Sequentially coupled flow-geomechanical modeling of underground coal gasification for a three-dimensional problem

Underground coal gasification (UCG) has been identified as an environmentally friendly technique for gasification of deep un-mineable coal seams in situ. This technology has the potential to be a clean and promising energy provider from coal seams with minimal greenhouse gas emission. The UCG eliminates the presence of coal miners underground hence, it is believed to be a much safer technique compared to the deep coal mining method. The UCG includes drilling injection and production wells into the coal seam, igniting coal, and injecting oxygen-based mix to facilitate coal gasification. Produced syngas is extracted from the production well. Evolution of a cavity created from the gasification process along with high temperature as well as change in pore fluid pressure causes mechanical changes to the coal and surrounding formations. Therefore, simulation of the gasification process alone is not sufficient to represent this complex thermal-hydro-chemical–mechanical process. Instead, a coupled flow and geomechanical modeling can help better represent the process by allowing simultaneous observation of the syngas production, advancement of the gasification chamber, and the cavity growth. Adaptation of such a coupled simulation would aid in optimization of the UCG process while helping controlling and mitigating the environmental risks caused by geomechanical failure and syngas loss to the groundwater. This paper presents results of a sequentially coupled flow-geomechanical simulation of a three-dimensional (3D) UCG example using the numerical methodology devised in this study. The 3D model includes caprock on top, coal seam in the middle, and another layer of rock underneath. Gasification modeling was conducted in the Computer Modelling Group Ltd. (CMG)’s Steam, Thermal, and Advanced processes Reservoir Simulator (STARS). Temperature and fluid pressure of each grid block as well as the cavity geometry, at the timestep level, were passed from the STARS to the geomechanical simulator i.e. the Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 3 Dimensions (FLAC3D) computer program (from the Itasca Consulting Group Inc.). Key features of the UCG process which were investigated herein include syngas flow rate, cavity growth, temperature and pressure profiles, porosity and permeability changes, and stress and deformation in coal and rock layers. It was observed that the coal matrix deformed towards the cavity, displacement and additional stress happened, and some blocks in the coal and rock layers mechanically failed.     

Advanced geophysical underground coal gasification monitoring

Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) produces less surface impact, atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gas than traditional surface mining and combustion. Therefore, it may be useful in mitigating global change caused by anthropogenic activities. Careful monitoring of the UCG process is essential in minimizing environmental impact. Here we first summarize monitoring methods that have been used in previous UCG field trials. We then discuss in more detail a number of promising advanced geophysical techniques. These methods – seismic, electromagnetic, and remote sensing techniques – may provide improved and cost-effective ways to image both the subsurface cavity growth and surface subsidence effects. Active and passive seismic data have the promise to monitor the burn front, cavity growth, and observe cavity collapse events. Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) produces near real time tomographic images autonomously, monitors the burn front and images the cavity using low-cost sensors, typically running within boreholes. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is a remote sensing technique that has the capability to monitor surface subsidence over the wide area of a commercial-scale UCG operation at a low cost. It may be possible to infer cavity geometry from InSAR (or other surface topography) data using geomechanical modeling. The expected signals from these monitoring methods are described along with interpretive modeling for typical UCG cavities. They are illustrated using field results from UCG trials and other relevant subsurface operations.     

Mitigation and adaptation strategies for global change via the implementation of underground coal gasification

Coal is the most abundant hydrocarbon energy source in the world. It also produces a very high volume of greenhouse gases using the current production technology. It is more difficult to handle and transport than crude oil and natural gas. We face a challenge: how can we access this abundant resource and at the same time mitigate global environmental challenges, in particular, the production of carbon dioxide (CO₂)? The editors of this special edition journal consider the opportunity to increase the utilization of this globally abundant resource and recover it in an environmentally sustainable manner. Underground coal gasification (UCG) is the recovery of energy from coal by gasifying the coal underground. This  process produces a high calorific synthesis gas, which can be applied for electricity generation and/or the production of fuels and chemicals. The carbon dioxide emissions are relatively pure and the surface facilities are limited in their environmental footprint. Unused carbon is readily separated and can be geo-sequester in the resulting cavity. The cavity is also being considered as a potential option to mitigate against change impacts of other sources of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. These outcomes mean there is an opportunity to provide developing and developed countries a source of low-cost clean energy. Further, the burning of coal in situ means that the traditional dangers of underground mining and extraction are reduced, a higher percentage of the coal is actually recovered and the resulting cavern creates the potential for a long-term storage solution of the gasification wastes. The process is not without challenges. Ground subsidence and groundwater pollution are two potential environmental impacts that need to be averted for this process to be acceptable. It is essential to advance the understanding of this practice and this special edition journal seeks to share the progress that scientists are making in this dynamic field. The technical challenges are being addressed by researchers around the world who work to resolve and understand how burning coal underground impacts the geology, the surface land, and ground water both in the short and the long term. This special issue reviews the process of UCG and considers the opportunities, challenges, risks, competitive analysis and synergies, commercial initiatives and a roadmap to solutions via the modelling and simulation of UCG. Building and then disseminating the fundamental knowledge of UCG will enhance policy development, best practices and processes that reflect the global desires for energy production with reduced environmental impact.     

