Geological and reservoir modelling of coalbed methane in Karadon Region of Zonguldak Basin (Türkiye): A case study

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 177 Sayı: 177, 91 - 111, 15.08.2025

Muhammed Emin Bulguroğlu Sofiane Belhocine Mehmet Sıddık Kızıl , Turhan Ayyildiz Demet Banu Koralay

https://doi.org/10.19111/bulletinofmre.1692149

Öz

The Zonguldak Basin stands out as Türkiye’s primary hub for bituminous coal production alongside a notable coalbed methane content of mined coal seams. In this study, we are proposing for the first time an integrated approach of geological modelling, reservoir characterization, and production forecasting of one coalbed methane block within Zonguldak Basin to understand the potential of this unconventional resource. The study initiated with the development of a 3D geological model data from the Karadon coal mine. Results of several laboratory tests conducted on coal samples such as desorption capacity which is measured as 666.67 scf/ton is integrated into the model. A reservoir model was developed by incorporating gas composition, pressure-volume-temperature
(PVT) characteristics, and special core analysis (SCAL) data. A combination of 1,2,3,4 and 5 wells scenarios is proposed to figure out the best production solution adapted to the study area. As a
result, a 5-wells configuration also known as the “5 spot wells” layout is selected. Five wells will be in the same well pad but deviated 600 meters distance in target zones. Each well in the pad includes two frac stages at two separated coal and shale interbedded intervals. The final volumetric projection suggests a cumulative gas production estimates around 1.803 billion m3 from 5 wells,
which confirms the potential of coalbed methane as an important additional energy resource to Türkiye’s economy.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Coalbed methane , Zonguldak Basin , Geological Modelling , Reservoir Simulation , Production Forecast.

Etik Beyan

This paper represents a segment of the first author’s research and received support from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) through the 2214-A International Research Fellowship Program. We extend our gratitude to Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Turkish Hardcoal Enterprises for their invaluable data sharing and contributions throughout the study. Special thanks go to Ahmet Ergün Mengen, Rabah Boudissa, Ejder Erbay and Ali Baltaş their assistance and collaboration. We also acknowledge Schlumberger for providing the Petrel and Eclipse software and appreciate The University of Queensland for hosting and granting licenses for the software used in this research.

Destekleyen Kurum

This paper represents a segment of the first author’s research and received support from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) through the 2214-A International Research Fellowship Program. We extend our gratitude to Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Turkish Hardcoal Enterprises for their invaluable data sharing and contributions throughout the study. Special thanks go to Ahmet Ergün Mengen, Rabah Boudissa, Ejder Erbay and Ali Baltaş their assistance and collabora

Proje Numarası

(TÜBİTAK) through the 2214-A

Teşekkür

This paper represents a segment of the first author’s research and received support from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) through the 2214-A International Research Fellowship Program. We extend our gratitude to Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Turkish Hardcoal Enterprises for their invaluable data sharing and contributions throughout the study. Special thanks go to Ahmet Ergün Mengen, Rabah Boudissa, Ejder Erbay and Ali Baltaş their assistance and collaboration. We also acknowledge Schlumberger for providing the Petrel and Eclipse software and appreciate The University of Queensland for hosting and granting licenses for the software used in this research.

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