Coal macrolithotypes
are closely correlated with coal macerals
and pore–fracture structures, which greatly influence the changes
in gas content and the coal structure. Traditional macrolithotype
identification in coalbed methane (CBM) wells mostly depends on core
drilling observation, which is expensive, time-consuming, and difficult
for broken core extraction. Geophysical logging is a quick and effective
method to address this issue. We obtained coal cores from 75 wells
in the deep regions of the Jiaozuo Coalfield, northern China, quantitatively
analyzed the logging cutoff number corresponding to various macrolithotypes,
and established natural γ (GR), deep lateral resistivity (LLD),
and γ–γ log (GGL) response rules for each coal
macrolithotype. The formation mechanisms of different coal macrolithotypes
are discussed from the perspective of coal facies and pore structures.
The results show that GGL decreased but GR and LLD increased from
bright coal to dull coal. Most coal macrolithotypes can be distinguished
based on the established thresholds of various logging curves. However,
excessively high or low ash yields significantly affect the validity
of identification. The vertical coal macrolithotypes attributed to
the peat marsh environment in Shanxi Formation mostly comprise three
to six sublayers; dull or semi-dull coals are predominant close to
the 2
1
coal seam, and the bright or semi-bright types usually
appear in the middle part. The semi-bright and bright coals are usually
vitrinite rich, whereas the semi-dull and dull coals are primarily
inertinite rich. For pore structure arguments, the highest average
specific surface area (
S
BET
) and the total
pore volume (
V
BJH
) are found in bright
coals, followed by dull and semi-bright coals; those of semi-dull
coals are the lowest. However,
S
BET
and
V
BJH
change significantly for different samples, even though
the coal macrolithotype is the same. Therefore, the macrolithotype
is not the key factor determining the coal parameters of pore structures.
Rapid and effective identification of coal macrolithotypes can help
determine the CBM enrichment area, the CBM well location, and the
exploration horizon.