Wojciech Preidl
Quarterly Journal of the History of Science and Technology, Volume 65, Issue 3, 2020, pp. 9 - 28
https://doi.org/10.4467/0023589XKHNT.20.017.12600The article describes the application of the artificial ground freezing method for sinking the shafts of the now-defunct Bach lignite mine in Cybinka (Lubusz Province). It was probably the only instance of such a procedure in lignite mining in Poland. The text presents the origins of this method, patented in 1863 by F.H. Poetsch, and the examples of mines where this technique was implemented, with particular emphasis on the Polish lands. The course of freezing the Bach V and Bach VI shafts and the problems that occurred at the very beginning of their exploitation are described in detail. As a result of errors made during the drilling of freezing holes, both shafts were completely flooded with groundwater. The paper also aims to analyse the causes of this mining disaster.
Wojciech Preidl
Technical Transactions, Volume 6 Year 2017 (114), 2017, pp. 85 - 99
https://doi.org/10.4467/2353737XCT.17.089.6565
The “Fryderyk” adit (renamed ‘Kościuszko’ after World War II) is the last adit built in the area of Tarnowskie
Góry, and was supposed to provide drainage for the area of exploitation of the “Fryderyk” mine. After the shutdown of the mine, the adit gained an important role in the water management of the area. The water from nearby sources flows into the river Drama through the adit. The long period of the adit’s existence and the processes occurring in its area have caused a progressive process of support degradation, which increases the danger of a loss of stability and a collapse of the roof. Allowing the collapse of the adit’s roof may cause surface depressions. The article presents the research results that show an evaluation of the technical condition and safety degree of the support for future failure-free usage. A range of activities that are meant to stop the natural degradation of the end section of the adit has also been suggested.