Gas Content and Gas Occurrence Mechanism of Deep Coal Seams in the Shenfu-Linxing Block

Abstract

The Shenfu-Linxing block in the Ordos Basin holds abundant deep coalbed methane (CBM) resources, which can alleviate gas shortages and aid dual carbon target achievement. Considering isothermal adsorption traits and parameters like vitrinite reflectance, temperature, pressure, and water saturation, a prediction model for adsorbed and free gas content was formulated. This model helps to reveal the deep CBM occurrence mechanism in the Shenfu-Linxing block. Results show that deep CBM exists in both adsorbed and free states, with adsorbed gas initially increasing then decreasing, and free gas rising then stabilizing as burial depth increases. A critical transition depth for total CBM content exists, shallowing with higher water saturation. As depth increases, temperature and pressure evolution results in a “rapid growth—slow growth—stability—slow decrease” pattern in total gas content. Adsorbed gas resides in micropores, while free gas occupies larger pores.

Keywords

• prediction model
• gas content
• coalbed methane
• occurrence characteristics