China Petroleum Exploration ›› 2025, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (4): 118-138.DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2025.04.009

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Efficient Development Strategies and Engineering Practices for Deep Coalbed Methane Clustered Vertical–Deviated Wells: A Case Study of the Yichuan Well Area in the Daning–Jixian Block

Nie Zhihong, Wang Dezhi, Xiong Xianyue, Ji Liang, Zhou Changhui, Deng Yonghong, Wang Wei,Song Yinan, Huang Yangyang, Gao Xicheng, Xu Chengchao, Xing Xuejie   

  1. PetroChina Coalbed Methane Company Limited
  • Online:2025-07-15 Published:2025-07-15

Abstract: The development of deep coalbed methane using clustered vertical–deviated wells faces several challenges, including unclear productivity-controlling factors and significant variation in single-well production, which constrain the efficient utilization of deep coalbed methane resources in areas with multiple thin coal seams. To enhance single-well production, this study investigated 105 clustered vertical–deviated wells in the Daning–Jixian Block and systematically identified the key factors controlling productivity. Through single-factor analysis,11 geological and engineering parameters influencing productivity were clarified, among which resource abundance and reservoir fracability served as the geological foundation for high productivity. Multiple linear regression and a decision tree model were subsequently applied to identify four engineering-dominant factors: total proppant volume, fracturing pressure, shut-in duration, and post-fracturing assisted fluid flowback volume. Based on this, a high-productivity development pathway was established following the strategy of “deploy optimally–stimulate effectively –mitigate damage – boost efficiency.” An efficient development technology system was developed, centered on integratedgeological–engineering sweet spot identification, large-scale volume fracturing, rapid post-fracturing flowback, and multi-source energy synergy for enhanced drainage and pressure drawdown. This was supported by engineering organization strategies such as early-stage artificial lift deployment, staged surface facility construction, and multi-process coordinated execution, forming a full-lifecycle development model for clustered vertical–deviated wells. Field tests conducted on 9 wells in the Yichuan area demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology system, with average daily gas production per well increasing from 0.8×104 m3 to 1.8×104 m3, and EUR reaching 2000×104 m3. Reservoir pressure drawdown efficiency was improved significantly, and stable production capacity was notably enhanced. The results provide systematic technical support for efficient development of deep CBM in Yichuan and offer a reference path and practical basis for large-scale application of the technology in similar blocks.

Key words: deep coalbed methane, clustered vertical–deviated wells, productivity-controlling factors, high-productivity development pathway, efficient development technology system, engineering organization strategy

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