents and methane concentration recorded at the longwall excavation

Research on the analysis of the correlation between cutting speed and methane emission in longwalls has so far focused on determining the daily progress of a longwall that is related to limit values of methane bearing capacity. It seems that in the case of increased cutting speed, there should be a correlation between the current of the cutting heads and the amount of methane released from the longwall due to the faster exposure of fresh coal solid and more coal on conveyors. As shown in previous publications, the coal solids and mined coal on conveyors are important or even the most important sources of methane in the longwall. Therefore, if it was possible to confirm the correlation between the cutting head current and methane release at the outlet, it would be possible to use this information in short-term forecasting algorithms. This study presents preliminary results of the research on the correlation between the cutting head current and the methane concentration at the longwall outlet.