Utilisation of Fibre-Optic Based Distributed Temperature Sensing in Examining the Flow Behaviour in Gas Drainage Boreholes

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study on the effectiveness of deploying fibre-optic based Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology in pre-mining gas drainage boreholes. The aim is to identifythe changing thermal characteristics of gas flow along the length of the borehole in order to provide a step change in the way that gas drainage is managed and reported. Current techniques used in the coal mining industry do not provide any information on where the gas flow is originated and how effective the gas drainage is throughout a large region. The results of the research demonstrates the ability of the technology to identify “signature” changes in temperature inside the borehole that could be directly associated with gas emissions, borehole blockages, and the presence and source of water.