Experimental investigation of gas degradation by methanotrophs at different air flow-rates

A technical approach based on microbial technology is proposed to help resolve the problems caused by explosive gases in coal mines. The proposed technique uses methanotrophic bacteria to oxidize methane. In laboratory experiments, the oxidation effect of hanging nets impregnated with liquid containing methanotrophic bacteria was investigated at different air flow-rates. The experimental results showed that the volume of gas degraded and the gradient of degradation both increased as the gas concentration increased at constant air flow-rates. At fixed gas concentrations, the volume of degraded gas increased with increasing flow-rates of air at low flow-rates. However, the volume of degraded gas slightly decreased with increasing flow-rates of air at high flow-rates. These experimental results provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of explosive gases during exploration for natural gas and to treat potentially dangerous concentrations of gas in gobs, caves and upper corners of mineshafts. They will also be of great practical significance in coal mining.