Applying 3D geological modeling to predict favorable areas for coalbed methane accumulation: a case study in the Qinshui Basin

Abstract

Qinshui Basin possesses enormous deep coalbed methane (CBM) resources. Fine and quantitative description of coal reservoirs is critical for achieving efficient exploration and development of deep CBM. This study proposes a 3D geological modeling workflow that integrates three parts: geological data analysis, 3D geological modeling, and application of the model, which can accurately predict the favorable areas of CBM. Taking the Yushe-Wuxiang Block within the Qinshui Basin as a case study, lithology identification, sequence stratigraphy division, structural interpretation is conducted by integrating well logging, seismic, and drilling data. Six lithology types and regional structural characteristics of the Carboniferous-Permian coal-bearing strata are finely identified. Combining experimental testing on porosity and gas content and well testing on permeability, a 3D geological model that integrates the structural model, facies model, and property model was established. Utilizing this model, the total CBM resource volume in the study area was calculated to be 2481.3 × 10⁸ m³. Furthermore, the model is applied to predict the distribution ranges of four types of CBM favorable areas. The workflow is helpful to optimize well deployment and improve CBM resource evaluation, ultimately provide theoretical guidance for subsequent efficient exploration and development. Our study constitutes a reference case for assessing potential of CBM in other blocks due to the successful integration of multiple available of data and its practical applications.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

3D geological modeling / CBM / fine reservoir characterization / Qinshui Basin / Yushe-Wuxiang Block

Xiongxiong YANG is a Ph.D candidate at China University of Geoscience, Beijing. He is mainly engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional natural gas, and currently focuses on the development of coalbed methane. E-mail: [e-mail]

Shuheng TANG is a professor at China University of Geosciences, Beijing. His research interests include coal and coalbed methane geology, oil and gas field development geology, and unconventional oil and gas development theory and technology. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles in professional journals and various academic conferences. As the first accomplisher or leading participant, he undertook more than 40 scientific research projects. Email: [e-mail]

Songhang ZHANG is a professor at China University of Geosciences, Beijing. His research interest is coalbed methane geology and development. He is a member of the sixth Youth Working Committee of China Coal Society. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles. Email: [e-mail]

Zhaodong XI is a research lecturer at China University of Geosciences, Beijing. He is mainly engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional natural gas, and currently focuses on the development of shale. Email: [e-mail]

Kaifeng WANG is a Ph.D candidate at China University of Geoscience, Beijing. He is mainly engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional natural gas, and currently focuses on the development of coalbed methane. E-mail: [e-mail]

Zhizhen WANG is a Ph.D candidate at China University of Geoscience, Beijing. He is mainly engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional natural gas, and currently focuses on the development of coalbed methane. E-mail: [e-mail]

Jianwei LV is a Ph.D candidate at China University of Geoscience, Beijing. He is mainly engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional natural gas, and currently focuses on the development of coalbed methane. E-mail: [e-mail]

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Acknowledgments

This research is funded by the NSFC-Shanxi Coal-based Low Carbon Joint Fund of China (No. U1910205), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42272197).

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