Maximizing methane gas extraction: The importance of fractal pore dimensions in coal exploration.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of fractal pore dimensions and HGI on the absorption of coal methane gas (CBM) in Indonesia. The research was conducted in the Binuang area, South Kalimantan, where coal of Eocene and Miocene age is widely distributed. The methods included analyzing the pore dimensions using fractals, assessing the ease of coal crushing through HGI values, and analyzing adsorption isotherms to determine the coal's gas absorption capacity. The results revealed that the fractal pore dimensions were highly dependent on the coal's pore structure, and Miocene coal with irregular pore structures exhibited small pore fractal dimensions and large HGI values. On the other hand, Eocene coal with regular pore structures exhibited large fractal pore dimensions and small HGI values. The absorption of methane gas had a positive correlation with fractal pore dimensions, while the HGI value had a negative correlation for lignite-subbituminous and bituminous coal. These findings suggest that the pore structure of coal plays a crucial role in methane gas absorption and volume, emphasizing the need to consider the fractal pore dimensions of each coal in exploration activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]