Investigation on coal permeability evolution considering the internal differential strain and its effects on CO2 sequestration capacity in deep coal seams.

The gas adsorption/desorption-induced coal deformation effect is a significant factor governing the evolution of coalbed permeability. Current theoretical investigations typically coal bulk and fracture deformation induced by gas are equivalent, neglecting the matrix-fracture interactions. Based on internal adsorption stress, this paper proposes Internal Differential Strain Coefficient (IDSC) to quantitatively characterize the relationship between coal bulk and fracture strain under equilibrium conditions. Coupling this coefficient constructs a binary gas permeability evolution model considering matrix-fracture interactions. Through numerical simulations of CO 2 -ECBM processes under various internal differential strain circumstances using this model, dynamic evolution patterns of diverse parameters are obtained. The research findings indicate that along the direction of CO 2 injection, matrix-fracture interactions exhibit a complex trend of initially increasing, then decreasing and then increasing, and the increase in internal differential strain levels results in a downward trend in permeability peak. Additionally, the evolutionary characteristics of CH 4 recovery and cumulative CO 2 storage rising with increasing internal differential strain levels were obtained on time scales using a fixed-point monitoring methodology. Inspired by the aforementioned laws, this paper discusses the macroscopic influence of burial depth on the effects of internal differential strain, providing new theoretical support for CO 2 sequestration injection methods in deep coal seams. • A coefficient capable of quantitatively analyzing the internal differential strain in the CO 2 -ECBM process is proposed. • Based on IDSC, a model describing the evolution of coal seam permeability in CO 2 -ECBM process is established. • Analyzed the influence of internal differential strain on the permeability of coal beds in the CO 2 -ECBM process. • Analyzed the influence of internal differential strain characteristics on CO 2 injection capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]