Engineering Commons^™

Discovery Of A Large Gas Field Of Deep Coalbed Methane In The Shenfu Block And Its Implications, Zhu Guanghui, Ji Hongquan, Mi Honggang, Zhang Yingchun, Sun Qiang, Zhao Wei, Zhu Xueshen, Kang Lifang, Wang Yuchuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background After explorations of unconventional natural gas for nearly two decades in the Shenfu block on the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin, deep coalbed methane (CBM) with reserves of 100 billion m³ was discovered in this block in 2023. However, the preliminary exploration of deep CBM in this block faces challenges of insufficient understanding of geological laws, immature fracturing technologies, and a lack of production technologies and experience.Methods and Results Driven by both management and technological innovations, encouraging exploration results have been achieved. The management innovations include: (1) The implementation of a complementary and three-dimensional exploration model …

Predicting The “Sweet Spot” Of Deep Coalbed Methane Based On Resource Conditions And Fracability, Zhao Zhigang, Zhu Xueshen, Wang Cunwu, Zhu Yanhe, Lyu Yumin, Chen Silu, Qi Yu, Tian Yongjing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective China has made breakthroughs in the exploration of large-scale deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs along the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin. However, effectively converting the reserves of these reservoirs into production and achieving their efficient exploitation remain unclear. Methods Based on the geological, tests, fracturing, and production performance data, this study conducted research into the assessment of geological-engineering dual “sweet spots” of deep CBM in the southern Shenfu block by focusing on the resource conditions and fracability of deep CBM reservoirs. [Results and Conclusions] Key findings are as follows: (1) The study area hosts suitable coal-forming facies zones …

Critical Drilling And Completion Techniques For Deep Coalbed Methane In The Shenfu Block And Their Applications, Wang Peng, Li Bin, Wang Kunjian, Zhang Hongjie, Zhang Yingchun, Du Jia, Zhang Linqiang, Wang Xiaoqi, Su Haiyan, Chen Guanghui, Yang Ruiyue

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Deep coal seams exhibit high in-situ stress, moderate to high temperatures, ultra-low permeability, high compressibility, and significant heterogeneity, leading to the absence of mature technical systems for their exploitation presently. The complex geological characteristics of deep coal seams pose new technical challenges to their drilling and completion engineering, rendering it urgent to tackle theoretical and technical challenges in drilling and completion tailored to the geological characteristics of deep coal seam reservoirs. The purpose is to achieve the reserve growth and production addition of hydrocarbons in order to guarantee China’s strategic energy security. Methods Based on the pilot tests for …

Production Characteristics Of Deep Coalbed Methane Wells In The Linxing Block And Associated Their Influencing Factors, Wang Zhizhuang, Wu Peng, Sun Qiang, Liu Rui, Wang Lingbo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The production characteristics of deep coalbed methane (CBM) are significantly distinguished from those of middle-shallow CBM, and even the production wells of deep CBM within the same block exhibit different characteristics. Given that relevant research remains in its exploratory stage, gaining a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the differences in production characteristics of deep CBM is significant for the production capacity prediction and production management of the subsequent large-scale production stage. Methods To determine the production characteristics of deep CBM in the Linxing block and their influencing factors, this study examined geological engineering factors including gas content, coal …

Optimization Of Schemes For Multi-Reservoir Commingled Fracturing Of Coal Measures In The Linxing Block, Wang Bo, Zhang Bing, Mi Honggang, Du Jia, Duan Jiajia, Cui Shuhui, Zhang Haozhe, Fu Tianyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The coal-bearing strata in the Linxing block on the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin exhibit the alternating occurrence of multiple sequences and vertical thin layers (interlayers). Therefore, multi-reservoir commingled fracturing is essential for the cost-effective, efficient exploitation of coal-measure gas from these coal-bearing strata. The key to successful multi-reservoir commingled fracturing is the achievement of expected fracture heights. The current challenges include the unclear vertically extended distance and morphologies of fractures, along with great deviations between the predicted and actual fracture heights, significantly affecting the volume of reservoirs for production growth. Methods Based on the in-situ stresses on …

Fracturing Characteristics And Instability Modes Of Deep Primary Coal-Rock Combinations Under Triaxial Compression, Li Chunyuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

[Objective] Deep coal-bearing strata contain primary interfaces and layered composite structures. Under the mining disturbance, the fracturing and instability of the primary composite structures of layered coal-rock combinations prove to be a principal cause of disasters such as water inrushes. [Methods] This study aims to explore the impacts of the structures of deep primary coal-rock combinations on the stability of layered rock masses during coal mining. Using fracturing tests under triaxial compression and CT-based reconstruction conducted in the laboratory, this study determined the fracturing differences between deep primary coal-rock combinations and single coal or rock masses. Based on the analyses …

