Permeability changes in mining-damaged coal: A review of mathematical models

Abstract

Coal seam gas drainage is not only the effective measure for gas outbursts control, but also has the great significance for the use of gas energy and reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions. Coal permeability is the key parameter of gas drainage, and the permeability model of mining-damaged coal has the important theoretical guidance value for gas drainage in low permeability coal seams. In order to better understand the permeability model of damaged coal, the key points during the establishment of permeability model, which are the selection of coal structure, selection of boundary conditions and influencing factors, were first analyzed. Then, the expression and application of permeability models of mining-damaged coal in recent 20 years were reviewed. According to the contribution of new fractures, the permeability models of mining-damaged coal were divided into the empirical permeability models (EPM), volumetric strain permeability models (VSPM), plastic strain permeability models (PSPM) and damage variable permeability models (DVPM). After that, the quantitative characterization of key parameters, scientific issues of permeability models of mining-damaged coal were reviewed and discussed. Finally, the prioritization of 18 indexes affecting the permeability were determined, and the potential research directions of permeability models of mining-damaged coal were pointed out. The results of this paper can provide the theoretical guidance for the improvement of permeability model of mining-damage coal in the future.