| Abstract: | Strata gas can be released and captured from non-active and active gas resources either from virgin or relaxed strata, both prior to and when mining activities take place. The high and irregular gas emissions associated with high production longwall mining have provided a need to optimise the methods used to predict these gas levels and the ventilation requirements for gas dilution. A forecast of gas emissions during development drivage and longwall mining indicated possible gas and ventilation problems requiring the introduction of various gas drainage techniques and in maintaining the necessary air quantities in ventilation systems to satisfy the statutory gas limitations for various coal production rates. Although there are sound principles used in world-recognised methods of gas emission prediction, a new approach developed from long-term practical experience in underground gassy coal mine practices and gas-rock mechanics studies appear most suitable for local conditions and mining systems in use. The Lunagas ‘Floorgas' and ‘Roofgas' geomechanical and gas emission models offer an effective solution to these problems. Both programs are the most advanced engineering, numerical tools available to calculate gas source contributions to total gassiness and improve the accuracy and quality of gas control, gas capture technologies and ventilation system design. |
