Experimental Study on the Microstructure Evolution Laws in Coal Seam Affected by Temperature Impact

Abstract

The microstructure of coal has a significant influence on the permeability of the coal seam. To study the characteristics of microstructure changes in coal seam under temperature impact, we conducted temperature-impact experiments using a high–low temperature test system, and we studied the coal pores and fissure structure before and after the temperature impact using scanning electron microscopy, industrial micro-computed tomography, and mercury intrusion. Based on the digital image processing technology and thermal stress theory, we qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed the variation of crack width, specific surface area, and pore diameter, and deeply analyzed the failure mechanism of temperature impact on coal seam microstructure. The results showed that the temperature impact caused the macropores to interpenetrate and form macroscopic cracks in the coal sample, which resulted in a relatively small volume of macropores and increased the volume of mesopores and small pores. The maximum thermal stress generated during the temperature impact process was located in the tangential direction of the coal sample surface. The thermal stress generated by the temperature impact exceeded the tensile strength of the coal sample, which directly causes crack initiation, expansion, and mutual penetration. This study provided the technical support necessary for the efficient development of coalbed methane and the improvement of gas drainage rate in the coal seam.