Cataclastic Coal Research Articles

Experimental study of coal fines migration characteristics in reservoirs with diverse coal structures: Influence on reservoir behavior

The challenge of coal fines production within tectonic coal reservoirs during coalbed methane (CBM) development in China presents a significant concern. In this study, coal samples with distinct coal structures from Hancheng mining area were selected for experiments on coal fines migration. Our analysis focused on the distinctive characteristics of coal fines generated by various coal structures, the subsequent alterations in sample permeability, and the changes in pore and fracture structures before and after the experiments. By examining the reservoir properties across different structures, we aimed to uncover the migration characteristics of coal fines in these diverse coal reservoirs and understand their influence on reservoir behavior. The results revealed distinct characteristics of coal fines among reservoirs with different structures. Under the same conditions, the average mass concentration of coal fines produced by cataclastic coal (CC) and granulated coal (GC) was observed to be 1.15–35.33 and 2.27–51.74 times higher than that of primary structure coal (PC), respectively. Coal fines generated by reservoirs with varying structures exerted different effects on pore-fracture structure and permeability. The average permeability ranges of the PC, CC and GC samples during the experiment were 0.27–0.66 mD, 0.33–1.58 mD and 8.96–19.38 mD, respectively. The PC and CC being less affected by tectonic deformation and possessing higher strength, exhibited minimal impact on their permeability. Conversely, the GC displayed the highest degree of structural deformation, lower strength, and unstable pore structure, significantly affecting its permeability. These findings offer valuable insights into coal fines production and reservoir behavior in CBM development, particularly in reservoirs featuring diverse coal structures.

Multi-Scale Characterization of Pores and Fractures in Coals with Different Coal-Body Structures from the Jincheng Mine, Qinshui Basin, Northern China

The Qinshui Basin is located in the southeast of Shanxi Province, China. It is one of the most abundant coal resources from Permo-Carboniferous North China. It is rich in coal and coalbed methane resources. However, the accumulation of coalbed methane is complex and the enrichment law has not been fully understood because of the high heterogeneity of coal reservoirs in the Qinshui Basin. The examination of dissimilarities between tectonically deformed coals (TDCs) and primary coals at multiple scales holds paramount importance in advancing our understanding of the occurrence and flow patterns of coalbed methane, and in providing guidance for exploration efforts. In the present study, the samples from the Jincheng Mine, Qinshui Basin, were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), CO2 gas adsorption and 3D X-ray micro-computed tomography. The results showed that the dominant minerals in coal were illite, kaolinite, and calcite, with minor amounts of quartz and ankerite. In comparison to primary coal, tectonism could increase the microfractures density of type A (the fracture of width ≥ 5 μm and length > 10 mm) in TDCs. In CO2 gas adsorption in mylonite coal, it was observed that the volume of micropores (<2 nm) was significantly reduced leading to a decrease in gas adsorption capacity. The result of Micro-CT scanning revealed that the minerals occurred as veins in primary coal, but as irregular aggregates in TDCs. Moreover, tectonism had a staged impact on fracture structure, which was initially closed in cataclastic coal and then formed into granulated coal during the tectonic evolution. The effects of tectonism on coal structure had an impact on the connectivity of micropores at the micrometer scale by the destruction of the pore throat structure, increasing the heterogeneity of the reservoir. These findings help to better understand the changes in TDC structure at different scales for developing effective strategies for coalbed methane exploration and production.

Coalbed methane reservoir properties assessment and 3D static modeling for sweet-spot prediction in Dahebian block, Liupanshui Coal field, Guizhou Province, southwestern China

