High-rank coal stress levels impact methane well productivity and water production.
The in situ stress in a high-rank coal reservoir affects coal-bed methane well productivity. The researchers used testing, imaging, and simulation to study the stress field. They found that higher stress values in the coal reservoir lead to lower well production. When stress values are low, production is high, and hydraulic fractures penetrate better. In regions with high stress values, using a specific fracturing method is recommended for coal-bed methane development.
