Identification and Application of Roof Bed Separation (Water) in Coal Mines

Bed separation can occur above coal mines when thick, hard roof strata overlie weaker roof strata. The water that accumulates represents a major hazard. We have categorized bed separations and indicators of threatening situations, and analyzed the morphological evolution of bed separation. Technologies exist to identify bed separation water, including its location and the risk it represents, and to calculate the maximum heights of bed and residual bed separations. These technologies were applied to the 1307 working face in the Xinji no. 1 coal mine, in Huainan, Anhui Province. Menacing bed separation was identified in the nappe fault zone. The maximum heights of the bed and residual bed separations were 5.92–6.90 m and 1.97–2.30 m, respectively.