Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States

Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-10-15

Total Pages: 239

ISBN-13: 0309162939

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In some coalbeds, naturally occurring water pressure holds methane-the main component of natural gas-fixed to coal surfaces and within the coal. In a coalbed methane (CBM) well, pumping water from the coalbeds lowers this pressure, facilitating the release of methane from the coal for extraction and use as an energy source. Water pumped from coalbeds during this process-CBM 'produced water'-is managed through some combination of treatment, disposal, storage, or use, subject to compliance with federal and state regulations. CBM produced water management can be challenging for regulatory agencies, CBM well operators, water treatment companies, policy makers, landowners, and the public because of differences in the quality and quantity of produced water; available infrastructure; costs to treat, store, and transport produced water; and states' legal consideration of water and produced water. Some states consider produced water as waste, whereas others consider it a beneficial byproduct of methane production. Thus, although current technologies allow CBM produced water to be treated to any desired water quality, the majority of CBM produced water is presently being disposed of at least cost rather than put to beneficial use. This book specifically examines the Powder River, San Juan, Raton, Piceance, and Uinta CBM basins in the states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The conclusions and recommendations identify gaps in data and information, potential beneficial uses of CBM produced water and associated costs, and challenges in the existing regulatory framework.


Book Synopsis Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States by : National Research Council

Download or read book Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-10-15 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In some coalbeds, naturally occurring water pressure holds methane-the main component of natural gas-fixed to coal surfaces and within the coal. In a coalbed methane (CBM) well, pumping water from the coalbeds lowers this pressure, facilitating the release of methane from the coal for extraction and use as an energy source. Water pumped from coalbeds during this process-CBM 'produced water'-is managed through some combination of treatment, disposal, storage, or use, subject to compliance with federal and state regulations. CBM produced water management can be challenging for regulatory agencies, CBM well operators, water treatment companies, policy makers, landowners, and the public because of differences in the quality and quantity of produced water; available infrastructure; costs to treat, store, and transport produced water; and states' legal consideration of water and produced water. Some states consider produced water as waste, whereas others consider it a beneficial byproduct of methane production. Thus, although current technologies allow CBM produced water to be treated to any desired water quality, the majority of CBM produced water is presently being disposed of at least cost rather than put to beneficial use. This book specifically examines the Powder River, San Juan, Raton, Piceance, and Uinta CBM basins in the states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The conclusions and recommendations identify gaps in data and information, potential beneficial uses of CBM produced water and associated costs, and challenges in the existing regulatory framework.

Advanced Reservoir and Production Engineering for Coal Bed Methane

Advanced Reservoir and Production Engineering for Coal Bed Methane

Author: Pramod Thakur

Publisher: Gulf Professional Publishing

Published: 2016-10-05

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 0128030968

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Advanced Reservoir and Production Engineering for Coal Bed Methane presents the reader with design systems that will maximize production from worldwide coal bed methane reservoirs. Authored by an expert in the field with more than 40 years of’ experience, the author starts with much needed introductory basics on gas content and diffusion of gas in coal, crucial for anyone in the mining and natural gas industries. Going a step further, chapters on hydrofracking, horizontal drilling technology, and production strategies address the challenges of dewatering, low production rates, and high development costs. This book systematically addresses all three zones of production levels, shallow coal, medium depth coal, and deep coal with coverage on gas extraction and production from a depth of 500 feet to upwards of 10,000 feet, strategies which cannot be found in any other reference book. In addition, valuable content on deep coal seams with content on enhanced recovery, a discussion on CO2 flooding, infra-red heating and even in-situ combustion of degassed coal, giving engineers a greater understanding on how today’s shale activities can aid in enhancing production of coal bed for future natural gas production. Delivers how to recover and degas deeper coal seams while lowering development costs Addresses both sorption process and irreducible fraction of gas in coal, with examples based on the author’s 40 plus years of direct experience Explains how the same techniques used for production from deep shale activity can produce gas from deep coal seems with the help of enhanced recovery, leading to increased gas production


