An appraisal of mathematical models to predict water inflows into underground coal workings

The paper describes various analytical and numerical models which have been used to predict the quantities of water flowing into underground mines. Analytical models of flow into wells are discussed briefly and their limitations when applied to mine water flow are listed. Numerical models designed specifically for underground mines are examined in detail under the three categories of water resource models, mine water models and methane and water models. The extent to which the available numerical models are applicable to British longwall coal mining operations is considered and the need for further work is identified.