PROSPECT OF COALBED METHANE IN WORLD: RECOVERY & ENHANCEMENT

Dr. G. N. Halder Chemical Engg Department E-mail: gopinath_haldar@yahoo.co.in

 Coalbed methane (CBM) is a

form of natural gas extracted from coal beds. The methane entrapped into coal cleats in deep and unmineable coal seams is termed as Coalbed methane. It is an environment friendly clean fuel with properties similar to natural gas. Recovery of Coalbed Methane reduce greenhouse gas emission and concentration through CO2 sequestration.
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CBM is generated during coalification either from a biological process as a result of microbial action (biogenic methane, a by-product of bacterial respiration) or from a thermal process (thermogenic methane) as a result of increasing heat with depth of the coal and remains adsorbed in the internal surface of coal matrix. Often a coal seam is saturated with water, with methane is held in the coal by water pressure. Currently, natural gas from coal beds accounts for approximately 7% of total natural gas production in the United States.
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Coal Mine Methane (CMM)

Methane is released as a result of mining activity when a coal seam is mined out and if not controlled to prevent the accumulation of flammable mixtures of methane in air (5-15%) it presents a serious hazard. Gas drainage techniques are used to enable planned coal production rates to be achieved safely by reducing gas emissions into longwall mining districts to a flow that can be satisfactory diluted by the available fresh air. In some instances gas drainage is also needed to reduce the risk of sudden, uncontrolled emissions of gas into working districts. In well managed mines, in favourable geological and mining conditions, the methane concentrations in drained CMM can reach 70% or more.
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Coal Mine Methane (CMM)

CMM of such quality may be utilised. However, poorly drained mines will only achieve methane concentrations that are much lower, and may be too low for conventional utilisation purposes. Methane capture and its utilisation from coal mines is generally not practiced in India as current levels of coal production in gassy mines are generally achievable using ventilation controls but even where there may be some safety benefit there is some resistance to introducing gas drainage due to a lack of technology, expertise and experience. Additionally, there is the perception that CMM utilisation is not commercially viable.
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Ventilation Air Methane (VAM)

Methane released from coal seams into the ventilation air of the active coal mine is called Ventilation Air Methane (VAM). Concentrations of methane in the ventilation air is generally limited by law, for safety reasons, at 0.5 to 2% in different parts of a mine with variations depending on the country. Concentrations can be controlled by the volume of ventilation air circulated (dilution) or through special drainage (CMM). The concentration of methane in VAM is typically 0.8% or less and is too low for conventional utilisation purposes. However, technologies are being developed to remove the methane, and where additional gas is available to generate electricity using the thermal energy recovered.

Abandoned Mine Methane (AMM)

When an active coal mine is closed and abandoned, methane continues to be emitted from all the coal seams disturbed by mining, decaying gradually over time unless arrested by flooding due to groundwater recovery. Depending on the methane concentrations, local regulations and the geology it may be possible, or required for public safety reasons to continue draining or venting this Abandoned Mine Methane (AMM). AMM extraction and utilisation schemes aim to recover the gas left behind in unmined coal above and below goaf (worked-out) areas formed by longwall mining methods.

Abandoned Mine Methane (AMM)

The gas can either be transported by pipeline to a nearby user consumer for combustion in boilers or used on-site to generate electricity for local use or sale to the grid. A number of schemes are in place in countries such as the UK and Germany. No AMM schemes are in place in India and initial investigations show limited promise.

Virgin Coal Bed Methane (VCBM)

Coal Bed Methane (CBM) and Virgin Coal Bed Methane (VCBM) are terms conventionally used for methane drained and captured directly from the coal seams. CBM is generally reserved (in addition to its use as a generic term for all coal seam gas) to describe the gas produced from surface boreholes ahead of mining for coal mine safety and coal production reasons.

Virgin Coal Bed Methane (VCBM)

VCBM is produced by a similar process but completely independently of mining activity. Methane concentrations in VCBM are generally very high, around 99%, and can be used as a replacement for natural gas supplies.

Power generation Fertilizer, ceramics, steel industries Fuel for transport as CNG Domestic use for cooking Research and development

BENEFIT OF CBM
Reduction of green house gas emission as methane is a Kyoto controlled powerful greenhouse gas. It has a relatively short residence time in the atmosphere before it disappears. It has a very high global warming potential (GWP), 21 times that of CO2. Degassification of coal seam ahead of mining makes coal mining safe Development of downstream gas based industries. Generation of revenue for state as well as central govt. Development of new infrastructure in project site/ consumption centres Water produced from CBM wells can be utilized for irrigation or industrial consumption

