Experimental Investigation of the Non-Darcy Equivalent Permeability of Fractured Coal Bodies: The Role of Particle Size Distribution

Abstract

The permeability of crushed coal bodies plays a bottom neck role in seepage processes, which significantly limits the coal resource utilisation. To study the permeability of crushed coal bodies under pressure, the particle size distribution of crushed coal body grains is quantitatively considered by fractal theory. In addition, the parameters of the percolation characteristics of crushed coal body grains are calculated. Moreover, the permeability of the crushed coal body during recrushing is determined by the fractal dimension and porosity. A lateral limit compression test with the crushed coal bodies was carried out to illustrate the effect of the porosity on the permeability, In addition, a compressive crushed coal body size fractal–permeability model was proposed by combination of the fractal dimension and the non-Darcy equivalent permeability. The results show (1) the migration and loss of fine particles lead to a rapid increase in the porosity of the crushed coal body. (2) Increases in the effective stress cause the porosity and permeability to decrease. When the porosity decreases to approximately 0.375, its effect is undermined. (3) The migration and loss of fine particles change the pore structure and enhance the permeability properties of the skeleton, causing sudden seepage changes. (4) At low porosity, the permeability k is slightly larger than the non-Darcy equivalent permeability ke. Thus, the experimental data show an acceptable agreement with the present model. A particle size fractal–percolation model for crushed coal bodies under pressure provides a solution for effectively determining the grain permeability of the crushed coal bodies. The research results can contribute to the formation of more fractal-seepage theoretical models in fractured lithosphere, karst column pillars and coal goaf, and provide theoretical guidance for mine water disaster prevention.