This study aimed to indicate the variability range of parameter values describing the geomechanical properties of Carboniferous rocks depending on the moisture content of the laboratory sample. We assumed that the moisture content in the tested rock samples corresponds to various water saturation states in the rock mass. The states could be caused by complete and long-term drainage, water inflow, or the position of the rock sample to the ventilation ducts or the water table in flooded mine workings. In line with this assumption, measurements were made on samples of accompanying rock using two water saturation states of rock pores – moisture of samples, i.e., air-dried and capillary saturation states. Laboratory surveys were also made for the state of moisture of the coals obtained in the process of immersion of the sample in water. The air-dried state of rocks as standard in geomechanical tests in laboratories was compared with the surroundings of mining excavations, mostly ventilated ones, located within a long-term preserved depression cone, especially in hydrogeological covered areas. We used the capillary saturation state to demonstrate significant changes in the values of basic geomechanical parameters under the influence of the water from the surface and higher aquifers, circulating in the rock mass near groundwater reservoirs. Capillary saturation was the closest to natural moisture in the rock mass drained from free water. The coefficient of changes in the geomechanical properties of rocks associated with the change in moisture content and the transition of rocks from the air-dried state to the capillary saturation state was determined. The parameter was suitable for simulating probable changes in the values of geomechanical parameters of rocks and approximating the laboratory moisture content to the conditions occurring in the rock mass. Linear relationships were also developed with very good or good, and sometimes satisfactory coefficient determinations.

The article is focused onthe energetical balance of a technical system for the conversion of crushed tyres by pyrolysis. Process temperatures were set in the range from 500 to 650°C. Mass input of the material was 30 kg per hour. The aim of the article is to answer the following questions as regards the individual products: Under which process conditions can the highest quality of the individual products related to energy be reached? How does the thermal efficiency of the system change in reaction to various conditions of the process?

On the basis of the experimental measurements and calculations, apart from other things, it was discovered that the pyrolysis liquid reaches the highest energetic value, i.e. 42.7 MJ.kg-1, out of all the individual products of the pyrolysis process. Generated pyrolysis gas disposes of the highest lower calorific value 37.1 MJ.kg-1 and the pyrolysis coke disposes of the maximum 30.9 MJ kg-1. From the energetic balance, the thermal efficiency of the experimental unit under the stated operational modes ranging from about 52 % to 56 % has been estimated. Individual findings are elaborated on detail in the article.