Guizhou Province has many multi-layer, thin-thick coal seams; however, complex geology, incomplete reservoir characterization, and sweet-spot selection technology prevent large-scale coalbed methane (CBM) development. This study evaluates the CBM reservoir properties within the Dahebian block using logging data, coal sample analysis, and well-testing data and develops a 3D static reservoir properties model to analyze their spatial and vertical propagation. A sweet spot evaluation model was established using a multi-level fuzzy method based on 9 parameters extracted from a 3D static reservoir properties model. The coal measure has 22 coal seams, and seams >2 m thick have 2 or 3 thin non-coal layers intercalated. Coal seams 1#, 7#, and 11# are thin to thick, deeply buried, widely distributed, and have high gas content and saturation. Undeformed and cataclastic coal predominates the coal seam 1# and 7#, whereas coal seam 11# is dominated by cataclastic and granulated coal. The southern and central parts of coal seam 7# and 11# have less tectonically deformed coal (TDC). Coal seams 1# and 7# have low permeability relative to seam 11# and are localized, while coal seams 11# have high permeability, are extensively distributed, and contain substantial gas concentrations. Comparative analysis of evaluation scores and CBM production statistics shows that high scores indicate sweet spots for CBM development. Sweet-spot potential was classified as high, medium, and low. Scattered sweet spots are found in single layers, while combined development (1# + 7#+11#) reveals a wider high-potential area in the south-central region. This area, featuring deep, thick coal seams, high permeability, gas saturation, reservoir pressure, and low TDC proportion, indicates significant development potential. This study validates CBM development statistics, identifies future development areas, and guides the development of geologically complex Guizhou CBM.

In situ coal permeability and favorable development methods for coalbed methane (CBM) extraction in China: From real data

Permeability plays a significant role in the economic viability of coalbed methane (CBM) development. In China, in situ permeability obtained from injection fall-off tests range from 0.0001 to 41 mD at depths of 130–1728 m, with the majority (78%) falling between 0.01 and 1 mD. Coal reservoirs with high rank, common cleat mineralization, and depth-dependent high stress may result in extremely low permeability. Low-rank coal and cataclastic coal exhibit more favorable permeability conditions at shallow depths. Heterogeneity in coal rank, coal texture, and stress magnitude results in a discrete distribution of permeability both regionally and vertically. Most deep seams are highly compressed with extremely low permeability (<0.1 mD) as high stress levels. Multilateral horizontal wells work best with high permeability seams, while vertical wells with conventional hydraulic fracturing demonstrate limited adaptability to deep and low-permeability seams due to insufficient proppant-supported fractures. With increasing depth, both vertical and horizontal wells should employ larger fracturing scales to create effectively supported zones with higher fracture conductivity and reduced stress sensitivity to enhance CBM productivity. Horizontal wells with large-scale volume fracturing demonstrate superior performance compared to vertical wells in extracting CBM from deep, low-permeability, and high gas saturation reservoirs.

Coal Structure Characteristics of the 2# Coal Seam in the Jiaozuo Mining Area and Its Geological Dependence.

To clarify the coal structure, spatial distribution, and controlling factors of the 2# coal seam in Jiaozuo mining, the drilling coal samples were collected to observe the coal type and coal structure. The coal macerals were identified by a MPVSP microscope photometer, and the spatial characteristics of the coal structure were obtained through interpreting deep lateral resistivity logging, natural gamma ray logging, density logging, and acoustic logging curves. The influence of coal properties, burial depth, geological stress, and faults on the coal structure were discussed correspondingly. The results exhibit that granulitic-mylonite coal was most developed in the 2# coal seam, followed by primary coal and cataclastic coal; the coal type was dominated by semibright coal, followed by clarain and semidull coal. Granulitic-mylonite, cataclastic, and primary coals were the main components of clarain, semibright coal, and semidull coal, respectively. Higher vitrinite and organic matter contents were conducive to the development of granulitic-mylonite. The coal structure combinations were spatially varied, and the granulitic-mylonite combinations were the most common. Granulitic-mylonite coal was developed in the east and south parts of the study area, and the coal structure was fragmented with a greater burial depth and larger thickness. The geological stress is the fundamental cause of coal structure damage as well as the cutting of faults.

Experimental Studies on the Crack Initiation and Propagation of Hydraulic Fracturing with Different Coal Structure Combinations.

