Geological Constraints on the Gas-Bearing Properties in High-Rank Coal: A Case Study of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation from the Songzao Coalfield, Chongqing, Southwest China

Abstract

The Permian Longtan Formation in the Songzao coalfield, Southwest China, has abundant coalbed methane (CBM) stored in high-rank coals. However, few studies have been performed on the mechanism underlying the differences in CBM gas content in high-rank coal. This study focuses on the characterization of coal geochemical, reservoir physical, and gas-bearing properties in the coal seams M6, M7, M8, and M12 based on the CBM wells and coal exploration boreholes, discusses the effects of depositional environment, tectono-thermal evolution, and regional geological structure associated with CBM, and identifies major geological constraints on the gas-bearing properties in high-rank coal. The results show that high-rank coals are characterized by high TOC contents (31.49~51.32 wt%), high Tmax and R0 values (averaging 539 °C and 2.17%), low HI values (averaging 15.21 mg of HC/g TOC), high porosity and low permeability, and high gas-bearing contents, indicating a post-thermal maturity and a good CBM production potential. Changes in the shallow bay–tidal flat–lagoon environment triggered coal formation and provided the material basis for CBM generation. Multistage tectono-thermal evolution caused by the Emeishan mantle plume activity guaranteed the temperature and time for overmaturation and thermal metamorphism and added massive pyrolytic CBM, which improved the gas production potential. Good geological structural conditions, like enclosed fold regions, were shown to directly control CBM accumulation.