Fluid seepage mechanism and permeability prediction model of multi-seam interbed coal measures

Abstract

The successful development of coal measure gas (CMG) in the Surat Basin in Australia shows that the geological conditions of thin-interbed CMG development may be more favorable, but the above understanding is still in the geological law summary level. This study combines numerical simulation and physical simulation experiments to study the core geological problems of CMG in the geological control of the permeability of a multi-thin coal seam composite reservoir (MTCCR). The results show that in the initial stage of stress loading, the permeability advantage of the coal-mudstone/sandstone composite reservoir is reflected in the bedding permeability. Based on this phenomenon, the concept of “cross-layer seepage effect of fluid in MTCCR” is proposed for the first time, which is analyzed as the result of the permeation effect of adjacent rock fluids in the composite reservoir under the action of pressure difference. The numerical simulation shows that the permeability increase of the MTCCR depends on the increase in the fracture, and the coupling effect of the fracture and pore changes the fluid pressure field and seepage mode around the fracture. From the experimental perspective, the above understanding confirms the results of previous conclusions on the geological law of high permeability of MTCCR, and explains the geological phenomenon of high permeability of MTCCR from the seepage mechanism. Based on numerical and physical simulation experiment, a sedimentation-tectonics controlled permeability prediction model was constructed. The seepage mechanism and the permeability prediction model established of MTCCR in this study can provide theoretical support and quantitative basis for the selection of high permeability zones and evaluation of high permeability sections in the exploration and development process of thin interbed CMG.