A method for combining integrated drilling, flushing and slotting with thermal injection to enhance coalbed gas extraction, applicable to managing gas extraction from microporous, low-permeability, high-adsorption coalbed areas. A gas extraction borehole is drilled within a certain distance of a predetermined drilling, flushing and slotting borehole, and, once sealed, is used for gas extraction. An integrated drilling, flushing and slotting drill bit is used to sink the borehole, which is then sealed. Concentration variation in the gas extraction borehole is monitored in real time, and when concentration is below 30%, borehole is opened and high-temperature steam is injected by means of a steam generator, after which the borehole is again closed. Drilling a drilling, flushing and slotting borehole increases pressure relief space and the surface of exposed coal, relieves stress on the coal body, and increases gas permeability of the coalbed, while the injection of high-temperature steam promotes gas desorption in the coal body, promotes crack propagation around the borehole, and increases channels for gas flow, thus achieving highly efficient extraction of gas from the coalbed.

A method for stepwise construction of a preferential gas migration pathway at a stope in a coal seam. First, a gas migration pathway is preliminarily formed at a stope depending on a mining effect of mining in a first mined seam. construction and stabilization method of gob-side entry retaining in deep strata, and a method of manual-guided pre-fracturing boreholes are then used to perform active construction respectively in external space and the outside of coal-rock mass to form preferential gas migration pathways. Eventually, under the effect of mining-induced stress, a system of preferential gas migration pathways connected to each other at the stope is further formed.

A method for stepwise construction of a preferential gas migration pathway at a stope in a coal seam. First, a gas migration pathway is preliminarily formed at a stope depending on a mining effect of mining in a first mined seam. construction and stabilization method of gob-side entry retaining in deep strata, and a method of manual-guided pre-fracturing boreholes are then used to perform active construction respectively in external space and the outside of coal-rock mass to form preferential gas migration pathways. Eventually, under the effect of mining-induced stress, a system of preferential gas migration pathways connected to each other at the stope is further formed.

A method for constructing networked preferential gas migration pathways and diverting and extracting gas. The method proposes that a fracture generation hole, a fracture guidance and development hole, a lateral rupture hole, and a fracture connection hole are respectively constructed in a roof in roadways on two sides of a working face in advance of an advance stress change area. Artificial guided fractures are actively constructed and formed inside the hard roof. Under a mining-induced stress effect, the artificial guided fractures and mining-induced fractures intersect with and are connected to each other to form networked preferential gas migration pathways. Meanwhile, boreholes for artificial guided fractures accelerate roof fracturing to form a rupture bed separation fracture area in a roof. Gas flows and migrates in a timely and efficient manner along networked fracture pathways and concentrates in the rupture bed separation fracture area in the roof.

A method for constructing networked preferential gas migration pathways and diverting and extracting gas. The method proposes that a fracture generation hole, a fracture guidance and development hole, a lateral rupture hole, and a fracture connection hole are respectively constructed in a roof in roadways on two sides of a working face in advance of an advance stress change area. Artificial guided fractures are actively constructed and formed inside the hard roof. Under a mining-induced stress effect, the artificial guided fractures and mining-induced fractures intersect with and are connected to each other to form networked preferential gas migration pathways. Meanwhile, boreholes for artificial guided fractures accelerate roof fracturing to form a rupture bed separation fracture area in a roof. Gas flows and migrates in a timely and efficient manner along networked fracture pathways and concentrates in the rupture bed separation fracture area in the roof.

A method of performing coupled drilling, flushing, and slotting operations on a coal seam, which has a high gas content and prone to bursts, is described herein. The method is aimed to relieve pressure and increase permeability when drilling a through-seam borehole to pre-drain gas belts in a coal mine roadway. The pressure relief and permeation method of the present invention adjusts the water jet water inlet pressure in different stages according to the different positions of the drilling construction, and controls the water during drilling. At drilling stage, the jets are respectively subjected to low-pressure water flow drilling and medium-pressure water flow flushing. When withdraw drilling, the high-pressure water flow slotting is carried out. By doing so, the pressure is relieved in a low, medium, high stepwise manner.

A method of performing coupled drilling, flushing, and slotting operations on a coal seam, which has a high gas content and prone to bursts, is described herein. The method is aimed to relieve pressure and increase permeability when drilling a through-seam borehole to pre-drain gas belts in a coal mine roadway. The pressure relief and permeation method of the present invention adjusts the water jet water inlet pressure in different stages according to the different positions of the drilling construction, and controls the water during drilling. At drilling stage, the jets are respectively subjected to low-pressure water flow drilling and medium-pressure water flow flushing. When withdraw drilling, the high-pressure water flow slotting is carried out. By doing so, the pressure is relieved in a low, medium, high stepwise manner.

A barrier assembly used in the protection of personnel at worksites and/or residential areas from escapes of gas. Such a barrier assembly controls the lateral and vertical spread of gas in the event of an escape of the gas, even more particularly toxic gas. The barrier assembly can be used at operating sites where gases are produced, and, in particular, where high concentrations of toxic gases like CO.sub.2, H.sub.2S, SO.sub.2, and mercaptans are present. The barrier assembly can also act as a safety system in the event of an accidental uncontrolled release of these toxic gases into the atmosphere.

A barrier assembly used in the protection of personnel at worksites and/or residential areas from escapes of gas. Such a barrier assembly controls the lateral and vertical spread of gas in the event of an escape of the gas, even more particularly toxic gas. The barrier assembly can be used at operating sites where gases are produced, and, in particular, where high concentrations of toxic gases like CO.sub.2, H.sub.2S, SO.sub.2, and mercaptans are present. The barrier assembly can also act as a safety system in the event of an accidental uncontrolled release of these toxic gases into the atmosphere.

Various examples are provided related to methane detection in harsh environments. In one example, a method includes drawing a sample of air from at least one first location; delivering the sample to a volume within a sensor block at a second location, where the sensor block includes a gas concentration sensor in communication with the volume; and where a vacuum is applied to the volume within the sensor block to facilitate delivery of the sample to the second location. In another example, a system includes a sampling unit that houses a sensor block, where a sample tube is coupled to an inlet of the sensor block, which includes a gas concentration sensor; an ejector that facilitates delivery of a sample of air from the first location via the sample tube; and a control unit that can receive a gas concentration sensor output from the sampling unit for processing.