Enhanced coalbed methane and CO2 storage in anthracitic coals—Micro-pilot test at South Qinshui, Shanxi, China

This paper describes the results of a single well micro-pilot test performed at an existing well in the anthracitic coals of the South Qinshui basin, Shanxi Province, China. A set of reservoir parameters was obtained from the micro-pilot test. The field data was successfully history matched using a tuned reservoir model which accounted for changes in permeability due to swelling and pressure change. Prediction of initial performance showed significant production enhancement of coalbed methane while simultaneously storing the CO2. The calibrated reservoir model was used to design a multi-well pilot at the site to validate the performance prediction. The design is now completed. The recommendation is to proceed to the next stage of multi-well pilot testing and to demonstrate the enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) technology.