Experimental Analysis of Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Soft and Hard Coals With Same Coalification

Abstract Accurate and quantitative investigation of the physical structure and fractal geometry of coal has important theoretical and practical significance for coal bed methane and the prevention of dynamic disasters such as coal and gas outbursts. This study investigates the pore structure and fractural characteristics of soft and hard coals using nitrogen and carbon dioxide (N2/CO2) adsorption. Coal samples from Pingdingshan Mine in Henan province of China were collected and pulverized to the required size (0.2-0.25mm). N2/CO2 adsorption tests were performed to evaluate the pore size distribution (PSD), specific surface area (SSA), and pore volume (PV). The pore structure was characterized based on fractural theory. The results unveiled that the strength of coal has a significant influence on pore structure and fracture dimensions. The obvious N2-adsorption isotherms of the coals were verified as Type IV (A) and Type II. The shape of the hysteresis loops indicates the presence of slit-shaped pores. There are significant differences in SSA and PV between both coals. The soft coal showed larger SSA and PV than hard coal that shows consistency with adsorption capacity. The fractal dimensions of soft coal are respectively larger than that of hard coal. The greater the value of D1 (complexity of pore surface) of soft coal is, the larger the pore surface roughness and gas adsorption capacity is. The results enable us to conclude that the characterization of pores and fractures of soft and hard coals is different, tending to different adsorption/desorption characteristics and outburst sensitivity. In this regard, results provide a reference for formulating corresponding coal and gas outburst prevention and control measures.