RECENT PROGRESS ON NUMERICAL RESEARCH OF KEY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS DURING UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION

Liu Yuewu; Fang Huijun; Li Longlong; Ge Tengze; Zheng Taiyi; Liu Danlu; Ding Jiuge

doi:10.6052/0459-1879-22-331

Article Contents

Article Navigation > Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics > 2023 > Corrected proof

Liu Yuewu, Fang Huijun, Li Longlong, Ge Tengze, Zheng Taiyi, Liu Danlu, Ding Jiuge. Recent progress on numerical research of key mechanical problems during underground coal gasification. Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 2023, 55(3): 365-381 doi: 10.6052/0459-1879-22-331

Citation:

Liu Yuewu, Fang Huijun, Li Longlong, Ge Tengze, Zheng Taiyi, Liu Danlu, Ding Jiuge. Recent progress on numerical research of key mechanical problems during underground coal gasification. Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 2023, 55(3): 365-381 doi: 10.6052/0459-1879-22-331

Citation:

Liu Yuewu, Fang Huijun, Li Longlong, Ge Tengze, Zheng Taiyi, Liu Danlu, Ding Jiuge. Recent progress on numerical research of key mechanical problems during underground coal gasification. Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 2023, 55(3): 365-381 doi: 10.6052/0459-1879-22-331

PDF( 3866 KB)

RECENT PROGRESS ON NUMERICAL RESEARCH OF KEY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS DURING UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION

doi: 10.6052/0459-1879-22-331

Liu Yuewu^{*, †},
Fang Huijun^{**, ††},
Li Longlong^{*, †
,
,},
Ge Tengze^{**, ††},
Zheng Taiyi^*,
Liu Danlu^{**, ††},
Ding Jiuge^*

*.
Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
†.
School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
**.
National Engineering Research Center of Coalbed Methane Co., Ltd., Beijing 100090, China
††.
PetroChina Coalbed Methane Co., Ltd., Beijing 100028, China

Received Date: 2022-07-22
Accepted Date: 2022-10-21

Available Online: 2022-10-22

Abstract

Abstract

Clean and efficient coal utilization becomes an important direction and new research topic under the dual-carbon background. Recently, underground coal gasification (UCG) develops very fast and shows great potential in this area. However, the laboratory and field experiments, which are usually used to investigate the gasification mechanisms and optimize the operating parameters, are quite expensive. Thus, there is a strong demand for the numerical approach that is low-cost, easy operation, and short-cycle. Currently, the numerical approach faces challenges in terms of mathematical modelling and numerical method for solving the nonlinear system because of the complexity of the gasification process. To deal with that, we have done the work as follows: clarified the materials and key problems in each space based on a detailed analysis and revealed the essence of the UCG; summarized four kinds of key mechanical issues including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, material mechanics, and chemical reaction kinetics; reviewed the development history of numerical research for key mechanical problems in detail and introduced the latest results; illustrated the status of engineering application of numerical research and pointed out the development trends. The work in this paper has positive theoretical significance for the development of the numerical technique for UCG and guiding the design and implementation of UCG trials in China.
- underground coal gasification,
- key mechanical problems,
- numerical research,
- mathematical model

FullText(HTML)

References(65)

