Rapid regional outburst elimination technology in soft coal seam with soft roof and soft floor

In order to solve the problems in outburst elimination of coal seams with outburst potential, methods of field testing, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are employed in this study. It is found that the horizontal stress concentration surrounding coal unloading boreholes is the primary cause of the coal and gas blowouts in the process of the coal unloading and permeability improvement with high-pressure water jet. The results indicate that low borehole density and inefficient drainage are the main reasons for the occurrence of high outburst indices in the effeteness validation of regional measures to control outbursts. Based on numerical modeling results and onsite parameter testing, reasonable parameters such as borehole density are determined, and hydraulic fracturing is applied to improve coal seam permeability and relieve stress levels so as to eliminate regional outburst potential. The effect is significant in the field application, coal and gas blowout during the coal unloading period with high-pressure water jet is reduced dramatically, and the roadway development rate is increased by 48%. It is demonstrated that the gas drainage combined with the hydraulic fracturing, coal unloading with high-pressure water jet is a practical and effective technique for rapid elimination of coal and gas outburst potential in roadway development.

► We discussed outburst elimination methods in soft coal seams.
► The horizontal stress concentration surrounding boreholes is the primary reason.
► Low borehole density and inefficient drainage are main reasons for outburst.
► Numerical modeling results show reasonable borehole density parameters.
► A practical and effective technique for rapid elimination outburst potential is gained.