A life cycle comparison of greenhouse emissions for power generation from coal mining and underground coal gasification

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is an advancing technology that is receiving considerable global attention as an economic and environmentally friendly alternative for exploitation of coal deposits. UCG has the potential to decrease greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) during the development and utilization of coal resources. In this paper, the life cycle of UCG from in situ coal gasification to utilization for electricity generation is analyzed and compared with coal extraction through conventional coal mining and utilization in power plants. Four life cycle assessment models have been developed and analyzed to compare (greenhouse gas) GHG emissions of coal mining, coal gasification and power generation through conventional pulverized coal fired power plants (PCC), supercritical coal fired (SCPC) power plants, integrated gasification combined cycle plants for coal (Coal-IGCC), and combined cycle gas turbine plants for UCG (UCG-CCGT). The analysis shows that UCG is comparable to these latest technologies and in fact, the GHG emissions from UCG are about 28 % less than the conventional PCC plant. When combined with the economic superiority, UCG has a clear advantage over competing technologies. The comparison also shows that there is considerable reduction in the GHG emissions with the development of technology and improvements in generation efficiencies.     

Cost comparison of syngas production from natural gas conversion and underground coal gasification

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is a promising technology to reduce the cost of producing syngas from coal. Coal is gasified in place, which may make it safer, cleaner and less expensive than using a surface gasifier. UCG provides an efficient approach to mitigate the tension between supplying energy and ensuring sustainable development. However, the coal gasification industry presently is facing competition from the low price of natural gas. The technology needs to be reviewed to assess its competiveness. In this paper, the production cost of syngas from an imaginary commercial-scale UCG plant was broken down and calculated. The produced syngas was assumed to be used as feedstock in liquid fuel production through the Fischer-Tropsch process or methanol synthesis. The syngas had a hydrogen (H₂) to carbon monoxide (CO) ratio of 2. On this basis, its cost was compared with the cost of syngas produced from natural gas. The results indicated that the production cost of syngas from natural gas is mainly determined by the price of natural gas, and varied from $24.46 per thousand cubic meters (TCM) to $90.09/TCM, depending on the assumed price range of natural gas. The cost of producing UCG syngas is affected by the coal seam depth and thickness. Using the Harmon lignite bed in North Dakota, USA, as an example, the cost of producing syngas through UCG was between $37.27/TCM and $39.80/TCM. Therefore, the cost of UCG syngas was within the cost range of syngas produced by natural gas conversion. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigate how the cost varies with coal depth and thickness. It was found that by utilizing thicker coal seams, syngas production per cavity can be increased, and the number of new wells drilled per year can be reduced, therefore improving the economics of UCG. Results of this study indicate the competitiveness of UCG regarding to natural gas conversion technologies, and can be used to guide UCG site selection and to optimize the operation strategy.     

Reaction rate constants in simulation of underground coal gasification using porous medium approach

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is an emerging energy technology for a cleaner type of coal extraction method. It avoids current coal mining challenges such as drastic changes to landscapes, high machinery costs, elevated risks to personnel, and post-extraction transport. UCG has a huge potential to provide a clean coal energy source by implementing carbon capture and storage techniques as part of the process. In order to support mitigation strategies for clean coal production and policy development, much research needs to be completed. One component of this information is the need to understand what happens when the coal burns and a subsurface cavity is formed. This paper looks at the efforts to enhance reliable prediction of the size and shape of the cavities. Reactions are one of the most important mechanisms that control the rate of the growth of the cavities. Therefore, modeling the reactions and precise prediction of reaction kinetics can influence the accuracy of a UCG process. The produced syngas composition during UCG is closely linked to the reactions that take place in this process, the permeability of the coal seam, and the temperature distribution. Since the combination of reactions can influence the distributions of the heat and gas components in the coal seam during UCG or even extinguish the combustion, accurate modeling of the reactions is crucial, particularly when all phenomena affecting the reaction rate are considered in a single set of kinetics. In this study, procedures are proposed to estimate the frequency factor and activation energy of the pyrolysis reaction using a single-step decomposition method, the kinetics of the endothermic direction of homogeneous reversible reactions, and the frequency factor of heterogeneous reactions from experiments or literature data. The estimated kinetics is more appropriate for simulation of the UCG process using the porous medium approach. Computer Modelling Group’s CMG-STARS (Steam, Thermal, and Advanced Processes Reservoir Simulator) software is used in this study.     

