A Study on Three-Phase Gas Content in Coal Reservoirs and Coalbed Methane-Water Differential Distribution in the Western Fukang Mining Area, Xinjiang, China

[Image: see text] The daily gas production of a single well (coalbed methane (CBM) vertical well) in the western Fukang mining area in the southern margin of the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, China is relatively high. However, there are significant differences between gas and water production of CBM wells at different locations in the area, and the reason has not been adequately explained. To explore the distribution characteristic of coalbed methane and water in the Fukang mining area, the three-phase CBM gas (adsorption gas, free gas, and water-soluble gas) content was determined based on theoretical analysis and simulation. Combining the calculation results and the basis of geological data, the CBM-water differential distribution in the study area was discussed. The results show that the average daily water production and average daily gas production of CBM wells show a negative correlation in the study area. The CBM wells with high daily gas production are mainly located in the high areas of the structure, and these wells commonly begin to produce gas within a short period. The calculation of three-phase CBM gas content and the test results of gas composition show that the gas content (especially the free gas) is relatively high in the high areas of the structure, while the concentration of C(2)H(6) is relatively low. Meanwhile, the concentration of C(2)H(6) shows a positive correlation with buried depth, which indicates that CBM migrates from the deep areas to the higher areas. The calculation of equivalent water level elevation and hydraulic head shows that the groundwater mainly flows from the central part to the east and the west within the CBM well areas, and the groundwater flows downward along the coal seam controlled by gravity, which results in the CBM-water differential distribution. The CBM-water differential distribution in the western Fukang mining area is the result of coupling control of tectonic and hydrological geology factors. Multistage tectonic movements formed large-scale folds and faults in the area, which controlled the migration direction of CBM and groundwater. The dip angle of the stratum in the study area is commonly greater than 45°, and the gravity effect is greater in the process of groundwater flow, which promotes the CBM-water differential distribution. Free gas migrates to the high area of the structure, and groundwater accumulates in the axial part of the syncline. The results in this study provide a basis for the large-dip angle CBM exploration and development in the Fukang mining area.