Abstract: Apparatus for continuously extending ventilating conduits in tunnelling or mining environments includes a tubular store to which a funnel guide is releasably connected. A folded flexible ventilating pipe is received on the store and fastening means are provided to connect an end of the ventilating pipe to the end of the ventilating conduit to be extended. In use, the apparatus is advanced and the ventilating pipe is gradually pulled off the store and unfolded by being passed over the funnel guide.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously extending ventilating conduits in tunnelling or mining environments includes a tubular ventilating pipe store to one end of which a nozzle is releasably connected and to the other end of which a nozzle is releasably connected and to the other end of which a funnel guide is releasably connected. The ventilating pipe store contains a folded-up flexible ventilating pipe adapted to be connected to the end of a ventilating conduit to be extended. A frame is provided and support means adapted to support the nozzle, the ventilating pipe store and the funnel guide on the frame. In use, the apparatus is continuously advanced and the ventilating pipe is gradually pulled out of the store and unfolded by being passed over the funnel guide. When the store is empty it is moved away laterally and replaced with a new one, and the end of the ventilating pipe within it is connected to the free end of the ventilating conduit without it being necessary to halt the advance of the apparatus.

Abstract: Gas, particularly methane, is sucked from a borehole (B) extending from a coal mine working by means of a casing consisting of tubular plastics sections (8) by means of a vacuum pump connected to the lower end of the casing. The casing is sealed to the borehole by a sliding seal (2) which allows the casing to be moved up and down the borehole until the upper end of the casing is at the level of the maximum yield of gas. The annular space between the casing and borehole wall is then filled with a liquid which expands and sets to form a polyurethane foam (4).