Borehole diameter shrinkage rule considering rheological properties and its effect on gas extraction

Abstract

To study the shrinkage rule of borehole diameter and its effect on gas extraction, a viscoelastoplastic model for boreholes considering strain softening and the dilatancy characteristic was established to obtain the expressions of the coal stress, variation in diameter, and pressure relief range. The stress distribution and pressure relief effect of the boreholes in soft and hard coal seams were comparatively analyzed. The shrinkage rule of the borehole diameter was studied. The reasons for the rapid reduction in the extraction concentration of the borehole in soft coal seams were described. A technology of improving the gas extraction effect in soft coal seams was developed. The research results showed that the radius of the plastic softening zone is 0.405 m for a borehole in a soft coal seam and 0.224 m for that in a hard coal seam. This indicates that the borehole in a soft coal seam has a better pressure relief effect. The boreholes in both hard and soft coal seams will incur a shrinkage phenomenon; however, the soft coal seam has low strength and a weak ability to resist damage, and thus the surrounding coal will have a more intense creep deformation, leading to an instability failure during a short period of time and thus, a blocking of the extraction channel, thereby causing a rapid reduction in the gas extraction concentration. The borehole in a hard coal seam also shows a shrinkage phenomenon, but remains in a stable state without a blockage; thus, high-concentration gas can be extracted from this borehole for a long period of time. The geo-stress and coal strength are the two main factors controlling the amplitude of borehole shrinkage. From an increase in stress, the borehole in a hard coal seam shows a more intense creep deformation in a deep mine, which may lead to blockage. The key to improving the gas extraction effect in soft coal seams is to maintain a smooth extraction channel. The full screen pipe is installed through the drill pipe to retain an extraction channel, leading to an average gas extraction increase from 0.043 m 3 /min to 0.12 m 3 / min, an increase of 2.77 times. These research results are consistent with actual production, and can provide theoretical guidance for determining the gas extraction parameters.

Experimental investigation of the creep damage evolution of coal rock around gas extraction boreholes at different water contents

“…Creep damage to coal rock around gas extraction boreholes is an important factor threatening the stability of the boreholes [ 1 , 2 ]. The creep of the coal rock around the boreholes caused by the stress-water solid-liquid coupling results in a variable and complex fracture extension process [ 3 ]. To ensure the safety of coal seam mining and to improve the efficiency of gas extraction, the phenomenon of coal rock creep must be studied.…”

Prediction Model for Spontaneous Combustion of Coal around Boreholes Using Bedding Gas Drainage

“…e mainly used methods to improve the gas drainage efficiency include enlarging the borehole diameter [1,2], increasing the gas drainage pressure [3], densifying the boreholes [4], increasing the extraction time of gas drainage, and increasing the permeability of the coal seam [5][6][7]. However, from the perspective of fire prevention, the methods used to improve the gas drainage efficiency may increase the risk of spontaneous combustion of the coal around the borehole.…”