Experimental study of effect of slickwater fracturing on coal pore structure and methane adsorption

Driven by high pressure, slickwater may intrude into the pores of coal seams, causing changes in the pore structure, and ultimately affecting the flow of Coalbed Methane (CBM). In this study, slickwater prepared with different concentrations of polyacrylamide (PAM) is used to soak coal samples from Inner Mongolia under high pressure to explore the effect of slickwater fracturing on coal seam pores. To study the evolution characteristics of the pore structure of coal samples treated with slickwater, low temperature nitrogen adsorption experiments and methane adsorption experiments are combined. The experimental results show that under the action of external pressure, slickwater invades the pore structure of coal, resulting in a significant decrease in pore volume and specific surface area. Furthermore, with the increase of the pressure and viscosity of the slickwater, the slickwater residue blocks the micropores in the coal pore structure more severely. The damage to methane adsorption by residue is more serious than that to nitrogen adsorption, reflecting that more residue remains in the micropores of coal samples. The development of a gel breaker suitable for slickwater can promote the degradation of PAM polymer molecules and the reduction of residual liquid viscosity after fracturing, and improve the flowback effect. This may be an effective way to reduce reservoir damage. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Slickwater fracturing has a significant impact on the pore structure of coal seams, resulting in a decrease in pore volume and specific surface area, as well as severe blockage of micropores by residual liquid. The development of a gel breaker suitable for slickwater can improve the flowback effect and reduce reservoir damage.