This paper studies the problems related to the research on the temperature conditions during the coal seam gasification. In particular, while maintaining the identity of the "model - nature"system. A review of the specific application of thermal imaging equipment and thermoelectric transducers (thermocouples) is given. Approaches to the research into the gasification modes using thermocouples on a laboratory setup are described and the main disadvantages of their application are revealed. The dependences have been obtained of the change in the temperature field depending on the gasification modes (ignition process, reverse operations, gasification mode). Recommendations have been developed on the possibility of using thermal imaging equipment (thermal imagers) when studying the temperature field of the gasification process in laboratory conditions.