Pilot-scale underground coal gasification (UCG) experiment in an operating Mine "Wieczorek" in Poland

In this article, the results from a pilot-scale, underground coal gasification (UCG) experiment conducted in an operating coal mine "Wieczorek" were presented. The 60-day gasification trial demonstrated that through the appropriate selection of the test site and by applying all safety standards essential for the coal mining industry, UCG in an active mine can be conducted safely and efficiently. The idea of the technical realization of the UCG process, as well as selected gasification results, such as the primary mass balance parameters, gas production rate, coal consumption rate, coal gasification efficiency and the changes in gas composition, were presented. - Highlights: • An pilot-scale UCG experiment was conducted in an operating coal mine. • A V-shaped gasification channel was tested. • The primary process parameters were controllable. • The UCG in an active mine was demonstrated. • A detailed mass balance of the UCG process was performed.