Effect of Cyclical Microwave Modification on the Apparent Permeability of Anthracite: A Case Study of Methane Extraction in Sihe Mine, China

[Image: see text] The application of cyclical microwave modification for accelerating the extraction of coalbed methane (CBM) from anthracite is limited. In this study, the apparent permeability of anthracite samples before and after each microwave treatment (three in total) for 120 s was measured by a self-built permeability-testing platform. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) technology and image-processing technology were employed to analyze the 3D micron-scale pore structures, especially the quantitative characterization of connected pores and throats. After modification, the average apparent permeability increased from 0.6 to 5.8 × 10(–3) μm(2). The generation, expansion, and connection of micron-scale pores and fractures became more obvious with each treatment. The total porosity increased from 3.5 to 6.2%, the connected porosity increased from 0.9 to 4.8%, and the porosity of isolated pores decreased from 2.5 to 1.4% after three cycles. The number, volume, and surface area of the connected pores as well as the number, radius, and surface area of the throats were significantly increased. In addition, the release of alkyl side chains from the anthracite surface reduced the capacity of the anthracite to adsorb CH(4) and the decomposition of minerals promoted the development and connectivity of pores. As a result, the gas seepage channels have been greatly improved. This work provides a basis for micron-scale pore characterization after cyclical microwave modification and contributes to CBM extraction.