Book Synopsis Advanced Reservoir and Production Engineering for Coal Bed Methane by : Pramod Thakur

Download or read book Advanced Reservoir and Production Engineering for Coal Bed Methane written by Pramod Thakur and published by Gulf Professional Publishing. This book was released on 2016-10-05 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Advanced Reservoir and Production Engineering for Coal Bed Methane presents the reader with design systems that will maximize production from worldwide coal bed methane reservoirs. Authored by an expert in the field with more than 40 years of’ experience, the author starts with much needed introductory basics on gas content and diffusion of gas in coal, crucial for anyone in the mining and natural gas industries. Going a step further, chapters on hydrofracking, horizontal drilling technology, and production strategies address the challenges of dewatering, low production rates, and high development costs. This book systematically addresses all three zones of production levels, shallow coal, medium depth coal, and deep coal with coverage on gas extraction and production from a depth of 500 feet to upwards of 10,000 feet, strategies which cannot be found in any other reference book. In addition, valuable content on deep coal seams with content on enhanced recovery, a discussion on CO2 flooding, infra-red heating and even in-situ combustion of degassed coal, giving engineers a greater understanding on how today’s shale activities can aid in enhancing production of coal bed for future natural gas production. Delivers how to recover and degas deeper coal seams while lowering development costs Addresses both sorption process and irreducible fraction of gas in coal, with examples based on the author’s 40 plus years of direct experience Explains how the same techniques used for production from deep shale activity can produce gas from deep coal seems with the help of enhanced recovery, leading to increased gas production

Coal Bed Methane

Coal Bed Methane

Author: Pramod Thakur

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2014-06-14

Total Pages: 440

ISBN-13: 0128010894

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Coal Bed Methane: From Prospect to Pipeline is the proceedings of the 25th anniversary of the North American Coal Bed Methane Forum. It provides the latest advancements in the production of coal bed methane covering a variety of topics, from exploration to gas processing, for commercial utilization. Additionally, it presents the origin of gas in coal, reservoir engineering, control of methane in coal mines, production techniques, water management, and gas processing. The vast coal resources in the United States continue to produce tremendous amounts of natural gas, contributing to a diverse range energy assets. Following a rapid advancement and subsequent plateau in technological developments, this book captures the full life cycle of a well and offers petroleum geologists and engineers a single source of a broad range of coal bed methane applications. This book addresses crucial technical topics, including exploration and evaluation of coal bed reservoirs; hydraulic fracturing of CBM wells; coal seam degasification; and production engineering and processing, among others. It also covers legal issues, permitting, and economic analysis of CBM projects. Edited by a team of coal bed methane experts from industry, academia and government who have more than 75 years of combined experience in the field Authored by well-recognized members of the gas and coal industry, universities, US government departments, such as the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) More than 200 figures, photographs, and illustrations aid in the understanding of the fundamental concepts Presents the full scope of improvements in US energy independence, coal mine safety, and greenhouse gas emissions


Book Synopsis Coal Bed Methane by : Pramod Thakur

Download or read book Coal Bed Methane written by Pramod Thakur and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2014-06-14 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coal Bed Methane: From Prospect to Pipeline is the proceedings of the 25th anniversary of the North American Coal Bed Methane Forum. It provides the latest advancements in the production of coal bed methane covering a variety of topics, from exploration to gas processing, for commercial utilization. Additionally, it presents the origin of gas in coal, reservoir engineering, control of methane in coal mines, production techniques, water management, and gas processing. The vast coal resources in the United States continue to produce tremendous amounts of natural gas, contributing to a diverse range energy assets. Following a rapid advancement and subsequent plateau in technological developments, this book captures the full life cycle of a well and offers petroleum geologists and engineers a single source of a broad range of coal bed methane applications. This book addresses crucial technical topics, including exploration and evaluation of coal bed reservoirs; hydraulic fracturing of CBM wells; coal seam degasification; and production engineering and processing, among others. It also covers legal issues, permitting, and economic analysis of CBM projects. Edited by a team of coal bed methane experts from industry, academia and government who have more than 75 years of combined experience in the field Authored by well-recognized members of the gas and coal industry, universities, US government departments, such as the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) More than 200 figures, photographs, and illustrations aid in the understanding of the fundamental concepts Presents the full scope of improvements in US energy independence, coal mine safety, and greenhouse gas emissions

