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Water Conduction and Production Mechanisms in Coal Measure Strata: Key Insights from a Typical Case Study
Suoliang Chang1,2,3, Guosen Gao3,4, Yinshan Liu5
1College of Geological and Surveying Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China.
ACS Omega
|August 1, 2026
Summary
High water production in coalbed methane (CBM) wells is often due to extraneous water leakage from limestone aquifers. Understanding these water pathways is key to improving CBM development efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Petroleum Engineering
- Hydrogeology
Background:
- Extensive coalbed methane (CBM) development faces challenges with high-water-production wells leading to low gas recovery.
- Identifying cross-formational water flow pathways is crucial for efficient CBM extraction in high-water-yield regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the water production mechanisms in CBM wells within the Sanjiao coalbed methane field.
- To delineate water-conducting channels and identify primary water sources and controlling factors for CBM wells.
Main Methods:
- Integration of geological, geophysical, and production data.
- Coupling seismic and well-logging data to map water-conducting channels.
- Utilizing a novel parameter 'water production per unit liquid level drop' for capacity assessment.
Main Results:
- Produced water in CBM wells predominantly originates from limestone aquifers (L1-L5) of the Taiyuan Formation.
- L1 and L4 aquifers are main water producers, with water production governed by vertical conductive channel width.
- High water production risk correlates with intense structural activity and well-developed conductive channels.
Conclusions:
- An extraneous water recharge model was established, clarifying the role of fractures and faults in water intrusion.
- Findings provide insights into high water production mechanisms and inform CBM development strategies in similar geological settings.
