Numerical modelling of gas pumping in inner interlocked tail roadway of coal mine based on coupled fracture-seepage model

This paper focuses on modelling of pumping high overrun gas in an upper corner and fully mechanized caving face of a coal mine with extra-thick seam. The process of roof fracture and fall in goaf is analyzed. Then the numerical model of the immediate roof and main roof collapse in goaf is established. On the basis of the numerical model, FLUENT is employed to simulate the gas seepage process in the accumulation of the rock and coal in goaf. In addition, the influence of the inner interlocked tail roadway at different positions for the gas concentration in goaf is analyzed. To calibrate the proposed numerical model, it is implemented to a coal mine. It is concluded that numrical results are similar to those in the coal mine.