A dual poroelastic model for CO2-enhanced coalbed methane recovery

Although CO2-enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) recovery has been comprehensively investigated, the impact of coal matrix-fracture interactions on the evolution of coal permeability under in-situ conditions is still unclear. In prior studies on this issue, the influences of coal matrix-fracture interactions have not rigorously coupled with the binary gas transport system. In this work, general porosity and permeability models are developed to explicitly quantify the interactions between binary mixtures (CO2 and CH4) and dual solid media (coal matrix and fracture) under the full spectrum of mechanical conditions spanning prescribed in-situ stresses through constrained displacement. These models are implemented into a fully coupled finite element (FE) model of coal deformation, binary gas flow and transport in the matrix system, and binary gas flow and transport in the fracture system. The FE model represents important non-linear responses due to the effective stress effects that cannot be recovered where mechanical influences are not rigorously coupled with the binary gas transport system.The FE model is applied to simulate the results of a single well injection micro-pilot test performed in the anthracitic coals of the South Qinshui basin, Shanxi Province, China. The modeled CH4 production rates are in good agreement with the observed production history. In addition to this agreement, model results also demonstrate (1) CO2 injection increases the total pressure gradients; (2) as the CO2 injection progresses the partial CO2 pressure increases while the partial CH4 pressure decreases; (3) without CO2 injection the CH4 content at a specific point decreases almost linearly while with the CO2 injection the CH4 content at a specific point decreases exponentially; (4) without CO2 injection the CH4 production rate decreases linearly while with CO2 injection the CH4 production rate increases dramatically; (5) without CO2 injection coal permeability increases almost linearly while with CO2 injection coal permeability decreases near exponentially; (6) CO2 injection enhances cumulative CH4 production and the enhancement is proportional to the injection pressure; and (7) cumulative CO2 injection volume is also proportional to the injection pressure.

Research Highlights
► We quantify the interactions between binary gas mixtures and dual porosity coal.
► These interactions are incorporated into a fully coupled finite element model.
► The important non-linear responses due to the effective stress effects are recovered because mechanical influences are rigorously coupled with the binary gas transport system.