Effect of magmatic intrusion on coal pore characteristics and fractal research

The pore characteristics in magmatic intruded coals are closely related to the absorption-desorption and the flow of Coalbed Methane (CBM) in coal seams. Coal samples with different degrees of magmatic intrusion are tested using the method of mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). A number of parameters, such as the pore diameter, the volume, the connectivity and the specific surface area, are investigated. In addition, the fractal theory is introduced as a new approach to characterize the pore characteristics in intruded coals by calculating the fractal dimensions. The correlation between the fractal dimension and the inherent moisture content is also discussed. The results indicate that 1) when the coal approaches the magma, the pore size, the pore volume, the open pores and pore connectivity increase, but the total specific surface area exhibit decline trends; 2) the calculated fractal dimension can demonstrate the above characteristics; 3) a significant relationship between the inherent moisture content and the fractal dimension can be established. The research findings in this paper provide a useful fundamental knowledge to guide future studies of CBM development or gas outburst for intruded coals.