Prediction of High-Quality Coalbed Methane Reservoirs Based on the Fuzzy Gray Model: an Investigation into Coal Seam No. 8 in Gujiao, Xishan, North China

Coalbed methane (CBM) resources are abundant in the Gujiao block, Xishan coalfield, China. However, few studies have been conducted on the coalbed methane geology of the Gujiao block. In the present study, based on logging responses and numerical simulations, the coal structures of coal seam No. 8 of this block were identified, and the mechanical properties of the coal and its roof/floor were calculated. The geological factors influencing the coalbed methane reservoir were quantitatively characterized according to the fuzzy gray model. High-quality coalbed methane reservoirs in the No. 8 coal were predicted and classified using the model, and some suggestions on rational exploitation were determined. Reservoirs of the No. 8 coal are dominated by the III-type, followed by the II- and IV-types. The III-type reservoirs are the most common, and primarily developed at the Xiqu, Zhenchengdi, Malan, and Tunlan coal mines in the north of the studied area. The III-type reservoirs represent low coalbed methane contents, high thickness proportions of granulated-mylonitized coal, and low burial depths. The II-type reservoirs are primarily developed close to the axis of the Malan syncline and in the south and northwest of the studied area, and have low permeability, less significant differences between the mechanical properties of coals and their roofs and floors, and low reservoir pressure gradients. The IV-type reservoirs have a scattered development, dominance of granulated-mylonitized coal, and low permeability, indicating low potential to improve reservoir permeability. Targeted exploitation technology and drainage systems corresponding to the different types of coal reservoirs should be proposed to improve coalbed methane production.