Progressive Technologies of Coal, Coalbed Methane, and Ores Mining

Progressive Technologies of Coal, Coalbed Methane, and Ores Mining

Author: Volodymyr Bondarenko

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2014-08-11

Total Pages: 536

ISBN-13: 1138026999

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Presenting new technologies in underground coal extraction, with special attention to mine galleries support and maintenance, load mechanism of "massif-support system-safety system" systems, analysis of face equipment for thin coal seams mining and substantiation of rational stoping parameters. Advanced surface mining technologies of coal and ore are discussed in an original form, stability calculations of internal dumps and open-cut faces are presented, as well as examination of land surface subsidence using modern methods of calculation experiments. Special attention is given to the complex mining of mineral resources, such as: iron ore, coal deposits with drilling advance degassing wells, methane extraction from coal and anthropogenic deposits, heat receipt from mine water with help of thermal pumps. The unique geological conditions for mining in Poland and the Ukraine require a new technological approach for mining thin and very thin coal seams with thickness of 1 meter and less, using selective coal extraction methods, leaving rock behind in the mine. Relevant technological solutions are discussed in this volume. Further, technological process control during coal seams underground gasification is described together with pressure-temperature conditions of gas hydrates formation from gaseous mixtures of various content. Substantiation is also given to gas hydrates extraction technologies development and 21st century new pulse technologies of well drilling and a temperature mode of a rock-cutting tool and equipment with cryogenic-gravel filters is examined. Gas extraction processes located in flooded deposits with uniform and macroheterogeneous collectors are presented with the description of an effective methodology of two-subbench technology of ore deposits extraction.


Book Synopsis Progressive Technologies of Coal, Coalbed Methane, and Ores Mining by : Volodymyr Bondarenko

Download or read book Progressive Technologies of Coal, Coalbed Methane, and Ores Mining written by Volodymyr Bondarenko and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2014-08-11 with total page 536 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Presenting new technologies in underground coal extraction, with special attention to mine galleries support and maintenance, load mechanism of "massif-support system-safety system" systems, analysis of face equipment for thin coal seams mining and substantiation of rational stoping parameters. Advanced surface mining technologies of coal and ore are discussed in an original form, stability calculations of internal dumps and open-cut faces are presented, as well as examination of land surface subsidence using modern methods of calculation experiments. Special attention is given to the complex mining of mineral resources, such as: iron ore, coal deposits with drilling advance degassing wells, methane extraction from coal and anthropogenic deposits, heat receipt from mine water with help of thermal pumps. The unique geological conditions for mining in Poland and the Ukraine require a new technological approach for mining thin and very thin coal seams with thickness of 1 meter and less, using selective coal extraction methods, leaving rock behind in the mine. Relevant technological solutions are discussed in this volume. Further, technological process control during coal seams underground gasification is described together with pressure-temperature conditions of gas hydrates formation from gaseous mixtures of various content. Substantiation is also given to gas hydrates extraction technologies development and 21st century new pulse technologies of well drilling and a temperature mode of a rock-cutting tool and equipment with cryogenic-gravel filters is examined. Gas extraction processes located in flooded deposits with uniform and macroheterogeneous collectors are presented with the description of an effective methodology of two-subbench technology of ore deposits extraction.

Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States

Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-11-15

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 0309154324

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In some coalbeds, naturally occurring water pressure holds methane-the main component of natural gas-fixed to coal surfaces and within the coal. In a coalbed methane (CBM) well, pumping water from the coalbeds lowers this pressure, facilitating the release of methane from the coal for extraction and use as an energy source. Water pumped from coalbeds during this process-CBM 'produced water'-is managed through some combination of treatment, disposal, storage, or use, subject to compliance with federal and state regulations. CBM produced water management can be challenging for regulatory agencies, CBM well operators, water treatment companies, policy makers, landowners, and the public because of differences in the quality and quantity of produced water; available infrastructure; costs to treat, store, and transport produced water; and states' legal consideration of water and produced water. Some states consider produced water as waste, whereas others consider it a beneficial byproduct of methane production. Thus, although current technologies allow CBM produced water to be treated to any desired water quality, the majority of CBM produced water is presently being disposed of at least cost rather than put to beneficial use. This book specifically examines the Powder River, San Juan, Raton, Piceance, and Uinta CBM basins in the states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The conclusions and recommendations identify gaps in data and information, potential beneficial uses of CBM produced water and associated costs, and challenges in the existing regulatory framework.


Book Synopsis Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States by : National Research Council

Download or read book Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-11-15 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In some coalbeds, naturally occurring water pressure holds methane-the main component of natural gas-fixed to coal surfaces and within the coal. In a coalbed methane (CBM) well, pumping water from the coalbeds lowers this pressure, facilitating the release of methane from the coal for extraction and use as an energy source. Water pumped from coalbeds during this process-CBM 'produced water'-is managed through some combination of treatment, disposal, storage, or use, subject to compliance with federal and state regulations. CBM produced water management can be challenging for regulatory agencies, CBM well operators, water treatment companies, policy makers, landowners, and the public because of differences in the quality and quantity of produced water; available infrastructure; costs to treat, store, and transport produced water; and states' legal consideration of water and produced water. Some states consider produced water as waste, whereas others consider it a beneficial byproduct of methane production. Thus, although current technologies allow CBM produced water to be treated to any desired water quality, the majority of CBM produced water is presently being disposed of at least cost rather than put to beneficial use. This book specifically examines the Powder River, San Juan, Raton, Piceance, and Uinta CBM basins in the states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The conclusions and recommendations identify gaps in data and information, potential beneficial uses of CBM produced water and associated costs, and challenges in the existing regulatory framework.

Unconventional Petroleum Geology

Unconventional Petroleum Geology

Author: Caineng Zou

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2017-03-10

Total Pages: 508

ISBN-13: 0128122358

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Unconventional Petroleum Geology, Second Edition presents the latest research results of global conventional and unconventional petroleum exploration and production. The first part covers the basics of unconventional petroleum geology, its introduction, concept of unconventional petroleum geology, unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, and the origin and distribution of unconventional oil and gas. The second part is focused on unconventional petroleum development technologies, including a series of technologies on resource assessment, lab analysis, geophysical interpretation, and drilling and completion. The third and final section features case studies of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, including tight oil and gas, shale oil and gas, coal bed methane, heavy oil, gas hydrates, and oil and gas in volcanic and metamorphic rocks. Provides an up-to-date, systematic, and comprehensive overview of all unconventional hydrocarbons Reorganizes and updates more than half of the first edition content, including four new chapters Includes a glossary on unconventional petroleum types, including tight-sandstone oil and gas, coal-bed gas, shale gas, oil and gas in fissure-cave-type carbonate rocks, in volcanic reservoirs, and in metamorphic rocks, heavy crude oil and natural bitumen, and gas hydrates Presents new theories, new methods, new technologies, and new management methods, helping to meet the demands of technology development and production requirements in unconventional plays


Book Synopsis Unconventional Petroleum Geology by : Caineng Zou

Download or read book Unconventional Petroleum Geology written by Caineng Zou and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2017-03-10 with total page 508 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Unconventional Petroleum Geology, Second Edition presents the latest research results of global conventional and unconventional petroleum exploration and production. The first part covers the basics of unconventional petroleum geology, its introduction, concept of unconventional petroleum geology, unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, and the origin and distribution of unconventional oil and gas. The second part is focused on unconventional petroleum development technologies, including a series of technologies on resource assessment, lab analysis, geophysical interpretation, and drilling and completion. The third and final section features case studies of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, including tight oil and gas, shale oil and gas, coal bed methane, heavy oil, gas hydrates, and oil and gas in volcanic and metamorphic rocks. Provides an up-to-date, systematic, and comprehensive overview of all unconventional hydrocarbons Reorganizes and updates more than half of the first edition content, including four new chapters Includes a glossary on unconventional petroleum types, including tight-sandstone oil and gas, coal-bed gas, shale gas, oil and gas in fissure-cave-type carbonate rocks, in volcanic reservoirs, and in metamorphic rocks, heavy crude oil and natural bitumen, and gas hydrates Presents new theories, new methods, new technologies, and new management methods, helping to meet the demands of technology development and production requirements in unconventional plays

