Study of the Gas Factor during the Development of a Carnallite Deposit by the Underground Solution Method in the Territory of the Verkhnekamskoye Potassium-Magnesium Salt Deposit

Author details
  • Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russian Federation
  • Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russian Federation
  • Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russian Federation
  • Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russian Federation
  • JSC VNII Galurgii, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

Underground dissolution technology allows for the development of water-soluble ore deposits in areas with complex geological structures, where mining does not meet safety requirements. In the area of the Verkhnekamskoye potassium-magnesium salt deposit, productive layers are characterized by a shallow depth and increased gas content. This article is devoted to the study of the gas factor at the design stage of pilot industrial tests of the technology of underground dissolution of a carnallite deposit under the conditions of the Verkhnekamskoye salt deposit. At this site, it is planned to test the hydraulic cutting technology using a double dissolution chamber and stepwise development of the deposit. Preliminary assessments of potential gas emissions into the underground dissolution chamber were conducted. The most probable gas composition and phase states at each stage of testing were determined. It was found that the gas fraction will predominantly consist of methane, hydrogen and nitrogen, of which the first two are dangerous, as they have flammable properties. Studies of gas solubility in brine, both in the underground chamber and on the surface, showed that most of the gases will be free, accumulating under the roof of the underground chamber. A significantly smaller portion will be dissolved in the brine. It is possible that they are present in brine and in a blanket (diesel fuel) in a bubbly form. An analysis of the most probable scenarios for gases entering the hydraulic network of a surface brine production complex from an underground chamber was carried out. Dissolved and bubbly gases may enter the brine extraction line and accumulate in receiving tanks. The greatest danger is the entry of free gases into the diesel fuel line during its extraction from the underground chamber in the process of a changeover of the operating stage, followed by accumulation in the separation tank. Sectional barriers have been developed, which, in combination with organizational measures, hydraulic network paths. Technical safety barriers have been developed, which, in combination with organizational measures, will reduce the risk of negative gas factor manifestations and ensure the necessary safety of work.

Keywords

brine operationsunderground dissolutioncarnallitebrineunderground chamberflammable gasesphase compositionhydraulic networksafety barriers

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Article information

Published
24 October 2025
Issue date
24 October 2025
Issue
Vol. 25, No. 3 (2025)
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