Theoretical Study and Numerical Simulation Research on the Effect of Coal-Rock Interface on Multistaged Fracturing in the Roof of Outburst Coal Seam

Abstract

Multistaged fracturing in the roof of outburst coal seam is an efficient and creative technology for coalbed methane (CBM) drainage, which can effectively improve the permeability of coal seam. To reveal its mechanism of permeability enhancement, the effect of coal-rock interface on multistaged fracturing in the roof of outburst coal seam was simulated and discussed in this paper. Firstly, the lithological difference between outburst coal seam and roof was compared, and the concept and significance of multistaged fracturing in the roof of outburst coal seam were explained. Then, the mechanical conditions of multiple fractures in the roof traversing coal-rock interface were analyzed. The effects of mechanical parameters on multiple fractures were numerically simulated. The results indicated that fracturing borehole in adjacent rocks of outburst coal seam is much easier to drill and maintain gas drainage. Considering gas drainage efficiency and avoiding being blocked by coal fines, multistaged fracturing borehole is generally drilled in the stable rock stratum of roof. Whether the multiple fractures in the roof can traverse coal-rock interface is related to mechanical parameters of coal and rock, friction factor of coal-rock interface, angle between horizontal profile and coal-rock interface, cementing strength of coal-rock interface, minimum horizontal stress, and other factors. Higher fracturing fluid pressure contributes to propagating from the reservoir with low elastic modulus to the one with high elastic modulus for hydraulic fracture. Hydraulic fracture is more likely to propagate in the rock stratum with high brittleness index. The research results can improve multistaged fracturing theory and provide technological support for field test.