On the mitigating environmental aspects of a vertical well in underground coal gasification method

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change - Underground coal gasification (UCG) is an energy production pathway in underground coal deposits with the potential advantage of decreasing...     

上覆岩层性质对采空区地表变形影响研究

采空区引发地表变形问题是环境岩土工程领域的重要研究课题。本文以有限元分析软件ANSYS为基础,通过数值模拟方法研究了采空区上方不同性质岩层以及不同上覆岩层组合形式对采空区地表沉降变形的影响。揭示了上覆岩层性质对采空区地表变形的影响规律。     

Mechanics Principle and Engineering Application of Split Layer and Bed Separation of Mining Overburden

<正>To control land surface subsidence caused the underground mineral exploitation and the catastrophic phenomena such as serious damage of buildings, waterbodies, cultivated lands, railways, bridges caused by land subsidence, bed separation grouting technology of overburden is put forward. To provide theoretical support for the technology, the characteristics and the mechanics mechanism of mining overburden from layer-split to formation of bed separation are studied. On the basis of elastic sheet board theory, calculation formula of rock sheet deflection is presented, and the mechanics criteria of the separation formation and the calculation formula of bed separation volume are set up. Finally, the applications and technics of bed separation grout technology of mining overburden to control land subsidence in china are introduced.     

徐州市铜山区采煤塌陷地复垦潜力综合评价

通过对采煤塌陷地复垦的潜力调查、分析和评价研究,可以进一步了解塌陷地复垦的潜力空间分布情况、等级状况,提出切实可行的采煤塌陷地复垦建议和对策。本文结合徐州市铜山区实际情况,选取影响采煤塌陷地复垦潜力的地形及水文条件、土壤条件和社会经济条件作为潜力评价因子,采用模糊综合评价法进行铜山区采煤塌陷地复垦潜力评价,依据评价结果把该塌陷区分为四个潜力区,针对不同潜力区塌陷地提出相应的复垦模式。     

石崆山Ⅱ号段岩质高边坡稳定性的有限单元法(FEM)分析评价

岩质高边坡是常见的自然地质环境问题和重要的岩土工程问题之一,涉及工程地质学、岩体力学问题。针对漳州—龙岩高速公路石崆Ⅱ号段岩质高边坡稳定性问题,采用有限单元法(FEM)进行计算分析。计算分析结果表明石崆山Ⅱ号段岩质高边坡是稳定安全的。有限单元法在岩质高边坡稳定性的计算分析中的应用,正处在完善和发展之中。它的计算分析正确与否或精确程度,很大程度上取决于对边坡岩体工程地质条件的正确理解和归纳概化,取决于计算参数的合理客观选取。     

淮南煤矿沉陷区建（构）筑物保护治理工程探讨

煤炭资源的开发带动了淮南经济快速持续发展,但由于煤炭资源采出后,开采区周围岩土体的原岩应力平衡状态遭到破坏,出现位移和变形,诱发的开采沉陷可导致一系列环境问题,甚至引发重大的地质灾害事故,如建筑物的裂缝与崩塌,铁路钢轨的悬浮,高速公路路基的沉陷,水体的流失与矿井的淹没等都将造成巨大的经济损失及严重的社会问题。因此,开采沉陷区内建（构）筑物的保护治理一直是矿区亟待解决的问题。针对煤炭地下开采活动对沉陷区内地表建（构）筑物的影响,探讨了合理开展煤矿沉陷区建（构）筑物保护治理工程的方法。     

基于构造应变对隧道初始地应力场的反演分析

岩体中的初始地应力场是岩体稳定性与工程运营必须考虑的重要因素。以东营子隧道工程为例,以隧址区构造应变作为待求解的约束条件,结合工程地质条件和实测地应力资料,运用有限元软件对隧址区地应力场进行了回归反演分析。结果表明:基于区域构造应变获得的隧址区初始应力场克服了边界条件对地应力场的影响,更加准确地反映了隧址区地应力场的分布规律,可为隧道围岩稳定性分析提供准确的位移边界条件。     

