Small study: Scoping Potential for Thermally Enhanced CSG Recovery

Research team: C. Khan, P. Shukla & V. Rudolph

School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland

PROJECT SUMMARY

Simplistically, coal seam gas producibility from a particular well depends

on two key factors: the rate of gas diffusion from the coal matrix, and the
rate of permeation through the cleats in the coal to the gas well.
Gas diffusion coefficient is highly temperature dependent, where the main
resistance to flow is dominated by diffusion from the coal matrix,
manipulating the reservoir temperature could offer a possible method to
enhance gas production.
This study examines the interplay between diffusion and viscous flow
controlled coal seam gas reservoirs. This study demonstrates a situation in
which temperature stimulation might be employed, and explores the
economics associated with carrying this out.

METHODOLOGY

INITIAL OUTCOMES

The GEM software package from CMG was used for the simulation.
This software has distinct functions permitting dual porosity and
permeability for modelling fractured reservoirs, and accounts for primary
CBM production through models for gas sorption in the matrix system, gas
diffusion through the matrix and two phase (gas and water) flow through the
fracture systems.
Table 1. Reservoir Parameters Base-Case

Fig. 6. Production Rate versus Time

(Tight Fracture Spacing)

Fig. 7. Production Rate versus Time

(Bigger Fracture Spacing)

For the initial economic analysis, we assume a gas price of $4/mcf and a
discount rate of 12% for the time value of money over a production
period of 10 years. The economic opportunity of the cases compare the
PV of gas revenues and do not include any capital and operating costs.
Table 2: arises from Fig 6 for high fracture
permeability and tight cleat spacing.
-UR

= 106 million scfs

PV Revenue = $427,000 (T = +40o C)

Table 3: arises from Fig 7 for high
fracture permeability and bigger cleat
spacing.
-UR
Fig. 1. Flow Regimes in Coal (from GEM 2012)

PROJECT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Many parameters affect coal-bed methane production. In this study,
fracture permeability effects on flow under different gas diffusivity.
Values are simulated as a function of the given fracture spacing. The
objective is to investigate the resistance of gas flow under fracture
permeability and spacing effects in the case of high and low gas
diffusion coefficient; and

= 750 million scfs

PV Revenue = $1,747,000 (T = +40o C)

CONCLUSION
Fig. 2. Gas and Water Relative
Permeability (from GEM 2012)

Fig. 3. Pure Component Langmuir

Curve

Coal seams having high fracture permeability, wide fracture spacing (long
diffusion paths) and low matrix diffusivity, will be dominated by diffusion
transport. Whereas, coal seams that have high matrix diffusivities and
tight fracture spacing (short diffusion paths) but low fracture
permeability, will be dominated by pressure dependent Darcy flow.
Increase in gas diffusivity e.g. through heating for enhanced methane
production is technically feasible, but economically challenging and case
dependent. Coal reservoirs having high fracture permeability but widely
spaced cleating and low matrix diffusivity are the best targets.

2. Present Value of Revenue is used as a proxy the economic potential

of the incremental gas production due to increase in gas diffusivity.

Fig. 4. Coal Fracture Permeability

Fig. 5. Coal and Shale Fracture Permeability