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Research on Coalbed Methane and Coal-Measure Gas: Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "H: Geo-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2025 | Viewed by 4160

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rui Li

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Guest Editor

School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Interests: evaluation of coal measure reservoirs; hydraulic stimulation of coal seams; theory and technology of coalbed methane drainage

Dr. Shuaifeng Lyu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: coal reservoir evaluation; drilling fluid and reservoir protection; hydraulic fracture propagation and process optimization; coal fine control; coal mine methane extraction and utilization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of coalbed methane (CBM) and coal-measure gas (CMG) represents a critical development in the evolution of cleaner energy solutions. These unconventional gas reservoirs have immense potential to supplement traditional fossil fuels while significantly reducing environmental impacts. Harnessing coalbed methane and coal-measure gas involves advanced extraction techniques that not only unlock previously inaccessible energy sources but also promote energy security by diversifying fuel resources. Their development underscores a pivotal shift towards sustainable energy practices, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change by providing a cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy alternative. This Special Issue entitled "Research on Coalbed Methane and Coal-Measure Gas: Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization" is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovations in the field of coalbed methane and coal-measure gas.

Our primary aim is to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers, engineers, and practitioners to contribute to the understanding of the geological and engineering aspects of coalbed methane and coal-measure gas. The scope of this Special Issue encompasses studies on exploration techniques, including advanced geophysical methods and remote sensing, to identify optimal reservoirs. It also explores novel extraction technologies, reservoir engineering approaches, and sustainable utilization practices. We welcome both original research and review articles.

Potential topics of interest include but are not limited to, the following:

Characterization of coalbed methane and coal-measure gas reservoirs;
Evaluation methods and technologies of favorable areas in coalbed methane and coal-measure gas exploration;
Advances in coalbed methane and coal-measure gas drilling, fracturing, or drainage;
Chemical or biological developments for the enhanced recovery of coalbed methane and coal-measure gas;
Reservoir dynamic characterization in coalbed methane and coal-measure gas production;
Enhanced gas recovery combined with CO₂ geological storage;
Advances in coalbed methane and coal-measure gas utilization;
Coal mine methane extraction and utilization.

Dr. Rui Li
Dr. Shuaifeng Lyu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

coalbed methane
coal-measure gas
stimulation measures
enhanced gas recovery
methane extraction

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 7743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Controlling Effect of Geological Structures on Coalbed Methane Occurrence in the Northeast Margin of Qinshui Basin, North China

by Rui Li, Le Zhang, Jun Xie, Zhaoying Chen, Baoke Yang, Wenting Xiang and Xikun Zhai

Energies 2025, 18(3), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030647 - 30 Jan 2025

Viewed by 591

Abstract

This study investigated the patterns of gas occurrence in the coal seam structural zones of the northeastern margin of the Qinshui Basin, with a focus on the Sijiazhuang Coal Mine. Using laboratory experiments, theoretical analysis, and field exploration, we examined how geological structures influence gas distribution. The results show that gas content and pressure near normal faults are generally higher than those in reverse fault areas. However, fault-induced gas occurrence is complex, with stress superposition potentially reversing this trend. When a normal fault intersects modern tectonic stress at a perpendicular or large angle, the fault zone may transition to a compressional state, enhancing gas preservation. Fold structures were found to play a significant role in gas distribution, with anticline zones exhibiting the highest gas content, followed by syncline and normal zones. Collapse columns were shown to affect gas occurrence within a range of 15 to 180 m, with the impact depending on factors such as surrounding rock properties, hydrogeological conditions, and fault activity during collapse formation. Additionally, mirror-like sliding surfaces, formed by multiple factors, are prevalent in the coal seam structures of this region. These sliding surfaces are closely linked to structural zones and serve as valuable indicators for geological predictions in coal seam development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Coalbed Methane and Coal-Measure Gas: Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization)

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21 pages, 3623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of the Microfracture and Pore Structure of Middle- and High-Rank Coal and Their Implications for CBM Exploration and Development in Northern Guizhou

by Haiying Ren, Zhijun Guo, Honggao Xie, Sijie Han, Xiaozhi Zhou, Lingyun Zhao, Yuanlong Wei and Wenci Qiu

Energies 2025, 18(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010005 - 24 Dec 2024

Viewed by 552

Abstract

The microfracture and pore structure characteristics of coal reservoirs are crucial for coalbed methane (CBM) development. This study examines the evolution of pore and fracture structures at the microscopic level and their fractal characteristics, elucidating their impact on CBM development in the northern Guizhou coal reservoirs. The results indicate that the pores and fractures in the coal reservoirs are relatively well-developed, which facilitates the adsorption of CBM. The density of primary fractures ranges from 5.8 to 14.4 pcs/cm, while the density of secondary fractures ranges from 3.6 to 11.8 pcs/cm. As the metamorphic degree of coal increases, the density of primary fractures initially increases and then decreases, whereas the density of secondary fractures decreases with increasing metamorphic degree. With increasing vitrinite reflectance, the specific surface area and pore volume of the coal samples first decrease and then increase. The fractal dimension ranges from 2.3761 to 2.8361; as the vitrinite reflectance of the coal samples increases, the fractal dimension D₁ decreases initially and then increases, while D₂ decreases. In the northern Guizhou region, CBM is characterized by an enrichment model of “anticline dominance + fault-hydrogeological dual sealing” along with geological controlling factors of” burial depth controlling gas content and permeability + local fault controlling accumulation”. The research findings provide a theoretical basis for the occurrence and extraction of CBM in northern Guizhou. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Coalbed Methane and Coal-Measure Gas: Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization)

