Features of adsorption pore structure in high-rank coal and its influence on methane adsorption capability

Abstract

The pore structure has a significant impact on the capability of coal seams to adsorb methane. But there is currently limited research on the features of adsorption pore structure in high-rank coal and its influence on methane adsorption capability. Taking the high-rank coal samples from Nuodong Coal Mine of Guizhou Xing'an Coal Industry Co., Ltd. as the research object, low-temperature N2 adsorption and low-temperature CO2 adsorption experiments are conducted. Combined with fractal theory, this paper studies the pore structure features of high-rank coal adsorption pores. Through high-pressure isothermal methane adsorption experiments, the influence of coal reservoir properties, pore structure features, and fractal dimension on methane adsorption capability is analyzed. The results show the following points. ① The pore morphology of high-rank coal reservoirs is relatively simple, mostly consisting of parallel plate pores and narrow slit pores with open ends. Micro pores dominate the pore structure of coal, with pore volume and pore specific surface area accounting for more than 98%, providing space for gas enrichment. ② The method calculates the comprehensive fractal dimension of high-rank coal pores based on the proportion of pore volume in different aperture segments, with micropore fractal dimension dominating the comprehensive fractal dimension. The pore structure of coal samples has obvious fractal features and strong heterogeneity of pores. ③ The Langmuir model can describe the adsorption behavior of high-rank coal. The physical properties, pore structure, and fractal dimension of coal reservoirs have a significant impact on methane adsorption capability. Langmuir volume is linearly positively correlated with maximum vitrinite reflectance, vitrinite content, ash content, and moisture content. It is linearly negatively correlated with inertinite content. The Langmuir volume is linearly positively correlated with the pore specific surface area and pore volume of the adsorption pores. The Langmuir volume is weakly linearly correlated with the fractal dimension. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for the exploration and development of high-rank coalbed methane and the prevention and control of coal mine methane disasters in southwestern Guizhou.

Keywords

• high-rank coal
• adsorption pore
• pore structure
• gas adsorption
• pore size distribution
• fractal features