BENEFIT OF CBM
Reduction of green house gas emission as methane is a Kyoto controlled powerful greenhouse gas. It has a relatively short residence time in the atmosphere before it disappears. It has a very high global warming potential (GWP), 21 times that of CO2. Degassification of coal seam ahead of mining makes coal mining safe Development of downstream gas based industries. Generation of revenue for state as well as central govt. Development of new infrastructure in project site/ consumption centres Water produced from CBM wells can be utilized for irrigation or industrial consumption

CBM is a valuable energy resource. The countries that have large CBM resources include:
United States India China Pakisthan South Africa Sri Lanka Russia Canada Bangladesh Australia

India has an appreciable number of CBM fields. These are:

Field Jharia coalfield
Raniganj

State

Bihar
West Bengal

East Bokaro Giridih Wardha Sohagpur North Karanpura

Jharkhand Bihar Maharashtra Madhyapradesh Bihar

STATEWISE CBM RESOURCES IN INDIA

CBM EXPLORATION IN INDIA

In India CBM exploration activity started in the early nineties. The first R & D well DU-1 drilled up to the depth of 1825 metres in Durgapur depression in the eastern extension of Raniganj Basin in 1995. The CBM exploration in Jharia coal field was started subsequently. One of the exploratory well i.e. Jharia-2 produced methane gas after prolonged testing. After having an encouraging result, the Government of India formulated a CBM policy in July, 1997 and awarded CBM blocks for exploration and exploitation through competitive global biding to different organizations

EXPLORATION STATUS OF CBM IN INDIA

 The presence of this gas is well known from its occurrence in underground coal mining, where it is stored inside the micropores of the coal (matrix). The open fractures in the coal (called the cleats) can also contain free gas or can be saturated with water. There are face cleat, butt cleat and natural fractures surrounding coal block matrix and pores, micro-pores within the coal block matrix.
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Theoretical Background of CBM Production

Production of CBM gas from Coal is controlled by a three step process 1. 2. 3. Diffusion of gas from the bulk to the surface Desorption of gas from the surface to the cleats/fracture and Flow of gas from cleats/fractures to the well bore.

Gas contained in coal bed methane is mainly methane and trace quantities of ethane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and few other gases. Intrinsic properties of coal as found in nature determine the amount of gas that can be recovered. These properties are: 1. Porosity 2. Adsorption capacity 3. Fracture permeability 4. Initial reservoir pressure
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5. Coal density 6. Initial gas phase concentration 7. Surface area

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POROSITY: The recovery of coal bed methane greatly depends on the porous structures, micro-pore volumes and porosity of the coal matrix. Because higher the pore-volumes and porosity, higher is the mass of gas adsorbed onto the surface, higher will be the methane desorption as well as recovery. The porosity of coal bed reservoirs is usually very small, ranging from 0.1 to 10%.
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ADSORPTION CAPACITY
Adsorption capacity of coal is defined as the volume of gas adsorbed per unit mass of coal usually expressed in SCF (standard cubic feet, the volume at standard pressure and temperature conditions) gas/ton of coal. The capacity to adsorb depends on the rank and quality of coal. The range is usually between 100 to 800 SCF/ton for most coal seams found in the US. Most of the gas in coal beds is in the adsorbed form. When the reservoir is put into production, water in the fracture spaces is pumped off first. This leads to a reduction of pressure enhancing desorption of gas from the matrix.

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FRACTURE PERMIABILITY:
Permeability is key factor for CBM. Coal itself is a low permeability reservoir. Almost all the permeability of a coal bed is usually considered to be due to fractures, which in coal are in the form of cleats and joints. The permeability of the coal matrix is negligible by comparison. Coal cleats are of two types: butt cleats and face cleats, which occur at nearly right angles. The face cleats are continuous and provide paths of higher permeability while butt cleats are discontinuous and end at face cleats.
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The fracture permeability acts as the major channel for the gas to flow. The higher the permeability, higher is the gas production. For most coal seams found in the US, the permeability lies in the range of 0.1 to 50 milliDarcies. The permeability of fractured reservoirs changes with the stress applied to them. Coal displays a stress-sensitive permeability and this process plays an important role during stimulation and production operations.
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INITIAL RESERVOIR PRESSURE

The CBM recovery is largely influenced by reservoir pressure. If the pressure is high initially then on depressurization, a potential amount of methane can be recovered as rate of adsorption and desorption are same at equilibrium.

COAL DENSITY

COAL DENSITY: If the coal density is high then the recovery process experiences trouble to extract CBM but on achieving the situation higher amount of methane can be released.

INITIAL GAS PHASE CONCENTRATION

Initial gas phase concentration always should be high so that depressurization at high pressure yields a significant amount of methane recovery. High pressure can lead to a mechanical damage to the system but if it is well controlled and the process tolerates the intense pressure then rate of extraction will be high.

