Release of Methane from the Worked-out Spaces in Coal Mines

The sources of methane release into the workings of coal mines are the coal seams and interlayers being developed and the host rocks, methane from which is released into both preparatory and treatment workings [1]. A forecast is made about the possibility of moving methane from the mined-out spaces in coal mines to the daytime surface. A comprehensive analytical method has been developed to determine the most likely places of displacement. The regularities of the change in the velocity of movement depending on the temperature, pressure, specific gravity and viscosity of migrating hydrocarbon gases are established. Methane has the highest viscosity. The fracturing coefficient of rocks affecting gas filtration in dry and watered rocks has been revealed. Based on the research, the probable locations of methane migration are substantiated.