Methods for non-catalytic combustion of ventilation air MeH from coal mine shafts in thermal flow reversal reactors were presented. A demonstration reactor was operated autothermally for MeH concns. higher than 0.2% by vol. and, moreover, with substantial heat recovery at above 0.4% by vol. The MeH concn. approaching 1% by vol., the heat recovery of at least 5 MW for every 100 000 m(3)/h of ventilation air was achieved. A math. model of the process was validated by comparison of exptl. and simulated data.