Coal structure is one of the key geological factors that affects the effect of coal reservoir stimulation. Based on the geological spatial combination characteristics, thickness, and proportion of different coal structures, the coal reservoir is divided into different coal structure combination types. The hydraulic fracturing device is used to carry out indoor fracturing experiments and dissect the crack initiation and expansion characteristics with different coal structure combinations. The results show that the coal structure combination is of the binary type (undeformed coal + granulated coal or cataclastic coal + granulated coal), and the undeformed coal (cataclastic coal) can overcome the tensile strength and minimum principal stress when it is driven by the high-pressure fluid. The undeformed coal (cataclastic coal) ruptures and forms longitudinal cracks. The increasing proportion of granulated coal inhibits crack expansion and promotes the transverse deformation of coal. The interface contact point between the undeformed coal (cataclastic coal) and granulated coal easily fractures along the cross section of the specimen. When the coal structure combination is the triplex type (undeformed coal + granulated coal + cataclastic coal or cataclastic coal + granulated coal + cataclastic coal), the undeformed coal or cataclastic coal is transformed. The forming fractures in the undeformed coal (cataclastic coal) can cut through the soft coal when the thickness of the undeformed coal (cataclastic coal) is large and the thickness of granulated coal is thin. On the contrary, it is not easy to cut through. When the coal structure combination is granulated coal + cataclastic coal + granulated coal, the cataclastic coal fails under shear stress and forms the crack along the cross section of the coal sample. The granulated coal inhibits the crack expansion at both ends. The research results have an important indicative significance for further understanding the fracture initiation and propagation mechanism of hydraulic fracturing with complex coal structures in coal reservoirs.

Experimental Investigation on the Impact of Coal Fines Migration on Pores and Permeability of Cataclastic Coal.

During the production process of coalbed methane, the generation and migration of coal fines can obstruct fractures in coal reservoirs and reduce their permeability. In order to investigate the effects of coal fines migration on the porosity and permeability of coal reservoirs, we conducted core water flooding experiments, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and low-temperature N2 adsorption experiments to study the variations in porosity and permeability of cataclastic coal during coal fines migration and the impact of coal fines migration on porosity and permeability. The experimental results reveal that the initial porosity ratio of cataclastic coal exhibits the characteristics of micropore > macropore > transitional pore > mesopore, with the pore types being predominantly fissured. The porosity of pores larger than 1000 nm and those larger than 10,000 nm exhibit consistent trends before and after water flooding, indicating that the blockage or unblocking of pores with radius larger than 10,000 nm by coal fines can also cause blockage or unblocking of some interconnected macropore. The early stage of flooding is the main period for coal fines migration and production in cataclastic coal, during which the mass concentration of coal fines production is higher and some macropores and fractures become blocked, resulting in a larger decrease in porosity. The higher the initial permeability of cataclastic coal samples with a larger end-face fracture density, the more similar the variations in porosity and permeability of pores larger than 10,000 nm during the flooding experiment, indicating that coal fines mainly block interconnected pores and fractures with radius larger than 10,000 nm through migration, thereby reducing permeability. This study provides a theoretical basis for the efficient production of coalbed methane.

Construction and application of prediction methods for coal texture of CBM reservoirs at the block scale

Identifying coal texture has an important influence on the exploration and development of coalbed methane (CBM), but the prediction at the block scale is still insufficient. This paper combines the core idea of machine learning algorithm, coal body deformation mechanism, and critical layer theory to establish a prediction method for coal texture of CBM reservoir at block scale. The factor analysis method was used to eliminate the information redundancy of logging data, and the key logging parameters for identifying the coal texture were optimized. These include density (DEN), natural gamma ray (GR), X well diameter (CALX), and deep lateral resistivity (LLD). The K-means clustering algorithm was used to extract the numerical characteristics of crucial parameters. The K-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification algorithm established the identification equation of coal texture. The following classification was obtained: primary structural coal (T ≥ 0.70), broken-mylonite coal (T ≤ −0.50), and cataclastic coal (−0.50 < T < 0.70); these were used to accurately and finely divide the coal texture of multiple coal seams. Subsequently, from the fact that the structure of the coal body of a coal seam is necessarily influenced by the critical layers of the coal-bearing rock system in which it is located, the value of S for the strength of the coal-bearing rock system is proposed. According to the deformation characteristics of the coal body and the critical layer theory of the coal reservoir in the mining area, the length of the coal-bearing rock system section is determined as 30 m for the top plate and 20 m for the bottom plate of the coal seam and combined with the strength adjustment coefficient. The S value calculation is derived. The S value was calibrated using the calculation results of the coal texture logging identification model: primary structural coal (S ≥ 4.50), cataclastic coal (3.50 < S < 4.50), and broken-mylonite coal (S ≤ 3.5). Finally, the above methods are used to identify the block scale coal texture of the main coal seam of Kele syncline in western Guizhou. The identification prediction results are the same as those of underground sampling.

