Physical Properties of High-Rank Coal Reservoirs and the Impact on Coalbed Methane Production

Abstract

The physical characteristics of coal reservoirs are important factors affecting the occurrence status of coalbed methane, as well as key factors restricting the production capacity. Therefore, taking 3# coal in Qinnan region of China as the research object, based on the actual production data of 200 coalbed methane wells in the research area, experimental testing combined with simulation analysis was used to explore the physical properties of medium and high-order reservoirs and their impact on the occurrence and production of coalbed methane. The characteristics of coalbed methane reservoir formation and production capacity changes in the research area were revealed, and the factors restricting the production capacity of coalbed methane wells were calculated using the gray correlation analysis method. The results indicate that the micropores in the coal reservoir in the study area are well-developed, while the macropores and mesopores (exogenous fractures) are underdeveloped, the surface of the micropores is complex, and the connectivity of the micropores is poor, resulting in reservoirs with high gas adsorption characteristics and low permeability. The fractal characteristics of pores and fractures can reflect the permeability characteristics of reservoirs. Permeability is positively correlated with macropores (exogenous fractures) and mesopores, and negatively correlated with micropores. There is a positive correlation between permeability and productivity, and the reservoir in the study area has a stress-sensitive boundary. The main factors restricting productivity under the complex pore and fracture system of high-rank coal reservoir were identified, and the gray relational analysis method was used to evaluate the development effect of the research area. This study provides guidance for the development of coalbed methane production in high-rank coal reservoirs.