Investigations of Coal Pore Surface Characteristics with the Integration of Pore Compressibility at High Pressures

During coalbed methane (CBM) production, pore structure undergoes changes due to the pore compressibility of the coal matrix. Comprehensive depiction of pore structure challenges a critical intricacy and practicality, so in the current study Quantitative technique: Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) is used for analyzing and characterizing the pore structure. The results from this study, shows the compressibility as 20.1–22.7×10–11 m2/N neglecting the effect of mercury (Hg) compressibility i.e., 4×10−11 m2/N, which is in good agreement with the previous research findings. Also, pore surface is analysed using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction interface that has made from the qualitative data of Field emission scanning electron spectroscopy (FE-SEM) images of the sample with which it is capable to take advantage of both the above modalities, by providing better visualization of pore surface topography through 3D reconstructions and appropriate info regarding the constructions being visualized. Especially for the trivial and intricate pore structures, such as those in the coal matrix this technique finds its unique approach in effective quantification.