Coal Structure Characteristics in the Northern Qinshui Basin and Their Discrimination Method Based on the Particle Size of Drilling Cuttings.

Coal structure, including primary coal, cataclastic coal, granulated coal, and mylonitized coal, is one of the key factors controlling coal and gas outburst, and it also determines the efficiency of coalbed methane (CBM) extraction. Therefore, it is significant to identify the characteristics of coal structures and to predict them in advance. In this work, the spatial distribution, mechanical properties, and microscopic morphology of the four coal structures from the No. 3 coal seam of the Xinyuan Mine in the northern part of the Qinshui Basin were investigated through the in situ observation in the roadway, the hardness coefficient (f) test, and the scanning electron microscope analysis. Moreover, the drilling cuttings from the gas pressure releasing holes were sampled and sieved, and then, the correspondence between different coal structures and the particle size of the cuttings was analyzed quantitatively based on the Rosin–Rammler model. The result shows that the spatial distribution of the coal structure has strong heterogeneity in the vertical and lateral directions. The f value decreases successively with the increase in coal structure deformation, which indicate that f can directly characterize the coal structure. Furthermore, the relations between f and drilling cutting average particle size (d0), crushability indicator (n), crushing degree index (λ), and the median diameter (d50) were established. Specifically, the coal deformation degree is positively correlated with the mass fraction of large particles in the cuttings under the same drilling parameters. Overall, as f increases, d0 and d50 decrease, and n and λ increase. However, parameters d0, d50, and λ of granulated coal are inconsistent with other coal structures, and mylonitized coal is inconsistent with other coal structures in n, as a result of the coal structure broken characteristics itself and the difference in the stress state between the coal and the drill bit during the rock breaking process. Ultimately, the coal structures determined by the surface CBM well logging curve and the cuttings particle size method were compared, and they have a high degree of coincidence in the distinction between primary coal and tectonic coal.

Experimental research on hydraulic fracture propagation in group of thin coal seams

The commingled production technology has been applied in group of thin coal seams exploitation. In order to explore the mechanism of fracture extension of multi-layer combined fracturing in thin coal seam groups with different perforating location, fracturing fluid displacement and fracturing fluid viscosity, this paper firstly adopted sand/coal (single and two-layer) indoor experiment to explore the basic law of fracture propagation and effective fracturing methods in cataclastic coal. After that, the multilayers experiment was carried out, and the fracture propagation law was studied by two types of (Model A: 3 layers sandstone and 2 layers coal) and (Model B: 3 layers coal and 2 layers sandstone). The experimental study of coal/sandstone (single and two-layer model) showed that the fracture morphology of primary structure coal was relatively simple. When the fracturing fluid was injected into the cataclastic coal, it was difficult to form effective fractures and the scale of the fracture was small. Therefore, the perforating location in the cataclastic coal should be avoided. In the secondary fracturing of the cataclastic coal seam, the fiber fracturing fluid could seal the fracture system of the primary fracturing of cataclastic coal, which provided technical reference for secondary temporary plugging fracturing. In addition, the law of fracture propagation in multi-layer coal measure strata was studied on the basis of the single and two-layer model, and the fracture propagation was evaluated from the aspects of fracture propagation morphology, fracture scale and fracture penetration. Multi-layers experiments showed that whether hydraulic fracture could achieve the penetration effect was mainly affected by the perforating location. If the perforating location was in the sandstone layer, the facture was easy to penetrate coal seam. When the fracture penetrated the interface between two layers, the generated pressure pulse activated the weak surface of developed fractures in coal seam, prompting the formation of complex fracture. In addition, the larger the fracturing fluid displacement and the lower fracturing fluid viscosity, the easier it was for hydraulic fractures to form branch fractures or activate natural fractures, increasing the fracture propagation volume to maximize hydraulic fracture complexity in the formation. In this experiment, the fracture propagation law of hydraulic fracturing in thin coal seam groups was studied under different engineering factors from multiple perspectives. The research results could provide reference for the fracturing construction design in thin coal seam groups.