A Cylindrical Permeation And Diffusion Model For Bingham Grout In Water-Rich Sand Layers And Its Experimental Research, Wang Xuesong, Cheng Hua, Yao Zhishu, Rong Chuanxin, Xie Bao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The disaster prevention and control for water-rich sand layers pose a major challenge to the safe construction of tunnels and deep foundation pits. Typically, the impermeability and bearing capacity of highly water-rich and weakly cemented sand layers are enhanced through permeation grouting via sleeve valve tubes, with resulting grouting concretions being approximately cylindrical. Methods To explore the cylindrical diffusion mechanism of permeation grouting in sand layers, this study constructed a cylindrical diffusion model of radial tube flow for the permeation grouting of Bingham grout in sand layers while considering the tortuosity effects. Subsequently, this study developed a set of …

Artificial Intelligence Logging: Fundamental, Principle, Technique, And Application, Cheng Xi, Ren Zhanli

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Intelligent hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation have become a trend and hot research topic in the oil and gas industry. Artificial intelligence logging (AIL) exhibits considerable potential to address challenges in the explore-exploit of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, as well as resources in complex environments in the deep earth and deep ocean. However, the driving mode, fundamental, implementation principle, structure, and application scenarios of AIL remain understudied. Objective and Methods To build a comprehensive ecology of the AIL system and thoroughly explore and reveal the potential and value of AIL, this study employed methods like literature analysis, theoretical research, technical analysis, …

A Non-Uniform Interpolation Method For Seismic Data Based On A Diffusion Probabilistic Model, Chen Yao, Yu Siwei, Lin Rongzhi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The non-uniform interpolation of seismic data is identified as a prolonged challenge in energy exploration. Since geophones cannot be precisely placed at positions corresponding to theoretical grid points, current uniform interpolation techniques frequently suffer deviations and detail distortion. Methods This study proposed a novel non-uniform interpolation method based on a diffusion probabilistic model, which is an emerging generative model in deep learning that involves the diffusion and generation processes. In the diffusion process, noise is added to the complete seismic data iteratively to train the denoising capability of the neural network. In the generation process, the neural network is …

A Petrophysical Modeling-Guided Method For Predicting Parameters Of Low-Permeability Reservoirs, Wang Rui, Li Fang, Liu Shiyou, Sun Wanyuan, Li Songling, Huang Sheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Backgroud Accurately predicting reservoir parameters is significant for characterizing subsurface reservoirs, establishing gas accumulation patterns, releasing production capacity, and understanding fluid migration. The traditional approaches based on core measurement or mathematical-petrophysical modeling are limited by the strong multiplicity of solutions and low accuracy of elastic parameters inversion results, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern exploration.Objective and Methods To more effectively predict reservoir parameters, this study proposed a petrophysical modeling-guided method for predicting parameters of low-permeability reservoirs. With the convolutional neural network (CNN) as a deep learning framework, the proposed method can predict water saturation, clay content, …

Processing Of Impulse Noise In Magnetotelluric Data Based On Bidirectional Recurrent Imputation, Yang Kai, Liu Cheng, Li Han, He Jinglong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Magnetotelluric sounding is an exploration method to obtain the underground electrical structure by observing the natural electromagnetic field, which is easily disturbed by noise. Impulse noise, frequently occurring in magnetotelluric sounding, generally exhibits high amplitude and wide frequency bands, producing significant impacts on the data quality. Methods To suppress such noise, this study proposed a method based on a bidirectional recurrent imputation for time series (BRITS) model. First, the data segments with noise interference were deleted. Second, for the magnetotelluric time series with missing data to be imputed, training sets were constructed for imputation training of the BRITS model. …

Application Of A Novel Plasma-Based Advanced Oxidation Process For Efficient And Cost-Effective Destruction Of Refractory Organics In Tertiary Effluents And Contaminated Groundwater, Itay Even-Ezra, Anat Mizrahi, Daniel Gerrity, Shane A. Snyder, Andrew Salveson, Ori Lahav

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Faculty Research

Corona discharge is emerging as a promising advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the treatment of a variety of organic contaminants, including compounds that are not effectively destroyed by more common AOPs. This paper presents laboratory and field results describing the destruction of regulated and Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) compounds in tertiary treated wastewater effluent and contaminated groundwater during the operation of a novel hydro-non-thermal-plasma (HNTP) AOP system. The system generates a plasma discharge above the target water matrix, which emits an “electron wind”, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, O_3(g) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) into a relatively thin water layer. The synergism …

