How to solve the technical problems in CBM development: A case study of a CBM gas reservoir in the southern Qinshui Basin

Abstract The low average single-well production, resulting in low economic benefit, has become the main bottleneck of CBM development in China. In view of this issue, through case study of a CBM gas reservoir in the southern Qinshui Basin, we summarized the present status of CBM technology and development there and also pointed out some major problems in CBM development: (1) the engineering technology for the CBM development needs to adapt to the particular geological characteristics; (2) a large number of inefficient zones still exist in mature blocks in the southern Qinshui Basin; (3) single-well production can not be effectively enhanced only by increasing the fracturing scale; (4) the production of multi-lateral wells is higher, but the fulfillment rate of production capacity overall is still low; and (5) on-site management lacks scientific evidence. On this basis, we present the following suggestions for subsequent coalbed gas development: (1) the production construction mode should be changed, and the fulfillment rate of production capacity construction should be improved; (2) CBM geological research should be improved and well types and locations should be designed reasonably and scientifically; (3) main technologies should be built in a dialectical thinking mode; (4) horizontal well design should be optimized to improve the applicability of relevant technologies; (5) fracturing mode should be changed to improve single-well production; and (6) the drainage technology should be changed to improve economic efficiency.