Assessment of parameters effectiveness in the reserve estimation methods applicable to coal bed methane reservoirs

Abstract

The reserve estimation of coal bed methane (CBM) reservoirs is ascertained through the analytical methods (volumetric method, material balance equation and decline curve analysis). However, the adoption of reserve estimation methods depends on exploration stage and availability of the required parameters. This study deals with the analytical assessment of parameters that participate in effecting the reserve estimation of CBM reservoirs through the analytical techniques. The accurate measurement challenges always exist for the parameters which participate in the reserve estimation of the conventional and unconventional reservoirs because of the inclusion of limitations while measurement. Therefore, the impact of that measurement challenge must be assessed. The study specifies the impact of parametric change on the reserve estimation of CBM reservoirs so that the degree of parametric effectiveness is analyzed. Uncertain values are adopted which are associated during the evaluation of input parameters for each method to determine the overall impact on potential of CBM reserves. Results reveal that change in specific parameters considering each method provide relatively more effect on estimation of reserves. Thus, the measurement of parameters must be done accurately for assessing reserves of CBM reservoirs based on available methods.