Methane Mining Justin Anderson ChE 562 November 3, 2004

Overview Background Why Coal Bed Methane Extraction Output Design Considerations Summary

Methane Main constituent of natural gas Colorless Odorless Less dense than air

Coal Bed Methane Found in coal seams Absorbed on internal surface of coal 6 to 7% more than in natural gas reservoirs Produced as coal releases hydrogen Contained by surrounding water

Why Coal Bed Methane High demand for natural gas Must be ventilated Ease of recovery Relatively close to surface Locations are known Massive quantity 141 trillion ft 3 recoverable in 1999 >700 trillion ft 3 with advances in technology

Extraction Pilot Wells Determination of: Coal thickness Methane content Coal permeability Planning Maximization of: Production Field life Profitability

Output Dependent on: Thickness Lateral continuity Permeability Fracturing Cleats Depth of burial Barriers Impermeable layers Faults Folds

Generalized map of potential and current methane coal bed mines. Wasatch Plateau and San Juan Basin are 2 areas of current study.

Typical CMM Degasification Systems

Specific Degasification Systems Vertical Well Methane%20Reduction%20Options/red001.pdf

Specific Degasification Systems Gob Well Methane%20Reduction%20Options/red001.pdf

Specific Degasification Systems Horizontal Borehole Methane%20Reduction%20Options/red001.pdf

Coal Bed Drainage Costs

Implementation Model

Alternative Uses Co-firing in boilers District heating Coal drying Vehicle fuel Carbon black feedstock Methanol production Dimethyl ether production

Concerns Environmental Disposal of barrier water High TDS/L Pump back in Evaporation ponds Freezing Explosiveness Removal beneficial to coal miners

Summary of Benefits Reduced ventilation Worker safety Emissions Local utilization Heating and drying Increased profits High quality methane

References oalbed.html Methane%20Reduction%20Options/red001.pdf