Gas-bearing evaluation of deep coal rock in the Yan’an gas field of the Ordos Basin

The Yan’an gas field in the Ordos Basin is a typical deep coalbed methane field with tremendous resource potential. Evaluation methods for gas content in deep coal seams are urgently required to be established. This study is aimed at quantitatively analyzing the gas content of coalbed methane in deep coalbed methane reservoirs and revealing its influencing factors. With the coal rock samples of typical deep coalbed methane wells in the Yan’an gas field of the Ordos Basin as the research objects, the gas-bearing characteristics of deep coal rocks were analyzed, and the main controlling factors of gas-bearing properties were explored. The research results indicate that (1) the deep coal seams in the Yan’an gas field have a considerable thickness, a high total organic carbon content, and the potential of pyrolysis hydrocarbon generation is generally elevated, presenting excellent hydrocarbon generation potential. (2) Various types of pores and fractures in the deep coal rocks of the Yan’an gas field are well-developed, providing a favorable preservation space and migration channel for deep coalbed methane. (3) The total gas content of on-site analysis of deep coalbed methane in the Yan’an gas field is relatively high, mainly existing in the form of free gas, and has significant exploration and development potential. (4) The gas content of deep coal rocks in the Yan’an gas field is jointly controlled by multiple factors such as the total organic carbon content, minerals, and pore structure. In conclusion, the deep coal seams in the Yan’an gas field have favorable reservoir-forming conditions and great exploration and development potential.