1. Methane Mining Justin Anderson ChE 562 November 3, 2004

2. Overview Background Why Coal Bed Methane Extraction Output Design Considerations Summary

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

8. Generalized map of potential and current methane coal bed mines. Wasatch Plateau and San Juan Basin are 2 areas of current study. http://energy.cr.usgs.gov/oilgas/cbmethane/index.htm

9. Typical CMM Degasification Systems http://www.epa.gov/coalbed/overview.html

10. Specific Degasification Systems Vertical Well http://www.cmpdi.co.in/cbm/CBM%20papers/ Methane%20Reduction%20Options/red001.pdf

11. Specific Degasification Systems Gob Well http://www.cmpdi.co.in/cbm/CBM%20papers/ Methane%20Reduction%20Options/red001.pdf

12. Specific Degasification Systems Horizontal Borehole http://www.cmpdi.co.in/cbm/CBM%20papers/ Methane%20Reduction%20Options/red001.pdf

13. Coal Bed Drainage Costs

15. Implementation Model

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

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

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

20. References http://www.epa.gov http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/a/n/ans151/c oalbed.html http://energy.cr.usgs.gov http://www.gswindell.com http://www.cmpdi.co.in/cbm/CBM%20papers/ Methane%20Reduction%20Options/red001.pdf