Evaluation Of Mechanical Vapor Recompression And Easy Multi-Effect Desalination Systems In Different Climate Conditions-Sensitivity And 7e Analysis, Hamed Kariman, Mehdi Khiadani, Siamak Hoseinzadeh, Shahin Shoeibi, Abdellah Shafieian

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Evaporative desalination systems, such as Multi-Effect Desalination (MED) and Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR), play important roles in addressing this challenge. Although large-scale desalination systems possess limitations in catering to the water demands of remote regions and islands and entail the cost of water transportation to residential areas, it is imperative to concentrate on studying the feasibility of employing centralized evaporative water production systems. Firstly, in this study, the initial focus is on conducting energy and exergy analyses of MVR and Easy MED systems, with a goal of enhancing knowledge about the energy consumption, exergy destruction and exergetic efficiency of these …

Spatio-Temporal Changes In The Gravity And Post-Mining Seismic Activity In Abandoned Deep Coal Mine Kazimierz-Juliusz During Flooding, Andrzej Kotyrba, Łukasz Kortas, Sławomir Siwek

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The flooding of an underground hard coal mine, resulting in the filling of post-mining voids (workings and goafs) and the repeated saturation of pore and interstitial spaces of the adjacent rock with water, change the mass and its distribution in the near-surface part of the earth’s crust. This process is slow and lasts many years. As a result, the local gravity field undergoes dynamic changes. It depends on the surface morphology and the density of geological strata, which is related to their water content. Changes in the local gravity field can be monitored by periodic gravity surveys performed in the …

Applying Circuit Theory To Describe Changes In Structural Landscape Connectivity In Response To Wildfire, Christian Ross Nielsen

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Understanding and conserving ecological connectivity is critical to the preservation of vulnerable landscapes. Circuit theory, in which landscapes are imagined as circuit boards with varying resistances to the flow of current, is being increasingly used to model spatially explicit connectivity of landscapes and to inform land management and conservation decision-making. Utilizing continuous, quantitative estimates of percent cover by five land cover functional groups to create a conductance surface, this study expanded upon an established application of circuit theory that used the open-source software Circuitscape to model species-agnostic, omnidirectional connectivity. This model was automated using Python to create time-series connectivity maps …

Integration Of Matlab And Machine Learning To Accelerate Evaluation Of Biological Activity In Agricultural Soils And Promote Soil Health Improvement Goals, Andrew Stiven Ortiz Balsero

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Traditionally, assessments of soil biological activity have been confined to laboratory settings, creating a disconnect with practical in-field methods. To bridge this gap, cotton fabric degradation has been used to illustrate soil microbial activity under different management practices. While effective, these demonstrations are subjective and labor-intensive.

Researchers have explored using image processing software like ImageJ and Adobe Photoshop to streamline this process. Although these tools accurately quantified fabric degradation under varying soil conditions, the methods remained labor-intensive and complex. Consequently, these methods were still not ideal for on-farm use by agricultural practitioners.

To further address labor and complexity limitations, the …

Training Uav Teams With Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Towards Fully 3d Autonomous Wildfire Response, Bryce Hopkins

All Theses

As climate-exacerbated wildfires increasingly threaten landscapes and communities, there is an urgent and pressing need for sophisticated fire management technologies. Coordinated teams of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) present a promising solution for detection, assessment, and even incipient-stage suppression – especially when integrated into a multi-layered approach with other recent wildfire management technologies such as geostationary/polar-orbiting satellites and CCTV detection networks. However, there remains significant challenges in developing the necessary sensing, navigation, coordination, and communication subsystems that enable intelligent UAV teams. Further, federal regulations governing UAV deployment and autonomy pose constraints on real-world aerial testing, creating a disconnect between theoretical research …

A Heuristic Approach To Operations And Control Of Btm-Ders For Bill Management And Grid Services, Md Arshad Rashid Shaon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Behind-The-Meter (BTM) distributed energy resources (DERs) have emerged as a critical and transformative force within the energy sector. These decentralized energy assets, which include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs), are increasingly essential for empowering customers by granting them greater control over their energy production and consumption, thereby reducing reliance on centralized power sources. Additionally, they have the potential to play a pivotal role in enhancing grid resilience by providing grid services. This study investigates the management of customer electricity bills and grid services through the integration of various BTM-DERs, particularly solar …

