Application of in-seam seismic exploration technology for detection of dirt band developed area in ultra-wide working faces

To investigate the feasibility of in-seam seismic exploration technology for detecting geological structures in ultra-wide working faces, the No.3 mining district of Sangshuping No.2 Coal Mine in the Hancheng mining area was selected as the study site. Based on mine geological data, a numerical model containing dirt band and dirt band developed zones was constructed. The wavefield and dispersion characteristics of forward-modeled single-shot records for the X, Y, and Z components were analyzed, and the detection effectiveness of the in-seam wave energy attenuation coefficient in identifying dirt band developed zones within an ultra-wide working face was examined. Forward modeling and field detection results show that with acquisition parameters of a shot hole depth of 5 m and a charge of 600 g per hole, transmitted in-seam waves can penetrate the extra-wide working face with a dip length of 620 m from the open-off cut, and the dirt band developed zone is clearly reflected in the in-seam wave energy attenuation coefficient imaging map. Using in-seam seismic exploration technology to accurately detect structural development in advance within ultra-wide working faces will provide a scientific basis for the design of working face roadways and mining operations.