SURFACE AREA

It is one of the most important parameters on which CBM recovery depends. Higher the surface area, higher is the mass of gas adsorbed, higher will be the volume of gas desorbed and CBM production.

1. Primary Treatment a) Reservoir Pressure Depletion or Dewatering 2. Secondary or Enhanced Treatment a) Pressure Swing Adsorption Desorption through gas injection 3. Tertiary Treatment-It is not commercially viable in Indian context.

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Primary CBM recovery is achieved by means of reservoir pressure depletion and accounts for approximately 1 Tcf/year (trillion cubic feet or 28 billion m3) of CBM production in India. The formation pressure is allowed to decline as gas is produced under its own energy or as water is pumped from the coalbed strata to reduce the hydrostatic pressure. Primary CBM production often leaves 50% or more of CH4 remaining in the coalbed. This method also limits flow to the well bore, delays CBM production and produces large quantities of water that must be disposed.

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CBM WELL DRILLING: VERTICAL DRILLING

CBM WELL
Relatively simple Wells Access to multiple coal seams through a single well Expected life of around 15 years Low pressure gathering systems Small footprint

CH4 gas adsorbed into coal seams. Gas held in coals by hydrostatic pressure Pumping water lowers the hydrostatic pressure and gas desorbs from the coals in cleats and fractures to flow to surface.

Relieve pressure to release methane by removing water

Typical CBM Well in Production

Gas Water

Production History of Methane with Time

Primary CBM recovery from coalbed strongly depends on the properties of coal. These include: coal type coal seam thickness desorption rate Permeability porosity diffusion coefficients water saturation and others.
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Divided under two partsa)Well Services b)Surface Well services have following parts WELL COMPLETION AND TESTING WELL STIMULATION WORKOVER

SURFACEIt involves all the process above the well head. It includes the well head, flow lines, the separators, the flare lines, the group gathering section.

Drilling is the process by which a hole is created in order to extract CBM from the coal seam. CARRIED OUT WITH THE HELP OF DRILL BIT. FOR CBM DRILLING IS DONE UPTO A DEPTH OF 1000 -1200 mts. TWO TYPES OF DRILLING ARE DONE VERTICAL DRILLING
HORIZONTAL DRILLING

To prevent the earth from caving in the process of cementation and casing is done. Casing- a) steel pipes of particular dia are used, each of 9 mt long. b) it prevents in blocking the hole drilled and also saves the the surrounding earth from getting contaminated.

Cementationa) a fixed amount of cement is used for filling the gap between casing and the coal seam. b) at a fixed pressure the cement is pushed inside the Casing so that it squeezes from the sides. Tubing- a production tubing is put which provides the annulus for the CBM to flow.

 The process by which coal seam is made permeable. Fractures are created by passing pressurized fluid through holes created in the casing. Hydro fracturing fluid is passed till the fractures are formed. These fractures provides a path way for the gasses to flow.

These are used for reducing the hydrostatic pressure of the well by dewatering. The pumps that are usually used are Sucker rod pump- for vertical drilling Progressive cavity pump- horizontal drilling Electrically submersible pump- horizontal drilling

Its basically a reciprocating pump. Used for vertically drilled wells. Some important partsBarrel and piston Valves

 Barrel- the barrel is a long cylinder, which can be from 10 to 36 feet long, with a diameter of 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches. Piston/plunger: its main purpose is to create a sucking effect that lifts the fluids beneath with the help of the valves, take the fluids above it and out of the well. It achieves this with a reciprocating up and down movement.

Valves- valve consist of seat and ball. There are two types of valves. Standing valve Traveling valve Standing valve- this is the fixed valve located at the bottom of the barrel. Traveling valve- this is located at the bottom of the piston.

o It consists of a stator and a rotor. The rotor is rotated using either a top side motor or a bottom hole motor. o The rotation creates sequential cavities and the produced fluids are pushed to surface. o They offer outstanding resistance to abrasives and solids. Some components of the produced fluids like aromatics can also deteriorate the stators elastomer.

 It works on the principle of centrifugal pump The whole of the pump along with the motor is sealed and submerged in the sump. Handles large quantities of fluids. These pumps are suitable for horizontal drilling.

Enhanced coalbed methane is accomplished by injection of a gas into the coal, which increases CBM production by reducing the partial pressure of CH4. Partial pressure is reduced either through the introduction of a low-adsorbing gas (CO2). This is called enhanced CBM recovery and involves displacement desorption or inert gas stripping. Since CO2 is a high-adsorbing gas, it displaces and desorbs the CH4, whereas an inert gas such as N2 flushes the CO2 and CH4 through the coalbed. Consequently, more CBM is desorbed from the coal matrix and the CBM recovery rate increases.
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Schematic of ECBM

What about Enhanced Gas Recovery ?