References

[1]	Ma H, Chen S, Xue D, et al. Outlook for the coal industry and new coal production technologies. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2021, 5(2): 119-120 doi: 10.46690/ager.2021.02.01
[2]	刘曰武, 高大鹏, 李奇等. 页岩气开采中的若干力学前沿问题. 力学进展, 2019, 49(1): 201901 (Liu Yuewu, Gao Dapeng, Li Qi, et al. Mechanical frontiers in shale-gas development. Advances in Mechanics, 2019, 49(1): 201901 (in Chinese) doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-17-020
[3]	Betts AG. Method of utilizing buried coal. U. S. Patent No. 947608, filed 1906, issued 1910
[4]	Betts AG, Process of gasifying unmined coal. Canadian Patent No. 123068, filed 1909, issued 1910
[5]	Betts AG. An improved process for utilizing unmined coal. UK Patent No. 21674, filed 1909, issued 1910
[6]	Klimenko AY. 2-early developments and inventions in underground coal gasification. in: Underground Coal Gasification & Combustion, 2018: 11-24
[7]	Derbin Y, Walker J, Wanatowski D, et al. Soviet experience of underground coal gasification focusing on surface subsidence. Journal of Zhejiang University-Science A, 2015, 16(10): 839-850 doi: 10.1631/jzus.A1500013
[8]	Thorsness CB, Hill RW, Britten JA. Execution and performance of the CRIP process during the Rocky Mountain 1 UCG field test. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. , CA (USA), 1988
[9]	朱铭, 徐道一, 孙文鹏等. 世界煤地下气化的快速发展. 自然杂志, 2012, 34(3): 161-166 (Zhu Ming, Xu Daoyi, Sun Wenpeng, et al. Rapid progress of underground coal gasification in the world. Chinese Journal of Nature, 2012, 34(3): 161-166 (in Chinese)
[10]	马驰, 余力, 梁杰. 中国煤炭地下气化技术的发展. 中国能源, 2003, 158(2): 11-15 (Ma Chi, Yu Li, Liang Jie. Development of UCG of China. Energy of China, 2003, 158(2): 11-15 (in Chinese) doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1003-2355.2003.02.007
[11]	李怀展. 无井式煤炭地下气化岩层移动机理与控制研究. 江苏: 中国矿业大学, 2017 Li Huaizhan. Study on the Strata Movement Mechanisms and Control in UCG without Shaft. Jiangsu: China University of Mining and Technology, 2017 (in Chinese)
[12]	Kostur K, Blistanova M. The research of underground coal gasification in laboratory conditions. Petrol Coal, 2009, 51(1): 1-7
[13]	Kapusta K, Wiatowski M, Stanczyk K. An experimental ex-situ study of the suitability of a high moisture ortho-lignite for underground coal gasification (UCG) process. Fuel, 2016, 179: 150-155 doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2016.03.093
[14]	Gur M, Eskin N, Okutan H, et al. Experimental results of underground coal gasification of Turkish lignite in an ex-situ reactor. Fuel, 2017, 203: 997-1006 doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2017.03.008
[15]	Winslow AM. Numerical model of coal gasification in a packed bed. Symposium on Combustion, 1977, 16(1): 503-513 doi: 10.1016/S0082-0784(77)80347-0
[16]	Thorsness C, Grens E, Sherwood A. A one dimensional model for in-situ coal gasification. Tech. Rep. UCRL-52523, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 1978
[17]	Camp DW. Underground coal gasification research and development in the United States, Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC under contract No. DE-AC52-07 NA27344 with the U. S. Department of Energy. Editor: Michael S. Blinderman, Alexander Y. Klimenko, Underground Coal Gasification and Combustion, Woodhead Publishing, 2018: 59-127
[18]	Seifi M. Simulation and modeling of underground coal gasification using porous medium approach. [PhD Thesis]. University of Calgary, 2014
[19]	Khan MM, Mmbaga JP, Shirazi AS, et al. Modelling underground coal gasification: a review. Energies, 2015, 8(11): 12603-12668
[20]	Perkins G. Mathematical modelling of in situ combustion and gasification. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A:Journal of Power and Energy, 2018, 232(1): 56-73 doi: 10.1177/0957650917721595
[21]	Najafi M, Jalali SME, Khalokakaie R, et al. Prediction of cavity growth rate during underground coal gasification using multiple regression analysis. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, 2015, 2(4): 318-324
[22]	Dinsmoor B, Galland JM, Edgar TF. The modeling of cavity formation during underground coal gasification. Journal of Petroleum Technology, 1978, 30(5): 695-704 doi: 10.2118/6185-PA
