The Petrophysical Basis of Gas Transportation in Coal Reservoirs-Implications on Sorption and Diffusion

Abstract

Comprehensive and systematic analysis of complex pore networks is vital in elucidating the transportation of gas in coal reservoirs. In this study, multiscale heterogeneity of high volatile bituminous (hvBb) coal was reconstructed to replicate the pore connectivity. Furthermore, LPA-N2 data provides information about pore characteristics. With the digital and physical data, reliable pore-scale modelling was developed for the prediction of pore filling, sorption and diffusion of gases, including the network of pores and flow paths. The results obtained from this systematic approach is informative and gives complete details about the internal structure of coal that is viable for transportation of gas. Pore-scale modelling replicates familiar lab results. Consequently, geoscientists and reservoir engineers will be able to shorten traditional cycle times dramatically, better understand increasingly complex heterogeneous coal reservoirs, and evaluate exploratory wells, asses field development potential, and investigate early production strategies, as well improved recovery scenarios.