Connectivity pattern of cleat networks after X-ray CT inspection of the sample (resolution 24430μm). The biggest connected cleat array in the sample (resolution of X-ray CT-30 μm) is shown in 245blue, other connected cleat volumes are shown in different colors. New publication in the framework on the Regalor project The main objective of this publication is to give an insight of the type and structural relations of fractures in the Lorraine coal, through X-Ray tomography.Le 3D treatment of cleats allows to distinguish numerous interconnected fracture systems in the studied samples. This natural fracture in coal could facilitate the CBM extraction. The original publication:Natural fracture systems in CBM reservoirs of the Lorraine-Saar coal basin from the standpoint of X-ray computer tomographyVitaliy Privalov 1,2, Jacques Pironon 1, Philippe de Donato 1, Raymond Michels 1, Christophe Morlot 1 et Alain Izart 11 CNRS, GeoRessources Lab, Université de Lorraine, BP 70239, F-54506 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France2 M.P. Semenenko Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Ore Formation of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, UA-03142 Kyiv, UkraieLink to the original publication: https://doi.org/10.3390/IECG2020-08772

Multi-scale hydro-mechanical modeling of coalbed methane recovery Ahmad Mostafa A : Conceptual DEM-DFN model for the coal system (cleats and coal matrix). B & C : Pore-scale representation of the cleats and coal matrix where the cleats are much larger than the pores of coal matrix "D : Surface diffusion of the adsorbed solute on the particle surfaces.Nowadays, global energy demands are increasing as well as the growing concerns about global warming. Coal bed methane is already a valuable source of energy for many countries such as USA, China and Australia. Coalbed methane (CBM) is usually produced by groundwater pumping but may be potentially enhanced by injecting CO2.In the so called enhanced coal bed methane (ECBM) recovery method , CO2 is permanently stored in the coal by preferential adsorption while methane is progressively desorbed and released. Coal formations are complex dual porosity/permeability systems characterized by a porous matrix intersected by an orthogonal fracture (cleat) network. The methane is mainly trapped as an adsorbed layer on the surface of micro-pores contained in the coal matrix while gas and water are transported by advection/diffusion processes within the cleats. In addition, the swelling/shrinkage behavior of coal induced by adsorption/desorption mechanisms of CH4/CO2 may greatly affect the permeability and hence, production of CBM.ObjectivesThe objective of this Ph.D. is to develop a 3D pore network model to investigate the hydromechanical processes associated to mass transport in coal and the related impact on CBM production.For that purpose, a discrete element method (DEM) will be used, where the coal matrix is modeled as an assembly of bonded particles within which single phase diffusive flow will…