Anisotropic coal permeability and its stress sensitivity

Abstract

This paper focuses on anisotropy of coal permeability and its stress sensitivity. Coal blocks were taken from Xinjing Coal Mine in Yangquan Coal District. Coal cores were then drilled along the strike, dip, and vertical directions. Coal permeabilities were measured with respect to stress by using a self-developed coal permeability measurement system. The used samples exhibited significant permeability anisotropy. The permeability along the strike direction was greatest among the three directions, the permeability along the vertical direction was the smallest, and the permeability along the dip direction was between the other two directions. The sensitivity of coal permeability to stress was transversely isotropic. The stress sensitivity coefficient was greater along the horizontal directions than along the vertical directions. Coal permeability exhibited anisotropic stress sensitivity due to anisotropy in Young’s modulus and porosity. The results obtained in this study are useful for optimizing the arrangement of pre-drainage boreholes.