Conference Review | Niumag Analysis at the 2nd Coalbed Methane/Coal Rock Gas Exploration and Development Annual Conference: Low-Field NMR Technology Empowers Deep Coal Rock Gas Pore Characterization

At the opening of the ‘2nd Coalbed Methane/Coal Rock Gas Exploration and Development Annual Conference’ in Chengdu, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of urgency and excitement. As exploration and development push toward deeper strata, “deep coal rock gas” emerged as the most frequently mentioned keyword throughout the venue.

However, away from the grand strategic reports, whispered discussions could often be overheard in the rest areas and corridors: “The heterogeneity of deep coal reservoirs is too strong; the accuracy of conventional logging interpretation is insufficient.” “We have too few core samples; traditional mercury intrusion porosimetry destroys the sample, so how can we conduct subsequent experiments?”

These muted concerns from frontline researchers converged into an underlying narrative demanding resolution at this annual conference—the urgent need for a “microscope” to visualize the microscopic world in deep coal rock gas exploration.

There were no noisy promotions here—only a display table covered with technical brochures and engineers engaged in focused discussions.

A participant paused at the Niumag exhibition booth, browsing through the promotional materials on display. Pointing to a technical manual, he posed a question that had long troubled his team: “Our target layers are buried deep, with extremely complex micropore development. Although existing gas adsorption methods are classic, when dealing with complex pore structures, too many model assumptions often lead to data distortion. Is there a method that can accurately account for those ‘invisible’ pores without destroying the sample?” This question reflected not only his personal confusion but also a common pain point in deep coal rock gas research.

Facing this challenge, Niumag engineer did was not anxious to sell products. Instead, he showed a thick technical manual , flipped to a page, and pointed to a pore size distribution comparison chart, explaining: “Non-destructive, visualizable, multi-dimensional. For deep coal rock, the greatest advantage of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology is that it directly measures the fluid signals within the pores. No model assumptions are needed—we directly ‘count’ the pores. Whether micropores or macropores, wherever the fluid exists, the signal appears. Look at this chart, obtained using our technology. You can clearly see how we precisely characterize the micropore fraction that is often overlooked by traditional methods.”

At that moment, the exhibition booth transformed into a miniature academic seminar. Surrounding researchers leaned in, carefully examining the charts and data in the manual. A debate about “how to see clearly into the deep earth” found its technological anchor point here.

At this conference, Niumag Analysis brought not just instruments, but a comprehensive full-lifecycle solution tailored to the characteristics of coalbed methane and coal rock gas.

As the 2nd Coalbed Methane/Coal Rock Gas Exploration and Development Annual Conference successfully concluded in Chengdu, the scenes of technical exchange at the Niumag booth remain vivid. From the in-depth analysis of industry macro-strategies within the conference hall to the detailed discussions on coalbed methane-related issues at the booth, theoretical exploration and engineering practice achieved an organic connection at this event.

Although the conference has come to an end, the pace of innovation never stops. Niumag Analysis has systematically compiled the research pain points and needs gathered at the venue and will continue to deepen its expertise in low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. We understand that behind every precise data point lies the earnest expectation of researchers to unlock the mysteries of the underground labyrinth.

Exploring the Deep Earth, Niumag is Always Present.