Coalbed Methane Extraction

Coalbed Methane Extraction

Author: Robert M. Davidson

Publisher:

Published: 1995

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13:

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This report reviews the extraction of methane from coalbeds as a resource in its own right and not as a mining hazard, emission or by-product.


Book Synopsis Coalbed Methane Extraction by : Robert M. Davidson

Download or read book Coalbed Methane Extraction written by Robert M. Davidson and published by . This book was released on 1995 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report reviews the extraction of methane from coalbeds as a resource in its own right and not as a mining hazard, emission or by-product.

Coal Bed Methane

Coal Bed Methane

Author: Pramod Thakur

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2020-04-17

Total Pages: 460

ISBN-13: 0128159979

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Coal Bed Methane: Theories and Applications, Second Edition, captures the full lifecycle of a coal bed methane well and offers petroleum geologists and engineers a single source for a broad range of coal bed methane (CBM) applications. The vast coal resources in the United States continue to produce tremendous amounts of natural gas, contributing to a diverse range of energy assets. This book addresses crucial technical topics, including exploration and evaluation of coal bed reservoirs, hydraulic fracturing of CBM wells, coal seam degasification, and production engineering and processing, among others. The book also covers legal issues and permitting, along with an economic analysis of CBM projects. This new edition includes information on new and established research and applications, making it relevant for field geologists and engineers, as well as students. Edited by a team of coal bed methane experts from industry, academia and government with more than 100 years of combined experience in the field Contains more than 150 figures, photographs and illustrations to aid in the understanding of fundamental concepts Presents the full scope of improvements in U.S. energy independence, coal mine safety and greenhouse gas emissions


Book Synopsis Coal Bed Methane by : Pramod Thakur

Download or read book Coal Bed Methane written by Pramod Thakur and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2020-04-17 with total page 460 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coal Bed Methane: Theories and Applications, Second Edition, captures the full lifecycle of a coal bed methane well and offers petroleum geologists and engineers a single source for a broad range of coal bed methane (CBM) applications. The vast coal resources in the United States continue to produce tremendous amounts of natural gas, contributing to a diverse range of energy assets. This book addresses crucial technical topics, including exploration and evaluation of coal bed reservoirs, hydraulic fracturing of CBM wells, coal seam degasification, and production engineering and processing, among others. The book also covers legal issues and permitting, along with an economic analysis of CBM projects. This new edition includes information on new and established research and applications, making it relevant for field geologists and engineers, as well as students. Edited by a team of coal bed methane experts from industry, academia and government with more than 100 years of combined experience in the field Contains more than 150 figures, photographs and illustrations to aid in the understanding of fundamental concepts Presents the full scope of improvements in U.S. energy independence, coal mine safety and greenhouse gas emissions

Coalbed Methane in India

Coalbed Methane in India

Author: Ajay Kumar Singh

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-01-30

Total Pages: 98

ISBN-13: 3319664654

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This book offers a first-of-its-kind, standalone review of coalbed methane (CBM) in India, covering all the major technical and policy aspects. As an authoritative text on CBM in India, it addresses the essential geological, engineering and policy issues. The Coalbed Methane industry is a rapidly developing sector in Indian energy supply. The book presents the characteristics of coal beds in India’s Damodar and Son river valleys, which influence the commercial viability of CBM in the regions, as well as a study of the gas contents of the country’s major coalfields. The book begins with a brief review of methane emissions from Indian coal mines and the current coalbed methane situation in the country. Its unique features include a coalfield-by-coalfield technical assessment of CBM throughout India. Policy matters are addressed, including the National Exploration Licencing Policy (NELP) of the Indian Government Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which is vital to an overall understanding of CBM development in the country. The scope and depth of its book’s coverage will benefit students, practising engineers, researchers and policy-makers.