Nanopore Structure and Mechanical Properties in Brittle Tectonically Deformed Coals Explored by Atomic Force Microscopy

Tectonically deformed coals (TDCs) are of great importance to coalbed methane exploitation and coal mining safety. Compared to primary coals, reservoir properties of TDCs have been transformed greatly by tectonic stress. Here, the pore structure and mechanical properties of primary coal and brittle TDCs were obtained with atomic force microscopy and software. The results showed that tectonic stress generally promotes pore development and Young’s modulus of brittle TDCs. According to the variation in pore structure and Young’s modulus, two stages were identified: weak brittle deformation stage (primary coal–cataclastic coal–schistose coal–mortar coal) and strong brittle deformation stage (mortar coal–granulitic coal–flaky coal). The extent of tectonic impact varies greatly between these two stages. In weak brittle deformation stage, tectonic stress has little impact on coal pore structure. The mean pore number increases slowly, and the mean pore size decreases slowly. In this stage, half of the pore number increment is provided by macropores of 100–200 nm diameter. In strong brittle deformation stage, tectonic stress has a major impact on coal pore structure. The mean pore number increases quickly, and the mean pore size decreases quickly. Most of the pore number increment comes from mesopores of 10–50 nm diameter and macropores of 50–100 nm diameter. In addition, the Young’s modulus of primary coal and different brittle TDCs varies from 1.5 to 2.0 GPa. In weak brittle deformation stage, the Young’s modulus of different samples levels off. While in strong brittle deformation stage, the Young’s modulus increases gradually. Combined with former studies, it is inferred that tectonic stress can influence coal’s Young’s modulus by transforming its chemical structure.

Comparison of Nanopore Structure Evolution in Vitrinite and Inertinite of Tectonically Deformed Coals: A Case Study in the Wutongzhuang Coal Mine of Hebei Province, North China

The understanding of the nanopore structure in tectonically deformed coal (TDC) could be expanded from the perspective of a single maceral. A total of 10 TDCs with an increasing deformation degree (in the order of unaltered, cataclastic, porphyroclast, scaly, and powdery coal), were collected in a single coal seam and stripped into 10 vitrinite and 10 inertinite samples. Carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption and nitrogen (N2) adsorption/desorption experiments were conducted to reveal the nanopore structure, whereas 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction experiments were conducted to detect the macromolecular structure. The results reveal that the macromolecular structures of both vitrinite and inertinite can be altered by tectonic stress. As the deformation degree increases, the aliphatic carbons decrease, the aromatic carbons increase, and the aromatic interlayer spacing decreases, whereas the crystallite stacking height and the average number of crystallites in a stack increase. For mesopores, the pore volume of vitrinite slowly decreases and then increases at the stage of scaly coal, whereas that of inertinite fluctuates with no obvious regularities. For micropores, the pore volume of vitrinite deceases as the deformation degree increases, whereas that of inertinite decreases since the deformation stage of porphyroclast coal, and little changed from the deformation stage of unaltered to cataclastic coal. As the coal deformation degree increases, the aromatic interlayer spacing decreases, resulting in a decrease in the micropore volume; however, the average crystallite stacking height and the average number of crystallites in a stack increase, leading to an increase in the micropore volume. Therefore, the micropore decreases and then increases as the coal deformation degree increases. However, the macromolecular changes weakly affect the mesopore evolution in the coal deformation process.