Enhancing Fuel Injection System Reliability Through Weibull Family Functions Analysis, Ali Nouri Qarahasanlou, Abbas Barabadi, Meisam Saleki, Ali Rahimazar, Parisa Rezakhania, Masoume Gholamia

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The efficient operation of heavy machinery is crucial to the success of mining and civil construction operations. To guarantee this performance, equipment performance is assessed using the Reliability Index, which analyzes failures to study the ability of a system to carry out its intended functions under predetermined conditions. On the other hand, the failure rate and operational environmental condition (such as management decisions, maintenance performance, etc., that are defined as “risk factors”) over the life cycle of industrial systems pose a significant challenge to reliability analysis. This paper proposes an approach to address these challenges by extending Weibull family functions …

Chemical Recycling Of Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams: Evaluating Bio-Based Glycols In Comparison To Petroleum-Based Glycols, Anirudh Thorbole Mr.

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The paradigm shift towards bio-based polyurethane foams (bio-PUF) has significantly increased post-consumer waste. To address this issue, this research represents a novel approach to enhance sustainable development in the recycling industry by replacing traditional petroleum-based glycols with sustainable bio-based alternatives. This study explores the glycolysis of bio-PUF using bio-based SG-522 glycol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for comparison. The findings from this research as outlined, reveal no significant differences in depolymerization time between the two glycols, achieving proper depolymerization and high recovery yields of over 95% after solvent purification. Comprehensive FT-IR and NMR analyses confirmed the successful degradation of bio-PUF and …

Pyrolysis Characteristics And Pore-Fracture Evolutionary Patterns Of Tar-Rich Coals, Geng Jishi, Wang Shuangming, Sun Qiang, Hou Enke, Yang Yuru, Hu Xin, Xue Shengze

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Extracting coal-based oil and gas from tar-rich coal through in situ pyrolysis plays a significant role in counteracting the shortage of China's oil and gas resources and enhancing the utilization efficiency of coal resources, representing a new trend for the efficient exploitation of tar-rich coals. During the in situ pyrolysis of tar-rich coals, the internal heat transfer, as well as the migration and production of pyrolysis products, is directly influenced by the oil and gas production characteristics and the characteristics of pores and fractures. Hence, it is particularly critical to identify the pyrolysis characteristics and pore-fracture evolutionary patterns of …

In-Situ Pyrolysis Of Tar-Rich Coal: Effects On Geological Environments And Geological Guarantee Technology, Xu Shiang, Zhang Pingsong, Cheng Gang, Wu Haibo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Tar-rich coal, a type of unique unconventional oil and gas resource that integrates coal, oil, and gas, can be transformed into tar, combustible gases, and semi-coke solid fuels with high added value through in-situ pyrolysis. Therefore, the in-situ pyrolysis of tar-rich coal has the potential to meet the challenges in achieving the green exploitation and clean, low-carbon utilization of coals in the traditional coal industry. Furthermore, in terms of how to reduce coal pollution emissions and enhance energy efficiency, this technology offers a new solution for attaining the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. It also …

Pilot Experiment For Underground In-Situ Pyrolysis Of Tar-Rich Coal In The Northern Shaanxi Province, Duan Zhonghui, Yang Fu, Wang Zhendong, Ma Li, Duan Xiaoqing, Cao Husheng, Chen Liang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The breakthrough of the pilot experiment for underground in-situ pyrolysis of tar-rich coal in the northern Shaanxi has added new vitality to the research on in-situ conversion of fossil energy such as tar-rich coal and oil shale, and the results have attracted wide attention both inside and outside the industry. The research on underground in-situ pyrolysis of tar rich coal is still in its infancy, lacking systematic research on field engineering data.Methods Based on the pilot experiment, the main geological conditions and engineering difficulties have been clarified, and the progress of underground in-situ pyrolysis has been summarized. The …

Geological Factors Controlling The Occurrence Of Carboniferous-Permian Tar-Rich Coals In The Ningdong Coalfield, Huang Pengcheng, Guo Weiyong, Ji Xiaoyan, Cai Feifei, Zhang Zhifeng, Huang Kang, Cheng Yunqiang, Liu Zheng, Wang Bei, Chen Rong, Shi Qingmin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Ningdong Coalfield of the Ordos Basin boasts abundant tar-rich coal resources, of which tar-rich coals in the Carboniferous-Permian coal seams exhibit unique occurrence characteristics due to differences in thermal evolution and sedimentary environments. Methods This study analyzed the occurrence characteristics and critical material composition of tar-rich coals in the Hongdunzi and Siguquan mining areas. Based on this, it explored the controlling effects of the degree of coalification and sedimentary environment on the tar yield. Results and Conclusions The results indicate that the Carboniferous-Permian coal seams in the Ningdong Coalfield exhibit average tar yields ranging from 7.15% to 11.07%, …

