Waterless and Low-Water Fracturing Technologies for Coalbed Methane Extraction: A Review
Abstract
Coalbed methane is a critical global unconventional natural gas resource, but traditional water-based fracturing faces challenges such as water scarcity and reservoir damage. This paper reviews 10 waterless/low-water fracturing technologies, including foam fracturing and supercritical CO 2 fracturing, analyzing their mechanisms, advantages, limitations, and field applications. Results indicate that technology selection adheres to the “performance-technology matching” principle, adapting to coal rank, reservoir properties, and in situ stress. Waterless technologies conserve water and generate no wastewater, while low-water technologies reduce water consumption. Future development should focus on material innovation, numerical simulation optimization, and large-scale field trials to promote sustainable applications.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Hydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir Analysis
Coal Properties and Utilization
Atmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Energy & Fuels
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 40
- Issue
- 16
- Pages
- 8628–8651
- Publication date
- 13 April 2026
- Language
- EN