煤炭地下气化关键特性多尺度研究进展

Review of key characteristics of UCG from a multi-scale perspective

  • 摘要: 煤炭地下气化(Underground Coal Gasification, UCG)作为一种清洁高效的煤炭开发利用技术,具有广阔的应用前景。从多尺度视角出发,系统探讨了UCG技术的“五多”特性(多相、多组分、多物理场耦合、多尺度、多流动模态)及其研究进展。在分子(纳米级)尺度上,通过试验和分子动力学模拟方法,揭示了煤炭热解和气化过程中的反应路径及机理,明确了气化剂类型、煤阶、灰分等因素对反应速率和产物组成的影响。在孔隙(微米~厘米级)尺度下,研究了高温和气化反应对煤体孔隙结构和物性演化的影响,在煤炭被加热的过程中,骨架逐渐软化,裂缝不断发育,孔隙相互连接,挥发分和焦油逐渐析出,强度持续降低。实验室(米级)尺度的研究通过构建与原位UCG相似的物理化学环境,开展物理模拟试验,重现了气化过程中的关键现象,如温度场、压力场变化、气化腔结构和气体产物生成,研究表明运行压力、气化剂注入方式、煤阶等因素对合成气热值和组分有显著影响。在矿场(百米~千米级)尺度下,数值模拟方法成为优化UCG方案的重要工具,热−力耦合和热−流−固−化耦合的数值模拟研究揭示了气化过程中气化腔体的稳定性、岩层变形、特征场发展、气化腔拓展以及合成气生成与运移规律,为优化UCG工艺参数、提高气化效率和安全性提供了理论支持。然而,UCG技术仍面临诸多挑战,包括“多相”“多组分”反应和赋存机理复杂、“多物理场”耦合特征的演化规律不清晰以及“多尺度效应”和“多流动模态”的综合影响。未来的研究应进一步加强多尺度下的基础研究,加强对超高温、高压、高应力环境下的多相多组分流体生成与运移过程探索,发展跨尺度关联方法,完善多物理场耦合机制,充分考虑多流动模态影响,综合考虑气化期高效生产与闭井期污染防控全周期协同影响,以推动UCG技术的工业化应用和可持续发展。

     

    Abstract: Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is a clean and efficient technology for coal exploitation and utilization with broad application prospects. From a multi-scale perspective, the research systematically explores the “five-multi” characteristics of UCG technology: multiphase, multicomponent, multi-physical field coupled, multiscale, and multi-flow mode, along with their progress. At the molecular (nanoscale) scale, reaction pathways and mechanisms during coal pyrolysis and gasification are revealed through experimental and molecular dynamics simulation methods, clarifying the impacts of gasification agent type, coal rank, and ash content. At the pore (micrometer to centimeter) scale, the effects of high temperature and gasification reactions on coal pore structure and physical property evolution are investigated. During coal heating, the matrix softens, fractures develop, pores interconnect, volatiles and tar release, and strength decreases. At the laboratory (meter-level) scale, physical simulation experiments recreate key phenomena during gasification, such as temperature and pressure field changes, gasification cavity structure, as well as syngas generation and flow, revealing the influence of factors like operating pressure, gasification agent injection method, and coal rank. At the minefield (hundred to kilometer) scale, numerical simulation methods are employed to optimize UCG schemes, revealing the stability of the cavity, rock deformation, characteristic field development, cavity development, and syngas generation and flow patterns. Despite its promise, Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) technology encounters several challenges, including intricate multiphase and multicomponent reaction and flow mechanisms, ambiguous patterns of multi-physical field coupling, and the interplay of multiscale effects and multi-flow modes. To advance this technology, future research endeavors should emphasize enhancing fundamental research across various scales. This includes investigating the production and migration processes of multiphase and multicomponent fluids in extreme conditions, developing methods for cross-scale correlation, refining multi-physical field coupling mechanisms, accounting for multi-flow-mode influences and comprehensively considering the synergistic impact of the full cycle of efficient production during the gasification period and pollution prevention and control during the shut-in period. By addressing these areas, the industrial application and sustainable development of UCG technology can be facilitated.

     

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