Distributions Of Products From The Pyrolysis Of Tar-Rich Coals For Tar Extraction In Northern Shaanxi Province, China, Yu Zunyi, Guo Wei, Yang Panxi, Gao Kun, Yang Fu, Ma Li, Wang Jing, Li Hongqiang, Yang Bolun, Wu Zhiqiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Tar-rich coals stand as a special type of coal resource that integrates coal, oil, and gas properties. These coals, boasting abundant hydrogen-rich structures such as side chains and bridge bonds with aliphatic structures, are prone to crack and produce tar and gas during pyrolysis. These establish tar-rich coals as ideal raw materials that produce oil and gas through thermal conversion. Presently, the research into tar extraction from tar-rich coals through pyrolysis remains in its initial stage, and exploring the impacts of technological conditions, including heat carrier, heating type, and pyrolysis temperature, on the pyrolysis process holds critical significance for …

Simulation Of The Pyrolysis Process Of Tar-Rich Coals In An H2O Atmosphere Based On The Reactive Force Field Molecular Dynamics, Huang Zibo, Liu Qianru, Liu Hong, Zhou Wenjing, Wei Jinjia

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Tar-rich coal resources, abundant in China, can be converted into energy products (e.g., chemicals and gas/liquid fuels) through pyrolysis, thus alleviating the country’s dependence on oil and gas imports. A thorough understanding of the product evolution and reaction mechanisms of the pyrolysis of tar-rich coals is crucial to research into the clean and efficient conversion processes of coals. Methods Based on the reactive force field molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD), this study simulated the pyrolysis process of tar-rich coals (long-flame coals) and explored the impacts of the H₂O atmosphere on the distribution of pyrolytic products, along with the …

Spatiotemporal Distributions Of Typical Contaminants From The In-Situ Pyrolysis Of Tar-Rich Coals, Tian Hua, Zhang Ruolin, Wang Qianji, Wu Xiaoyu, Zhang Lei, Zhang Lingru, Fang Siyuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods Under high temperatures, oil and gas produced from the in situ pyrolysis of tar-rich coals will migrate toward and accumulate in the overburden strata after passing through the fracture zones on the coal seam roof, causing potential contamination risks for the underground environment. To understand the release and distribution characteristics of typical contaminants generated from the underground pyrolysis of tar-rich coals, this study investigated the typical tar-rich coals from the Shenfu mining area of the Jurassic coalfield in northern Shaanxi Province. Based on data on the stratigraphic structures and lithology and using the self-developed equipment for similarity …

Downhole Heaters For In-Situ Pyrolysis Of Tar-Rich Coals：A Review And Prospects, Wang Zhendong, Duan Zhonghui, Yang Fu, Ma Li

Coal Geology & Exploration

Significance China boasts abundant tar-rich coal resources, which prove to be potential coal-based oil and gas resources capable of ensuring China's energy security. Extracting hydrogen while preserving carbon through the in-situ pyrolysis of tar-rich coals has developed into a trend in the clean and low-carbon utilization of coal resources. Downhole heaters serve as critical equipment for the efficient in-situ pyrolysis of tar-rich coals. Advances Based on investigations and the systematic collection of relevant information and data, this study offers a brief introduction of the currently used methods for in-situ convection heating, focusing on the present situation of the research and …

Exploring The Pyrolysis Of Tar-Rich Coals Under The Catalysis Of Cerium-Modified Magnetic Core-Shell Hzsm-5, Zhou Anning, Zhang Zhi, Chen Yongan, Zhang Huaiqing, Bai Zhuangwei, Shi Zhiwei, He Xinfu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Tar-rich coals are valuable resources integrating coal, tar, and gas properties. Catalytic pyrolysis serves as a significant approach for achieving green and low-carbon development of tar-rich coals. However, the research and development of efficient and recyclable catalysts for the pyrolysis of tar-rich coals remains highly challenging. Methods With HZSM-5@SiO₂@MgFe₂O₄ (HSMF) as the raw material, this study prepared HZSM-5@SiO₂@MgFe₂O₄ (mHSMF) with a hierarchical porous structure using the hydrothermal method and alkali modification, followed by the preparation of cerium-modified mHSMF (5-CeO₂/mHSMF) using the precipitation method. Employing a fixed-bed reactor, …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.