Book Synopsis Coalbed Methane in India by : Ajay Kumar Singh

Download or read book Coalbed Methane in India written by Ajay Kumar Singh and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-01-30 with total page 98 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a first-of-its-kind, standalone review of coalbed methane (CBM) in India, covering all the major technical and policy aspects. As an authoritative text on CBM in India, it addresses the essential geological, engineering and policy issues. The Coalbed Methane industry is a rapidly developing sector in Indian energy supply. The book presents the characteristics of coal beds in India’s Damodar and Son river valleys, which influence the commercial viability of CBM in the regions, as well as a study of the gas contents of the country’s major coalfields. The book begins with a brief review of methane emissions from Indian coal mines and the current coalbed methane situation in the country. Its unique features include a coalfield-by-coalfield technical assessment of CBM throughout India. Policy matters are addressed, including the National Exploration Licencing Policy (NELP) of the Indian Government Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which is vital to an overall understanding of CBM development in the country. The scope and depth of its book’s coverage will benefit students, practising engineers, researchers and policy-makers.

Coalbed Methane: Scientific, Environmental and Economic Evaluation

Coalbed Methane: Scientific, Environmental and Economic Evaluation

Author: M. Mastalerz

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-09

Total Pages: 581

ISBN-13: 9401710627

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Coalbed gas has been considered a hazard since the early 19th century when the first mine gas explosions occurred in the United States in 1810 and France in 1845. In eastern Australia methane-related mine disasters occurred late in the 19th century with hundreds of lives lost in New South Wales, and as recently as 1995 in Queensland's Bowen Basin. Ventilation and gas drainage technologies are now in practice. However, coalbed methane recently is becoming more recognized as a potential source of energy; rather than emitting this gas to the atmosphere during drainage of gassy mines it can be captured and utilized. Both economic and environmental concerns have sparked this impetus to capture coalbed methane. The number of methane utilization projects has increased in the United States in recent years as a result, to a large extent, of development in technology in methane recovery from coal seams. Between 1994 and 1997, the number of mines in Alabama, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia recovering and utilizing methane increased from 1 0 to 17. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that close to 49 billion cubic feet (Bet) of methane was recovered in 1996, meaning that this amount was not released into the atmosphere. It is estimated that in the same year total emissions of methane equaled 45. 7 Bcf. Other coal mines are being investigated at present, many ofwhich appear to be promising for the development of cost-effective gas recovery.


Book Synopsis Coalbed Methane: Scientific, Environmental and Economic Evaluation by : M. Mastalerz

Download or read book Coalbed Methane: Scientific, Environmental and Economic Evaluation written by M. Mastalerz and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-03-09 with total page 581 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coalbed gas has been considered a hazard since the early 19th century when the first mine gas explosions occurred in the United States in 1810 and France in 1845. In eastern Australia methane-related mine disasters occurred late in the 19th century with hundreds of lives lost in New South Wales, and as recently as 1995 in Queensland's Bowen Basin. Ventilation and gas drainage technologies are now in practice. However, coalbed methane recently is becoming more recognized as a potential source of energy; rather than emitting this gas to the atmosphere during drainage of gassy mines it can be captured and utilized. Both economic and environmental concerns have sparked this impetus to capture coalbed methane. The number of methane utilization projects has increased in the United States in recent years as a result, to a large extent, of development in technology in methane recovery from coal seams. Between 1994 and 1997, the number of mines in Alabama, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia recovering and utilizing methane increased from 1 0 to 17. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that close to 49 billion cubic feet (Bet) of methane was recovered in 1996, meaning that this amount was not released into the atmosphere. It is estimated that in the same year total emissions of methane equaled 45. 7 Bcf. Other coal mines are being investigated at present, many ofwhich appear to be promising for the development of cost-effective gas recovery.