Methane Adsorption Behavior and Energy Variations of Brittle Tectonically Deformed Coal under High Temperature and High Pressure.

This paper aims to reveal the methane adsorption characteristics of brittle tectonically deformed coal (TDC) under high temperature and high equilibrium pressure and the surface free energy changes during methane adsorption. Taking the anthracite of the Yangquan mining area of China as the research object, methane adsorption tests of high temperature and high pressure were conducted to discuss the influences of coal deformation, temperature, and pressure on the gas adsorption behaviors of coal under the in situ conditions of deep coal seams. Results indicated that coal deformation and pressure had positive effects on the methane adsorption capacity of coal, whereas temperature showed negative effects. Meanwhile, the negative influences of temperature rise on gas adsorption gradually increased with the equilibrium pressure and the enhancement of coal deformation. In a given adsorption system, the adsorption potential decreased with increasing pressure while increased with temperature. In contrast, the adsorption space increased with increasing pressure and decreased with temperature rise. Meanwhile, adsorption potential decreased with the increase in adsorption space. In the process of methane adsorption, with increasing adsorption pressure, the cumulative reduction of surface free energy gradually increased, whereas the surface free energy reduction at each pressure point decreased. The cumulative and incremental reduction of surface free energy at each pressure point gradually decreased with the increase in temperature. The reduction of adsorption space and cumulative surface free energy and the changes in surface free energy at each pressure point of brittle TDCs were higher than those of primary structure coal, and the changes in the strongly deformed coal (granulitic and mortar coal) were more significant than those of the weakly deformed coal (cataclastic coal). Based on the adsorption potential theory, we drew the adsorption characteristic curves and established adsorption capacity prediction models of primary structure coal and brittle TDCs.

Brittleness Index of High-Rank Coal Reservoir and Its Influencing Factors in Mabidong Block, Qinshui Basin, China

Brittleness index is an important mechanical index to evaluate the fracturability of conventional oil and gas reservoirs. However, the brittleness index of an organic coal reservoir is more complex. In this study, based on array sonic logging and density logging data, coal brittleness index is calculated using an elastic parameter method in the Mabidong coalbed methane (CBM) block in southern Qinshui Basin. In combination with coal-body structure observation, the maceral analysis, and proximate data of coal cores, a comprehensive study of geological influencing factors of coal brittleness index has been carried out. According to coal fragmentation degree, the coal-body structure of coal seams can be divided into primary, cataclastic, and granulate structure. The average interval of brittleness index of primary, cataclastic, and granulate structural coals is 63.3-71.48, 73.01-74.85, and 77.41-82.77, respectively. The results indicate that generally the order of brittleness index is primary structural coal &lt; cataclastic structural coal &lt; granulate structural coal. Young’s modulus and the brittleness index have a good positive correlation. Poisson’s ratio and the brittleness index are negatively correlated in No. 3 coal seam but are positive correlated in No. 15 coal seam. The vitrinite content is positively correlated with brittleness index, and the inertinite content is negatively correlated. For the primary and cataclastic structure coal, the ash and volatile is positively correlated with the brittleness index. The correlation of brittleness index, macerals, and coal quality parameters in the primary structure coal is better than that of the cataclastic and granulate structure coal. The research results are helpful to guide the coal brittleness index and coal-body structure prediction in fracturing of CBM wells.

