Mineral Characteristics of Low-Rank Coal and the Effects on the Micro- and Nanoscale Pore-Fractures: A Case Study from the Zhundong Coalfield, Northwest China

Abstract

The mineral characteristics (occurrence, type, and content) of low-rank coal and their influence on coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs are investigated at the micro- and nanoscales. Six coal samples of three representative coalmines were used to demonstrate the uniform tectonization from the Zhundong coalfield, NW China. Based on optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopyenergy dispersive spectrum (SEM-EDS) analysis, the mineral composition and occurrence characteristics were discussed. The micro- and nanoscale reservoir characteristics in low-rank coal (pore size distribution and adsorption capability) were studied by diverse methods, including lowtemperature N2 adsorption/desorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry and CH4 isotherm adsorption analysis. The coal reservoir nuclear magnetic T2 spectra of porosity and movable fluid were obtained by combining low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, which has an advantage of determining pore fluid technology. The mineral content is highly variable (4˜16 vol.%) in the Xi Heishan prospecting area of the Qitai region. Kaolinite, goyazite, ankerite and anorthosite were microscopically observed to be filling in coal pores and microfractures, and the minerals are given priority to silicate minerals. There is a greater content of mesopores (100–1000 nm) and transition pores (10–100 nm), and they are well connected. The micropores (0–10 nm) are dominated by parallel plate, closed or wedge-shaped pores. Furthermore, the microfractures are mainly observed for types B (width ≥ 5 μm and length≤ 10 mm) and D (width<5 μm and length<300 μm). The results show that microfractures B and C (width< 5 μm and length ≥ 300 μm) are better connected, but the orientation and connectivity of type D are worse. The Langmuir volume and mesopore content decreased with increasing mineral content, which shows that the low-rank coal minerals filled some adsorption space; the reduced CBM adsorption capacity and cellular pore and intergranular pore filled with minerals affect the mesopore content. Therefore, mineral characterization significantly influences methane adsorption capacity and pore structure.