[23]	van Batenburg D. Heat and mass transfer during underground coal gasification. [PhD Thesis]. Delft University of Technology, 1992
[24]	Coeme A, Pirard JP, Mostade M. Modeling of the chemical processes in a longwall face underground gasifier at great depth. Situ, 1993, 17(1): 83-104
[25]	Kreinin EV, Shifrin EI. Mathematical modeling of the gas generation process in a coal reaction chamber. Journal of Mining Science, 1995, 31(3): 230-236 doi: 10.1007/BF02047674
[26]	Perkins G, Sahajwalla V. Steady-state model for estimating gas production from underground coal gasification. Energy & Fuels, 2008, 22(6): 3902-3914
[27]	Perkins G, Saghafi A, Sahajwalla V. Numerical modeling of underground coal gasification and its application to Australian coal seam conditions//18th Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, 2001
[28]	Perkins G. Coupling dominant surface submodels and complex physical process computational fluid dynamics. The Anziam Journal, 2004, 45(45): 817-830
[29]	Seifi M, Abedi J, Chen Z. The analytical modeling of underground coal gasification through the application of a channel method. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 2013, 35(18): 1717-1727 doi: 10.1080/15567036.2010.531501
[30]	Kuyper RA. Transport phenomena in underground coal gasification channels. [PhD Theses]. Delft University of Technology, 1994
[31]	Perkins G. Mathematical modelling of underground coal gasification. [PhD Theses]. The University of New South Wales, 2005
[32]	Perkins G, Sahajwalla V. Modelling of heat and mass transport phenomena and chemical reaction in underground coal gasification. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2007, 85(3): 329-343 doi: 10.1205/cherd06022
[33]	Luo Y, Coertzen M, Dumble S. Comparison of UCG cavity growth with CFD model predictions//Seventh International Conference on CFD in the Minerals and Process Industries. Melbourne, Australia: CSIRO; 2009: 1-5
[34]	Luo Y. Computational fluid dynamics modelling of fluid flow and heat transfer for underground coal gasification//Hilton Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. “Chemeca 2010: Engineering at the Edge”, 26-29 September 2010: 675-687
[35]	Daggupati S, Mandapati RN, Mahajani SM, et al. Compartment modeling for flow characterization of underground coal gasification cavity. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2011, 50(1): 277-290
[36]	Daggupati S, Mandapati RN, Mahajani SM, et al. Compartment modeling and flow characterization in nonisothermal underground coal gasification cavities. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2012, 51(12): 4493-4508
[37]	Shirazi AS. CFD simulation of underground coal gasification. [PhD Thesis]. University of Alberta, 2012
[38]	Żogała A, Janoszek T. CFD simulations of influence of steam in gasification agent on parameters of UCG process. Journal of Sustainable Mining, 2015, 14(1): 2-11 doi: 10.1016/j.jsm.2015.08.002
[39]	Genuchten MT, Alves WJ. Analytical solutions of the one-dimensional convective-dispersive solute transport equation. US Department of Agriculture, 1982
[40]	Perkins G. Underground coal gasification–Part II: Fundamental phenomena and modeling. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 2018, 67: 234-274 doi: 10.1016/j.pecs.2018.03.002
[41]	Itasca. User's Manual, FLAC 7.0. Itasca Consulting Group Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA), 2014
[42]	Ekneligoda TC, Marshall AM. A coupled thermal-mechanical numerical model of underground coal gasification (UCG) including spontaneous coal combustion and its effects. International Journal of Coal Geology, 2018, 199: 31-38 doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2018.09.015
[43]	Advani SH, Lin YT, Shuck LZ. Thermal and structural response evaluation for underground coal gasification. Society of Petroleum Engineers Journal, 1977, 17(6): 413-422 doi: 10.2118/6152-PA
[44]	Yang L. Theoretical analysis of the coupling effect for the seepage field, stress field, and temperature field in underground coal gasification. Numerical Heat Transfer, Part A:Applications, 2005, 48(6): 585-606 doi: 10.1080/10407780490508115
[45]	Yang D, Sarhosis V, Sheng Y. Thermal–mechanical modelling around the cavities of underground coal gasification. Journal of the Energy Institute, 2014, 87(4): 321-329 doi: 10.1016/j.joei.2014.03.029