九寨黄龙机场填方高边坡静力稳定性分析

某机场工程位于青藏高原东缘高山峡谷区,飞行区横跨5条大的冲沟,最大填方高度102 m。本文利用三维有限元法对地基沉降、填方边坡稳定性等问题进行了分析,对工程施工提出了相应的建议。     

小型煤矿环境地质问题及防治对策--以湖南涟源地区为例

湖南涟源地区煤矿多属小型矿山,但小煤矿的开采同样会引起诸多环境地质问题,如瓦斯灾害、煤矿水灾、地裂缝与矿坑疏干排水引起的地面岩溶塌陷、煤矸石堆放破坏土石环境等,这些问题需要评估和解决.笔者针对上述问题进行了成因分析、规律探讨,并对每项环境问题提出了保护与治理方案.     

地下洞室松动圈的研究方法与现状

地下空间的开发和利用是当前岩土工程发展的重要趋势之一.地下洞室是开挖在岩土体中作为各种用途的构筑物,地下开挖后,破坏了岩土体天然应力的相对平衡状态,引起围岩应力的重新分布,因此,地下洞室稳定性分析的重要内容之一是确定围岩应力的大小.围岩应力受诸多因素的影响,松动圈是重要的影响因素之一.文中比较详细地介绍并分析多种松动圈的确定方法,并对各种方法的优缺点进行简要评述,同时介绍了未来研究的方向.     

褐煤地下气化过程中铅和砷的迁移规律的研究

在煤炭地下气化模型试验的基础上,研究了褐煤原煤及其气化产物中的铅和砷的含量和分布,进行了铅和砷的质量平衡计算,并分析了其析出的反应机理.实验结果表明,铅在原煤中以残渣态23.07%、碳酸盐和铁锰氧化物结合态53.96%、硫化物结合态22.96%存在,而砷则以残渣态47.73%、有机结合态7.95%、硫化物结合态40.90%存在.在气化过程中63.65%的铅和56.23%的砷残存在地下煤灰中,1.15%的Pb和6.62%的As转化到煤气冷凝水中,35.20%的Pb和37.15%的As转化到煤气中.     

抗滑桩细观受力特征的数值模拟研究

抗滑桩是滑坡防治工程中一种非常有效的支挡措施,其受力特征直接关系到滑坡防治效果,因此开展抗滑桩细观受力特征的数值模拟研究具有重要的工程应用价值。基于有限元数值模拟方法,采用ANSYS软件中的分离式模型,以SOLID65单元和LINK8单元分别模拟钢筋混凝土抗滑桩中的混凝土和钢筋,研究了不同荷载作用下抗滑桩的细观受力特征。结果表明:在相同荷载作用下,抗滑桩在高度较小阶段,其高度与抗滑桩的变形呈非线性变化,随着抗滑桩高度的增加,其高度与抗滑桩的变形趋于线性关系;有限元数值模拟能较好地反映钢筋混凝土抗滑桩的细观受力特征。该研究可以为抗滑桩工程的设计提供借鉴与参考。     

中国采煤沉陷区空间格局与治理模式

大面积的采煤沉陷区引发严重的社会和环境问题,得到政府和学术界的广泛关注。与传统以自然条件为基础的沉陷区复垦研究不同,考虑采煤沉陷区自然生态因素和区域经济发展条件,从综合治理的角度出发,分析中国采煤沉陷区整体格局和面临的社会经济风险,深入研究各地采煤沉陷区综合治理路径。结果表明：中国采煤沉陷区面积预计超过60000 km²,其中与城乡建设用地和耕地叠压的面积分别达到4500 km²和26000 km²,涉及人口达2000万左右,其中山西和山东两省采煤沉陷区的影响最为严重;从区域特征来看,中国采煤沉陷区有开发利用、环境修复、民生保障、异地搬迁四大主要治理导向,进一步结合社会经济和空间特征,可以将沉陷区分为环境适应发展型、基础设施完善型、特色产业带动型、环境修复型、民生保障型、异地搬迁型六个治理类型。     

LYl2半球形件拉深成形过程的动力显式有限元模拟

基于连续介质力学及有限变形理论 ,建立了用于三维板料成形过程模拟的有限元模型 ,开发了动力显式算法的板料成形过程模拟的有限元分析程序DESSFORMM3D。最后 ,用笔者新开发的动力显式弹粘塑性有限元程序对不同压边情况下半球形件的拉深过程进行分析 ,并把数值结果与实验进行对比 ,验证了软件的计算结果。