120 100

% Gas in Place

80 60 40 20 0 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Reservoir Pressure (psi)

A) Carbon dioxide B) Flue gas C) D.C. Generator exhaust D) Refinery Flare gas E) Nitrogen gas

Comparative Adsorption of CO2 and Methane

Studies conducted so far supports stronger affinity of CO2 to the coal molecule. Displacement of each methane molecule, 2 to 3 molecules of CO2. Methane sorption capacity for Indian coals have been investigated in CIMFR. Understanding controls on CO2 and CH4 adsorption in coals is important for the modeling of both CO2 sequestration and CBM production.

Adsorption Isotherm of CH4 and CO2

(South Karanpura Coalfield)

CH4 (Equi. Moist.) CH4 (daf) CO2(Equi.Moist.)

27 24
Adsorbed Gas (cc/g)

CO2(daf)

21 18 15 12 9 6 3 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Pressure (kg/cm 2)

Adsorption Isotherm of CH4 and CO2

(North Karanpura Coalfield)
27 24
Adsorbed Gas (cc/g)

CH4 (Equi. Moist.) CH4 (daf) CO2(Equi.Moist.) CO2(daf)

21 18 15 12 9 6 3 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Pressure (kg/cm 2)

Adsorption Isotherm of CH4 and CO2

(East Bokaro Coalfield)
30 27
Adsorbed Gas (cc/g)

CH4 (Equi. Moist.) CH4 (daf) CO2(Equi.Moist.) CO2(daf)

24 21 18 15 12 9 6 3 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Pressure (kg/cm 2)

Adsorption Isotherm of CH4 and CO2

(Jharia Coalfield)

CH4 (Equi. Moist.) CH4 (daf) CO2(Equi.Moist.) CO2(daf)

27 24
Adsorbed Gas (cc/g)

21 18 15 12 9 6 3 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Pressure (kg/cm 2)

Adsorption Isotherm of CH4 and CO2

(Raniganj Coalfield)

CH4 (Equi. Moist.) CH4 (daf) CO2(Equi.Moist.) CO2(daf)

27 24
Adsorbed Gas (cc/g)

21 18 15 12 9 6 3 0 0 10 20 30 40 50
2

60

70

80

90

Pressure (kg/cm )

Adsorption Isotherm of CH4 and CO2

(Barmer-Sanchor Basin )
27 24
Adsorbed Gas (cc/g)

CH4 (Equi. Moist.) CH4 (daf) CO2(Equi.Moist.) CO2(daf)

21 18 15 12 9 6 3 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Pressure (kg/cm 2)

CBM RECOVERY RATE

Sorption Characteristics of Coal

Methane/CO2 Exchange

Energy Scenario in India

Fuel
Coal Petroleum products Hydroelectric Nuclear & other resources

Percentage of Energy requirements met

51% 45% 2% 2%

Projected Gas Demand

CONCLUSION
The energy requirements in India are expected to grow at 5 to 6% per annum over the coming years to sustain the GDP growth of around 8%. To meet the challenges of Indias energy outlook, R&D initiatives should be taken for exploitation of the following alternate source: Coalbed methane Natural Gas Hydrate Shale gas Tight gas Underground Coal Gacification (UCG) Coal to Liquid (CTL)

Thanks for Your Kind Attention

Carbon dioxide can be stored in the underground layers of earth crust. The following types of storage reservoirs are distinguished: Empty natural gas fields (depleted gas reservoirs) Empty oil fields (depleted oil reservoirs) Remaining oil fields to explore with enhanced oil recovery (EOR) Deep unmineable coal seams Deep saline aquifers (water containing underground layers)

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 Carbon

dioxide capture processes can be divided into four main categories: Pre-combustion processes. The fossil fuel is converted to a hydrogen rich stream and a carbon rich stream. This is an option for integrated coal-fired combined cycle systems (IGCC) or natural gasfired combined cycle systems (NGCC). Post combustion processes. Carbon dioxide is recovered from flue gases.
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 Denitrogenation

processes: A concentrated carbon dioxide stream can be produced by the exclusion of nitrogen in the combustion process. Processes where pure streams of carbon dioxide are produced. Some industrial processes produce pure carbon dioxide, e.g. ammonia and hydrogen production. Adsorption process Photosynthesis process
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Preferential sorption behaviour of coal varies for different coals and is not similar for all coals. Thus, it may be crucial also that the nature of estimation of CO2 storage capacity of coal basins by injecting CO2 will also be varied for different coals depending on the following factors: a) Effect of Rank b) Maceral composition c) Effect of moisture content of coal d) Nature of porosity of coal