Application research and prospects of radon measuring technology in coal mining

Taking radon and its progeny as the primary research objects, the formation-migration-emanation mechanisms of radon were systematically elucidated, while the radioactive decay behavior of radon and the adsorption and retention characteristics of its progeny within coal-rock masses were comprehensively analyzed. Based on the intrinsic relationships among coalfield geological conditions, mining-induced dynamic phenomena and variations in radon concentration, the application scenarios of radon measuring technology were further classified into geological structure detection, periodic weighting monitoring, coal and gas outburst prediction, and hidden fire source location detection. Correspondingly, the research progress in each scenario was critically reviewed. Meanwhile, the functional features and performance characteristics of commonly used radon detection instruments in field applications, including the α-cup radon detector, the RAD7 radon detector, and the low-background α/β measuring instrument, were systematically introduced and comparatively analyzed. Field applications demonstrate that the spatial distributions of radon anomalies detected by the α-cup radon detector and the RAD7 radon detector exhibit strong consistency. Specifically, the former is more suitable for large-area radon concentration surveys, whereas the latter, benefiting from its anti-interference design, enables higher-precision detection. Furthermore, the concentration variations of radon progeny 210Po at the surface of fire-affected zones can accurately reflect the distribution characteristics of parent radon, thereby exhibiting high reliability in hidden fire source location determination. At present, radon measuring technology is undergoing a transition toward quantitative investigation. An emerging approach, which aims to inversely determine radon migration rates through the precise characterization of adsorption and retention of radon progeny within rock strata, is expected to constitute a significant methodological advancement. Consequently, this approach may provide robust technical support for the in-depth application of radon measuring technology in the field of coal mining.