Laboratory investigation on pore characteristics of coals with consideration of various tectonic deformations

Coal structure is highly related to paleo-stress variation and the pore structure of coals can be modified through tectonic activities. This study characterizes the pore structure variations for various coal samples with different tectonic deformation intensities. The low temperature N2 and pressure CO2 adsorption analyses were conducted to quantify the pore structures, and high pressure CH4 adsorption measurements were carried out for the sorption analysis. The pores were classified into ultramicropores (<2 nm), micropores (2–10 nm), mesopores (10–100 nm) and macropores (>100 nm). The results show that with the increase of coal deformation intensity, the proportion of pore size of 50–300 nm decreased, showing that more macropores and mesopores were deformed to the smaller pores (<50 nm). Micropores (2–10 nm) in granulated and mylonitic coals obviously increased. The predominant ultramicropore in four kinds of coal structures were distributed at the range of 0.45–0.6 nm and 0.80–1.0 nm. Tectonic coals formed more ultramicropores lower than 0.65 nm. The adsorption of CH4, N2 and CO2 increased as the coal deformation degree increased, following the order: mylonitic coal > granulated coal > cataclastic coal > intact coal. Fractal dimensions show that tectonic coals characterized the rougher pore surface (higher D1) and more homogeneous pore structures (lower D2), which led to the higher adsorption capacity. The development of micropores was positive with Langmuir VL, but the ultramicropore SSAs were significantly larger than the contribution to SSAs of micropores and mesopores. Thus, ultramicropore provided the main adsorption sites for CH4. The variations of adsorption potential increased with the coal deformation intensity increased, and the smaller the adsorption space volume was, the larger adsorption potential would be, illustrating that adsorption in micropores was higher than mesopores and macropores. Tectonic coals have the higher reduced rate of cumulative surface free energy, which shows that tectonic damages promote the adsorption potential and surface free energy in coals.

Quantitative identification of coal texture using the support vector machine with geophysical logging data: A case study using medium-rank coal from the Panjiang, Guizhou, China

Coal texture is important for predicting coal seam permeability and selecting favorable blocks for coalbed methane (CBM) exploration. Drilled cores and mining seam observations are the most direct and effective methods of identifying coal texture; however, they are expensive and cannot be used in unexplored coal seams. Geophysical logging has become a common method of coal texture identification, particularly during the CBM mining stage. However, quantitative methods for identifying coal texture based on geophysical logging data require further study. The support vector machine (SVM), a machine-learning method, has received great interest due to its remarkable generalization performance, and it has been used to quantitatively identify hard and soft coal using geophysical logging data. In this study, four well-logging curves, the acoustic time difference (AC), caliper log (CAL), density (DEN), and natural gamma (GR), were used for coal texture analysis. Hard coal (undeformed and cataclastic coal) exhibited higher DEN, GR, lower CAL, and lower AC than soft coal. The accuracy rate of coal texture identification was highest (97%) when the linear kernel function was applied, and the maximum training accuracy rate was achieved when the penalty parameter value of the linear kernel increased to 1. The results of verification with a newly cored CBM exploration well indicated that the SVM-based identification method was effective for coal texture analysis. With the increasing availability of data, this method can be used to distinguish hard and soft coal in a coal-bearing basin under numerous sample learning conditions.

Evolutions of CO2 Adsorption and Nanopore Development Characteristics during Coal Structure Deformation

The coal structure deformation attributed to actions of tectonic stresses can change characteristics of nanopore structure of coals, affecting their CO2 adsorption. Three tectonically deformed coals and one undeformed coal were chosen as the research objects. The isotherm adsorption experiments of four coal specimens were carried out at the temperature of 35 °C and the pressure of 0 to 7 MPa. Nanopore structures were characterized using the liquid nitrogen adsorption method. The results show that there exist maximum values of excess and absolute adsorption capacity, which increase with increasing coal deformation degree. As the degree of coal deformation increases, the pore volume and specific surface area present an obvious increasing trend in the case of micropores, exhibiting an increase at first (cataclastic coal and ganulitic coal) and then stabilization (crumple coal), in the case of mesopores, and showing a gradual decrease in the case of macropores. The mesopores are the key factor of CO2 adsorption of tectonically deformed coals, followed by the micropores and the limited effect of macropores at the strong coal deformation stage.

