There are numerous proven methods to drain methane from coal seams in coal mines. These systems include vertical wells drilled ahead of mining, horizontal boreholes, gob wells, and others. However, these drainage systems are not typically applied properly to optimize gas recovery and minimize the cost of ventilation to the mine. This lack of optimization generally occurs due to the large up-front costs associated with the drainage systems and the lack of knowledge regarding the drainage technology. This results in the mine having a reactive response to methane drainage issues as opposed to a pro-active plan for handling methane drainage. This paper demonstrates the use of a coal bed methane reservoir simulator to design vertical well methane drainage systems ahead of active longwall mining. Using the reservoir simulator and a hypothetical mine, the degasification system is optimized with respect to I) the cost/benefit of the vertical well program, 2) the impact on the mining operation and mine ventilation, and 3) the reduction in coal seam gas content in the mined seams
