Characteristics of multi-scale pore structure of coal and its influence on permeability

Due to the uneven distribution of pore size in coal and its wide distribution range, it is difficult to effectively characterize the multi-scale pore structure of coal by a single method. In this paper, the multi-scale pore structure characteristics of coal were analyzed comprehensively by using scanning electron microscope, low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption, high-pressure mercury intrusion and constant-rate mercury intrusion. In addition, the effects of metamorphism on the volume and specific surface area of pores in coal were revealed, and the relationships between coal rock permeability and pore structure characteristic parameters were described. And the following research results were obtained. First, with the increase of coal metamorphism, the volume and specific surface area of nanopores in coal decrease first and then increase, and they reach the minimum value when Ro,max is about 1.8%. Second, the pore and throat radii of coal samples are overall in the form of normal distribution. And with the increase of coal metamorphism, the pore radius corresponding to the maximum distribution frequency increases. Third, the samples of low-rank bituminous coal are the highest in throat radius distribution range, connected throat radius and average throat radius. Fourth, the samples of anthracite coal are the lowest in throat radius distribution range and connected throat radius. Fifth, there is a single main peak in the distribution of pore–throat ratios of low- and medium-rank bituminous coal samples, and the pore–throat ratios corresponding to the main peak is relatively low. Sixth, the permeability of coal is in a positive correlation with porosity and an average throat radius, and in a negative correlation with an average pore–throat ratio, but in no obvious correlation with an average pore radius.