Research
The
Department is active in a wide range of current research activities, and is the
site of two acclaimed research centers: the Virginia
Center for Coal and Energy Research and the Center
for Advanced Separation Technologies. Our Research Centers
and Laboratories offer students and faculty access to state-of-the-art
equipment and facilities. A number of government and industry
sponsors are currently supporting ongoing research efforts,
which fall into the following categories.
System Simulation
- Computer modeling and simulation of mining systems
- Feasibility of integrated mining and waste stowage systems
- Expert system design packages
- Coal reserve prediction
Rock Mechanics and Ground Control
- Subsidence prediction and control
- Characterization of new grouts for ground control
- Bump prediction associated with mines under strong roofs
- Computer simulation and investigation of slope stability in open-pit mines
- Geomechanics Observation & Imaging
- Evaluation of rock mass characteristics for mine-portal design
- Cost analysis of reducing longwall tailgate entry widths
- Multi-seam mine design
- Rock stress redistribution laboratory
Ventilation
- Improved recovery of coalbed methane
- Design of jet fans
- Ignition of explosions in coal mines
Mineral Processing
- Development of MicrocelTM column flotation process multigravity separator
- Development of optical slurry sensor for on-line assaying
- Image analysis characterization and liberation studies
- Improved grinding efficiency through media size control
- Cathodic protection of ball mills to minimize wear and corrosion
- Improving coal beneficiation processes
- Development of reagents and methods for improved flotation recovery
- New techniques for dewatering fine particles
Environment
- Precombustion removal of hazardous air-pollutant precursors
- Waste minimization through underground coal deshaling
- Subaqueous disposal of mill tailings
- Volume reduction of radioactive solids
- Expert systems in environmental management
- Effect of ore-pyrite on acid generation
Research Centers & Laboratories
- Center for Advanced Separation Technologies
- Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research
- Geomechanics Observation & Imaging
- Electrochemistry Laboratory
- Materials Characterization Laboratory
- Mine Ventilation Laboratory
- Mining Surveying Laboratory
- Process Development Laboratory
- Process Instrumentation and Control Laboratory
- Rock Mechanics Laboratory
- Rock Fragmentation Laboratory
- Subsurface Environmental Engineering Laboratory
- Surface Analysis Laboratory
- Underground Fires and Explosions Laboratory