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A New Tree-Type Fracturing Method for Stimulating Coal Seam Gas Reservoirs

Author

Listed:
  • Qian Li

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
    National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Gas Drainage in Complex Coal Seam, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Yiyu Lu

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
    National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Gas Drainage in Complex Coal Seam, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Zhaolong Ge

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
    National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Gas Drainage in Complex Coal Seam, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Zhe Zhou

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
    National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Gas Drainage in Complex Coal Seam, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Jingwei Zheng

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
    National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Gas Drainage in Complex Coal Seam, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Songqiang Xiao

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
    National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Gas Drainage in Complex Coal Seam, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is used widely to stimulate coalbed methane production in coal mines. However, some factors associated with conventional hydraulic fracturing, such as the simple morphology of the fractures it generates and inhomogeneous stress relief, limit its scope of application in coal mines. These problems mean that gas extraction efficiency is low. Conventional fracturing may leave hidden pockets of gas, which will be safety hazards for subsequent coal mining operations. Based on a new drilling technique applicable to drilling boreholes in coal seams, this paper proposes a tree-type fracturing technique for stimulating reservoir volumes. Tree-type fracturing simulation experiments using a large-scale triaxial testing apparatus were conducted in the laboratory. In contrast to the single hole drilled for conventional hydraulic fracturing, the tree-type sub-boreholes induce radial and tangential fractures that form complex fracture networks. These fracture networks can eliminate the “blank area” that may host dangerous gas pockets. Gas seepage in tree-type fractures was analyzed, and gas seepage tests after tree-type fracturing showed that permeability was greatly enhanced. The equipment developed for tree-type fracturing was tested in the Fengchun underground coal mine in China. After implementing tree-type fracturing, the gas extraction rate was around 2.3 times greater than that for traditional fracturing, and the extraction rate remained high for a long time during a 30-day test. This shortened the gas drainage time and improved gas extraction efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Qian Li & Yiyu Lu & Zhaolong Ge & Zhe Zhou & Jingwei Zheng & Songqiang Xiao, 2017. "A New Tree-Type Fracturing Method for Stimulating Coal Seam Gas Reservoirs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:9:p:1388-:d:111787
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Guozhong Hu & Jialin Xu & Fuxi Zhang & Changchun Zhao & Wei Qin & Yiran Zhu, 2015. "Coal and Coalbed Methane Co-Extraction Technology Based on the Ground Movement in the Yangquan Coalfield, China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-17, July.
    2. Zhaobin Zhang & Xiao Li, 2016. "Numerical Study on the Formation of Shear Fracture Network," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-16, April.
    3. Yiyu Lu & Zhe Zhou & Zhaolong Ge & Xinwei Zhang & Qian Li, 2015. "Research on and Design of a Self-Propelled Nozzle for the Tree-Type Drilling Technique in Underground Coal Mines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(12), pages 1-12, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jingxuan Zhang & Xiangjun Liu & Xiaochen Wei & Lixi Liang & Jian Xiong & Wei Li, 2019. "Uncertainty Analysis of Factors Influencing Stimulated Fracture Volume in Layered Formation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Zhenlong Song & Minghui Li & Guangzhi Yin & Pathegama Gamage Ranjith & Dongming Zhang & Chao Liu, 2018. "Effect of Intermediate Principal Stress on the Strength, Deformation, and Permeability of Sandstone," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-11, October.

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