Physical Simulation Experiment for Visualizing Pulverized Coal Transport in Propped Fractures

The issue of pulverized coal in coalbed methane wells during the discharge and mining process spans all stages, and it is a key factor constraining the continuous and stable discharge and production capacity of coalbed methane. Among these stages, the single-phase water flow stage features a high incidence of pulverized coal. Consequently, this paper presents a physical simulation experiment within the propped fractures during the single-phase water flow stage. The results of this study reveal the following: (1) Within the propped fracture channel, when pulverized coal is deposited along the flow line without causing blockage, the front end of the deposition exhibits a strip-like dispersion, evolving into “block deposition”, “flame-like accumulation”, “linear accumulation”, and “dispersed point-like accumulation”. (2) Agglomerated fracturing fluid can effectively mitigate the permeability damage caused by pulverized coal to the propped fractures. Both the driving speed and particle size of pulverized coal significantly influence pulverized coal transportation. The injury rate of propped fracture conductivity increases with increasing driving speeds, while the output of pulverized coal first increases and then decreases with increasing driving speed. Moreover, larger pulverized coal particle sizes result in notably greater damage to propped fracture conductivity than smaller particle sizes. Correspondingly, larger particles exhibit significantly lower output of pulverized coal compared to smaller particles, and transportation and output time are prolonged for larger particles. These findings underscore the importance of particle size and driving speed in the transportation dynamics of pulverized coal. The research results provide a theoretical basis for developing strategies for the prevention and control of pulverized coal during the single-phase water flow stage, thereby offering substantial scientific and practical value for the economic and efficient development of coalbed methane.