Empress Catherine II Saint-Petersburg Mining University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

T. A. Vasilenko, Chief Researcher, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, tvasilenko@mail.ru

Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia

A. K. Kirillov, Leading Researcher, Doctor of Engineering Sciences

Geotechnical Bureau LLC, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

M. A. Vilner, Chief Specialist, Candidate of Engineering Sciences

SUEK JSC, Moscow, Russia

A. A. Meshkov, Technical Director, Candidate of Engineering Sciences

SUEK-Kuzbass JSC, Leninsk-Kuznetsky, Russia

N. L. Galsanov, Technical Director, Candidate of Engineering Sciences

Coal seam methane significantly limits productivity and safety of underground coal mining, causing explosions, coal and gas emissions, and long-term post-mining gas migration. The rate of gas release is determined by the gas content and permeability of a seam, which depends on the coal microstructure. This study analyzes the changes in permeability and methane transfer in geodynamically active zones and tectonic fault zones compared to undisturbed areas. It also explores the mechanisms of methane migration to surface along tectonic faults. Using the example of Kuzbass coals, the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, small-angle neutron scattering and pulsed spectroscopy methods were used to estimate the degasification duration using fractal models that consider closed porosity. Numerical stress–strain modeling is also performed to predict the change in permeability depending on rock pressure. Such approach allows optimization of degasification, better prediction of outburst hazards and science-based ground control. The modeling involved such basic factors as: geomechanical properties of coal and host rocks (Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, compression strength); magnitude and direction of rock pressure (horizontal and vertical stresses); jointing and anisotropy of coal seams (permeability along and across the strike); flow dynamics (impact of methane and water on stresses and strains). The research shows that faults greatly influence permeability and gas release in coal seams, and the use of the fractal models improves precision of predictions. The research results are useful for the enhancement of mining safety.

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