Research and applications of the cross-fusion mechanism of high gas thick coal seam influenced by dip angle

Abstract

In this study, to better decide the effect of coal seam dip angle upon the dynamic change of the cross-fusion in gas transport and storage areas during the progress of working face in the high gas thick coal seam, a two-dimensional physical simulation experiment regarded as the theoretical research was conducted to properly explore the variation law of overburden fracture. The results demonstrated that the boundary of the gas transport zone was located in the region of fracture separation. The boundary of the gas storage area was located in the abrupt penetration zone. Also, according to the information theory, the state of the gas transport and storage areas was determined by the changing trend of the fracture rate and fracture entropy. The mathematical representation model of the dip effect in gas transport and storage areas was established. The criteria upon which the regional location of the gas transport area and gas storage area can be based were put forward. The cross-fusion evolution process of the dip effect in gas transport and storage areas was revealed as well. The research results could provide guidance for realising directional and accurate gas extraction.