Co. Karacan et E. Okandan, Fracture/cleat analysis of coals from Zonguldak Basin (northwestern Turkey) relative to the potential of coalbed methane production, INT J COAL, 44(2), 2000, pp. 109-125
In this study, the fracture structure of three coals (Sulu K-1, Acihk K-2 a
nd Cay Dogu Ayak) from two different seams in the Zonguldak Basin located o
n the Black Sea coast of Turkey have been analyzed in relation to coalbed m
ethane recovery. X-ray computerized tomography (CT), light microscopy image
analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis have been perform
ed on mine coal samples to have a better understanding of distribution of m
inerals, fracture morphology and apertures and matrix/fracture interactions
via examination of fracture surfaces.
Results show that the Acihk and Sulu coals seem to be structurally more pro
ne to be commercially productive. These coals show a high degree of fractur
ing and cleat development as evidenced by X-ray CT and light microscopy exa
mination of polished surfaces. Although the Cay Dogu Ayak coal shows a high
fracture density, the cleat surface morphology and smaller fracture apertu
res may make this coal unfavorable for gas flow. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science
B.V. All rights reserved.