On the 3D fluid behavior during CBM coproduction in a multi pressure system: Insights from experimental analysis and mathematical models

Abstract

To investigate the dynamic response characteristics of coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs with multi pressure system induced by coproduction, physical simulation experiments were conducted on CBM coproduction under both conventional and constant-rate coproduction modes using a self-built experimental platform. The results showed that constant-rate coproduction can significantly extend the stable coproduction period of CBM compared to conventional coproduction, but it may have an inhibitory effect on certain reservoirs, which is negatively correlated with the initial reservoir pressure. Constant-rate coproduction can cause disturbance effects on reservoir pressure, leading to an increase in the expansion resistance of the pressure-reduction funnel during coproduction, and even the appearance of the pressure-buildup funnel of low-pressure reservoirs. A calculation principle for the 3D fluid flow parameters was developed by considering the dynamic permeability and the pressure gradient of the reservoir. The 3D fluid flow parameters were employed to quantitatively characterize the spatial and temporal evolution of fluid relative flow velocity and deflection angle in the reservoir during coproduction. Near the far end of the wellbore, the fluid flowed nearly horizontally, while near the wellbore, the fluid flowed towards or away from the wellbore center due to different levels of disturbance.