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15 pages, 7814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fracture Propagation Laws and Influencing Factors in Coal Reservoirs of the Baode Block, Ordos Basin

by Qingfeng Zhang, Yongchen Li, Ziling Li, Yanbin Yao, Fengfeng Du, Zebin Wang, Zhihao Tang, Wen Zhang and Shutong Wang

Energies 2024, 17(23), 6183; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17236183 - 8 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 715

Abstract

The expansion of hydraulic fractures in coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs is key to effective stimulation, making it essential to understand fracture propagation and its influencing factors for efficient resource development. Using petrological characteristics, logging data, microseismic monitoring, and fracturing reports from the Baode Block on the eastern Ordos Basin, this study systematically investigates the geological and engineering factors influencing hydraulic fracture propagation. The real-time monitoring of fracture propagation in 12 fractured wells was conducted using microseismic monitoring techniques. The results indicated that the fracture orientations in the study area ranged from NE30° to NE60°, with fracture lengths varying between 136 and 226 m and fracture heights ranging from 8.5 to 25.3 m. Additionally, the fracturing curves in the study area can be classified into four types: stable, descending, fluctuating, and falling. Among these, the stable and descending types exhibit the most effective fracture propagation and are more likely to generate longer fractures. In undeformed–cataclastic coals and bright and semi-bright coals, long fractures are likely to form. When the Geological Strength Index (GSI) of the coal rock ranges between 60 and 70, fracture lengths generally exceed 200 m. When the coal macrolithotype index (S_m) is below 2, fracture lengths typically exceed 200 m. When the difference between the maximum and minimum horizontal principal stresses exceeds 5 MPa, fractures with length >180 m are formed, while fracture heights generally remain below 15 m. From an engineering perspective, for the study area, hydraulic fracturing measures with a preflush ratio of 20–30%, an average sand ratio of 13–15%, and a construction pressure between 15 MPa and 25 MPa are most favorable for coalbed methane production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Coalbed Methane and Coal-Measure Gas: Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization)

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23 pages, 16458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Law of Layered Fracturing in the Composite Roof Strata of Coal Seams via Hydraulic Fracturing

by Bo Wang, Enke Hou, Liang Ma, Zaibin Liu, Tao Fan, Zewen Gong, Yaoquan Gao, Wengang Du, Qiang Liu and Bingzhen Ma

Energies 2024, 17(8), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17081941 - 19 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1126

Abstract

Horizontal wells within the roof are an effective method to develop gas in broken and soft coal seams, and layer-penetrating fracturing is a key engineering method for the stimulating of horizontal wells within the roof of a coal seam. To understand the propagation law of fracture in the composite roof of coal seams, this study conducted research using numerical simulation and physical similarity simulation methods. Furthermore, engineering experiments were carried out at the Panxie coal mine in the Huainan Mining Area and the Luling coal mine in Huaibei Mining Area, to further validate this technology. The numerical simulation results indicated that fracture within the coal seam roof can propagate from the roof to the target coal seam, effectively fracturing the coal seam. Due to the coal seam’s plasticity being greater than that of the roof mudstone, the coal seam forms a broader fracture than the roof. With the increase in pseudo roof mudstone thickness and being under constant fracturing displacement, the energy consumed by the pseudo roof mudstone during fracturing causes a decrease in pore pressure when fracture extends to the coal seam, resulting in a reduction in fracture width. Therefore, the pseudo roof mudstone is an adverse factor for the expansion of hydraulic fracturing. Physical similarity simulation results demonstrated that when horizontal boreholes were arranged within the siltstone of the coal seam roof, were under reasonable vertical distance and high flow rate fracturing via fluid injection conditions, and if the coal seam had a thin pseudo roof mudstone, the fracture could propagate through the direct roof-pseudo roof interface and the pseudo roof-coal seam interface, extending to the lower coal seam. The fracture form was curved and had irregular vertical fractures, indicating that hydraulic fracturing can achieve production enhancement and the transformation of soft and hard coal seams. However, when the coal seam had a thick pseudo roof mudstone, the mudstone posed strong resistance to hydraulic fracturing, making it difficult for the fracture to propagate to the lower coal seam. Therefore, the pseudo roof mudstone plays a detrimental role in hydraulic fracturing and the production enhancement of coal seams. The engineering verification conducted at Panxie coal mine and Luling coal mine showed that by utilizing a construction drainage rate of 7.5 cubic meters per minute at Panxie coal mine, the maximum fracture length reached 218.3 m, with a maximum fracture height of 36.8 m. The maximum daily gas production of a single well reached 1450 cubic meters per day, with a total gas extraction volume of 43.62 × 10⁴ cubic meters across 671 days. At Luling coal mine, utilizing a construction drainage rate of 10 cubic meters per minute, the maximum fracture length reached 169.1 m, with a maximum fracture height of 20.5 m. The maximum daily gas production of a single well reached 10,775 cubic meters per day, with a total gas extraction volume of 590 × 10⁴ cubic meters for 1090 days. This indicated that the fracture within the roof of coal seams can penetrate the composite roof of coal seams and extend to the interior of the coal seams, achieving the purpose of transforming fractured and low-permeability coal seams and providing an effective mode of gas extraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Coalbed Methane and Coal-Measure Gas: Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization)

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