Exploring the Effect of Low-Temperature Oxidation on the Petrophysical Characteristics of Coal

Low-temperature oxidation leads to the accumulation of heat in coal, and it is an important trigger for coal spontaneous combustion (CSC). The oxidation effects induce irreversible damage in the pore and fracture structures of coal, which provide a way for the infiltration of oxygen. In this work, the evolution of pores and cracks of coal in the progress of low-temperature oxidation is researched based on nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultrasonic testing. The results show that the oxidation effect increases microporous structures and promotes the development of mesopores and macropores in coal. Besides, as the temperature increases, the oxidation effect becomes more significant, while the pore morphology has not changed significantly yet. Meanwhile, the oxidation effect causes coal particles to block or collapse in the macropores, and the plugging degree increases with increasing temperature.