TITLE:
Recent Progress on Fracturing Fluid for Coalbed Methane in China
AUTHORS:
Yuheng Fan, Yang Xu, Zhilin Li, Ping Chen, Min Wang, Weichu Yu
KEYWORDS:
Coalbed Methane, Fracturing Fluid, Reservoir Damage, Adaptability
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.7,
July
20,
2026
ABSTRACT: Hydraulic fracturing is the most widely used stimulation technology for coalbed methane (CBM) development in China, and fracturing fluid performance directly impacts CBM development effectiveness. To address China’s CBM resource needs, this study reviews the performance, characteristics, and current applications of commonly used CBM fracturing fluids, including active water, cross-linked gel, clean, and foam systems. Drawing on recent domestic and international advances, we elucidate the technologies and characteristics of novel fracturing fluids—including liquid-gas, energy-enhancing, nano-, supramolecular, and variable-viscosity systems—and compare their respective advantages and disadvantages. We examine fluid-reservoir compatibility, identifying the need for further research on damage mechanisms to improve both fluid performance and reservoir compatibility. Finally, we analyze current challenges and propose improvement strategies, concluding that the future of fracturing fluids lies in high efficiency, environmental compatibility, low cost, and minimal formation damage.