[46]	Akbarzadeh H, Chalaturnyk RJ. Sequentially coupled flow-geomechanical modeling of underground coal gasification for a three-dimensional problem. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 2016, 21(4): 577-594 doi: 10.1007/s11027-014-9583-2
[47]	Li H, Guo G, Zha J, et al. Research on the surface movement rules and prediction method of underground coal gasification. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2016, 75(3): 1133-1142 doi: 10.1007/s10064-015-0809-7
[48]	邹才能, 陈艳鹏, 孔令峰等. 煤炭地下气化及对中国天然气发展的战略意义. 石油勘探与开发, 2019, 46(2): 5-14 (Zou Caineng, Chen Yanpeng, Kong Lingfeng, et al. Underground coal gasification and its strategic significance to the development of natural gas industry in China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2019, 46(2): 5-14 (in Chinese)
[49]	Bhutto AW, Bazmi AA, Zahedi G. Underground coal gasification: From fundamentals to applications. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 2013, 39(1): 189-214 doi: 10.1016/j.pecs.2012.09.004
[50]	Samdani G, Aghalayam P, Ganesh A. A process model for underground coal gasification – Part-I: Cavity growth. Fuel, 2016, 181: 690-703 doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2016.05.020
[51]	Roberts DG, Harris DJ. A kinetic analysis of coal char gasification reactions at high pressures. Energy & Fuels, 2006, 20(6): 2314-2320
[52]	Wu G, Zagorak R, Thomas HR. Insights into solid-gas conversion and cavity growth during Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) through Thermo-Hydraulic-Chemical (THC) modelling. International Journal of Coal Geology, 2021, 237: 103711 doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2021.103711
[53]	Jowkar A, Sereshki F, Najafi M. Numerical simulation of UCG process with the aim of increasing calorific value of syngas. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, 2020, 7(1): 196-207
[54]	Jowkar A, Sereshki F, Najafi M. A new model for evaluation of cavity shape and volume during Underground Coal Gasification process. Energy, 2018, 148: 756-765 doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.01.188
[55]	Seifi M, Chen Z, Abedi J. Reaction rate constants in simulation of underground coal gasification using porous medium approach. Mitigation & Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 2016, 21(4): 645-662
[56]	Perkins G, Sahajwalla V. A mathematical model for the chemical reaction of a semi-infinite block of coal in underground coal gasification. Energy & Fuels, 2005, 19(4): 1679-1692
[57]	Sarraf Shirazi A, Karimipour S, Gupta R. Numerical simulation and evaluation of cavity growth in in situ coal gasification. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2013, 52(33): 11712-11722
[58]	Park KY, Edgar TF. Modeling of early cavity growth for underground coal gasification. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 1987, 26(2): 237-246
[59]	Sawyer WK, Shuck LZ. Numerical simulation of mass and energy transfer in the longwall process of underground gasification of coal//SPE Symposium on Numerical Simulation of Reservoir Performance, Los Angeles, California, 1976
[60]	Britten JA, Thorsness CB. The rocky mountain 1 CRIP experiment: comparison of model predictions with field data. Llnl-Ucrl-98642, or//Proc. 14th An. UCG Symp. , 1988: 138-145
[61]	Britten JA, Thorsness CB. A model for cavity growth and resource recovery during underground coal gasification. Situ, 1989, 13: 1-53
[62]	Nitao JJ, Camp DW, Buscheck TA, et al. Progress on a new integrated 3-D UCG simulator and its initial application. Llnl-Conf-50055//Proc. Int. Pittsburgh Coal Conf, Pittsburgh, September 2011
[63]	Camp DW, Krantz WB, Gunn RD. A water influx model for UCG with spalling- enhanced drying//Proc. 15th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engr. Conf. Seattle, August 1980, Amer. Inst. Aero. & Astronautics, paper 809256: 1304-1310
[64]	Camp DW, Nitao JJ, White JA, et al. A 3-D integrated multi-physics UCG simulator applied to UCG field tests. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States), 2017
[65]	Ye D, Liu G, Gao F, et al. A multi-field coupling model of gas flow in fractured coal seam. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2021, 5(1): 104-118 doi: 10.46690/ager.2021.01.10