Application of seismic curvature attributes in the delineation of coal texture and deformation in Zhengzhuang field, southern Qinshui Basin

Coal texture refers to the in situ particle size, morphological characteristics, and structural components of coal beds, and it determines the permeability and producibility of a coalbed methane (CBM) reservoir. Coal texture is commonly classified into undeformed coal (with primary coal texture) and deformed coal (with increasing degree of deformation, including cataclastic coal, granulated coal, and mylonitized coal). Geophysical logging has recently been proven effective for detecting coal texture in boreholes, but it is inefficient for establishing a regional distribution where there have been only limited amounts of drilling. In contrast, seismic attributes have high lateral extent and an advantage in terms of characterizing fine structures (even minor faults with throws of 2–3 m) and other strata deformations. By comparing seismic curvature data to the results of 221 core samples from the Zhengzhuang field in the southern Qinshui Basin, we provide a seismic curvature attribute-based coal texture evaluation method. Evaluation of the results shows that the coal texture types of the no. 3 coal seam include undeformed coal, cataclastic coal, and some granulated coal. The undeformed coal is mainly located in the western and northwestern parts of the study area. The cataclastic and granulated coals are mainly distributed in the southern and eastern parts of the study areas. The permeability of no. 3 coal seam is weakly correlated with undeformed coal, and it has a high negative correlation with deformed coal. Permeability has a strong negative correlation with the maximum curvature attribute of the no. 3 coal seam. It is suggested that the in situ stress distribution combined with the curvature controlled the local development of the coal texture types and thus resulted in regional differences in permeability. Finally, the distribution characteristics of coal textures of no. 3 coal seam in the study area are divided into four types, in which the undeformed-cataclastic coal-dominated area (located in the midwestern part of the study area) is the most favorable area for CBM production.

Study on optical fabric of coal and its geological indications

ABSTRACT In order to study the optical fabric of different coals and the geological information it reflects, the optical characteristics and their differences of different coal samples with coal texture are analyzed, and the relationship between the vitrinite maximum reflectance and the characteristics of tectonic stress is studied. The results show that the coal samples with primary texture show the uniaxial negative photometry in the low and medium coal rank stage, and change to the biaxial negative photometry in the anthracite stage. The optical anisotropy of coal increases with the increase of coal grade. Tectonic coal is characterized by the biaxial negative photometry in the stage of fat coal due to the complex tectonic stress. Combined with the result analysis of Ferrin diagram, it is discovered that the cataclastic structure coal in Huainan mining area mainly suffered from the compressive stress of Indosinian movement, while the granular structure coal mainly experienced the compressive stress of Yanshan movement and Himalayan movement.

Microhardness of Coal from Near-Fault Zones in Coal Seams Threatened with Gas-Geodynamic Phenomena, Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

Near-fault coal displays some specific structural and textural features. As the distance to the fault diminishes, one can observe ever stronger, gradual degradation of coal, demonstrated by the emergence of structural distortions exogenic in their origin, visible under a microscope. The process of gradual degradation of coal—manifested by the appearance of structural distortions exogenic in their origin—takes place. This can be observed under a microscope. The measurements of the microhardness of structurally altered coal carried out using the Vickers hardness test. For the purpose of this research, a microhardness tester by the CSM Instruments was used. The microhardness of particular structural types of coal was measured. The procedure encompassed both structurally unaltered and altered coal. The tested objects were exogenically fractured fragments, cataclastic, and mylonitic structures. Each of the analyzed structural types displayed a different range of the microhardness, with the highest values confirmed for the structurally unaltered coal. In the case of fractured coal, the microhardness values were somewhat lower. Finally, the lowest values were ascertained for cataclastic coal. Mylonitic coal, in turn, displayed microhardness values similar to those found in the unaltered coal. It was also observed that, in the case of the unaltered, fractured, and cataclastic coal, cracks propagated in the manner typical of brittle materials, whereas the mylonitic coal revealed some degree of elasticity. The analyzed microhardness parameters expose the structural–textural features of coal, particularly when it comes to the degree and character of destruction of the rock’s original matrix. The specific structural–textural composition of particular types of near-fault creations influences both their sorption parameters and the compactness of coal in a seam.