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Investigation of Adsorption–Desorption, Induced Strains and Permeability Evolution During N2–ECBM Recovery

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Abstract

In this study, the adsorption–desorption/induced strains/permeability characteristics of seven columnar coal samples with Ro.ran ranging from 0.42 to 3.23% were monitored dynamically during N2-enhanced coalbed methane (N2–ECBM) recovery. The results showed that N2 injection and sealing (N2–IS) is an important step in N2–ECBM recovery, with average desorption of 60.25%. During desorption with stepwise depressurization (DSD), the desorption volume increased linearly with time. The breakthrough point of gas production was in the first gas drainage phase, and the low-rank coal reservoirs entered the depletion well stage earlier. The samples were subjected to N2–IS and DSD, the cumulative desorption of the samples was in the 88.03–100.96% range, and the average desorption of the medium-rank coals was 100.40%. The residual volume strain was negative in medium-rank coals and caused by pore–fracture structural damage. The induced strain behavior was independent of gas composition, but with the gas volume being polynomial, it had a predictive effect. The permeability recovery percentage (PRP) during N2–IS was in the order of medium- > high- > low-rank coal, and the PRP of medium-rank coal was up to 90%. The strain sensitivity coefficient of low-rank coal increased with increase in volume strain, that of medium-rank was independent of volume strain, and that of high-rank coal decreased with increase in volume strain. This work revealed that, by injecting N2 into the reservoir and sealing the well for a certain period of time while maintaining high reservoir pressure, CH4 desorption induced coal volume shrinkage, the fracture aperture was restored, and some new fractures were induced, increasing permeability; in addition, DSD can be more consistent with the gas production process.

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Notes

  1. 1 darcy = 9.869233 × 10−13 m2.

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Acknowledgments

This study was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41772158, 42072190) and the independent innovation project of “Double First-Class” construction of China University of mining and technology (2018ZZCX05). In addition, Zhenzhi Wang thanks the unfailing care and support of Yaqiong Zhang over the passed years.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of CBM Resources and Dynamic Accumulation Process, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008, Jiangsu Province, China

    Zhenzhi Wang & Xuehai Fu

  2. School of Resources and Earth Science, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou , 221008, China

    Zhenzhi Wang & Xuehai Fu

  3. Unconventional Oil and Gas Key Laboratory of CNPC, Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, PetroChina, Beijing, 100083, China

    Ze Deng

  4. School of Resources and Environment, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, China

    Jienan Pan

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  1. Zhenzhi Wang
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Correspondence to Xuehai Fu or Ze Deng.

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Wang, Z., Fu, X., Deng, Z. et al. Investigation of Adsorption–Desorption, Induced Strains and Permeability Evolution During N2–ECBM Recovery. Nat Resour Res 30, 3717–3734 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-021-09884-8

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