Key Methane Recovery from Coalbeds Projects - DOE's Unconventional Gas Research Programs 1976-1995




DOE's Unconventional Gas Research Programs 1976-1995 SOURCE: U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

3.3.3. Key Methane Recovery from Coalbeds Projects

Listed below are the key MRCP projects undertaken during the 1978-1982 time frame.

The primary Technical Project Manager for the Methane Recovery from Coalbeds program during this time period was Charles W. Byrer. Other key technical project officers included: H.D. Shoemaker, John Duda, A.E. Hunt and Rodney Malone.

Technical and Commercial Feasibility of Utilizing Gas from Coalbeds and Devonian Shale for the Purposes of Community and Rural Development
Contracts: DC-FG01-79RA-33101
Performer: American Public Gas Association (APGA) and Gustavson Associates
Key Investigators: Arie Verrips, John Gustavson
Time Period: 1979+
Objectives: The objective was to drill coal and shale wells in a variety of states to demonstrate the economic feasibility of producing gas from such formations for rural utilities.

An Evaluation of the Effect of Methane Adsorption/Desorption in Well Tests on Coal Beds
Contracts: DE-AH21-85MC03193
Performer: University of Pittsburgh
Key Investigators: Alan A. Reznik, Gary A. Bayles
Time Period: 1985
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of methane desorption or adsorption on the analysis of pressure drawdown and build up data, respectively, during well testing on coal beds. The overall objective was to provide an analytical or semi-analytical method for determining the net permeability, area of drainage, reservoir shape, and deliverability of coalbed methane reservoirs, in order to provide a rapid method of assessment of coalbed methane as a potential energy source.

Carbon Dioxide for Methane Production Enhancement
Contracts: DE-FG21-80MC14262
Performer: University of Pittsburgh
Key Investigators: Alan A. Reznik
Time Period: 1980-1982
Objectives: To determine the feasibility of using carbon dioxide to optimize in situ production of methane from coal.

Measurement of Dynamic Reservoir Conditions
Contracts: DE-AC21-82MC-19404
Performer: U.S. Steel Corp. (Monroeville, PA)
Key Investigators: Charles M. Boyer II
Time Period: 1982 – 1985
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of hydraulic fracture stimulations of coal seams by:

Drilling a single-zone coalbed methane well in the Warrior Coal Basin (Blue Creek Coal) of Alabama,
Performing static and dynamic reservoir tests to determine the reservoir properties of the target coal seam and the surrounding formations,
Performing additional dynamic reservoir tests following stimulation to determine the effectiveness of treatment, and
Mining out the coal seam in the wellbore area to directly observe and evaluate the induced fracture geometry.

Coalbed Methane Stimulation Analysis
Contracts: NA
Performer: METC In-house researchers
Key Investigators: G. Covatch, A. W. Layne
Time Period: 1979+
Objectives: The objective was to improve coal seam hydraulic fracturing techniques by improving the understanding of stimulation treatments. This was to be accomplished through examination of data from mine excavations, performing Nolte Analyses, and employing METC stimulation modeling codes.

Coalbed Methane Geostatistical Analysis Project
Contracts: NA
Performer: METC In-house researchers
Key Investigators: James C. Mercer
Time Period: 1979+
Objectives: The objective was to identify correlations between geologic parameters and gas production for wells completed in the Oak Grove (U.S. Steel) field in Alabama, by categorizing the wells based on production data and then constructing a set of classification criteria for predicting performance.

Evaluation of Data from Unmined Coal Seams
Contracts: DE-AC21-79MC10641, DE-AC21-80MC14255
Performer: Intercomp, Inc.
Key Investigators: H.S. Price
Time Period: 1979 – 1982
Objectives: To reduce the uncertainties in the critical parameters related to methane recovery from unmined U.S. coalbeds: thickness, permeability, pressure, gas content, relative permeability, hydraulic fracture length and hydraulic fracture conductivity.

Evaluation of Colorado Coal Bed Methane Potential
Contracts: DE-FG21-80MC14256
Performer: Colorado Geological Survey
Key Investigators: L.R. Ladwig
Time Period: 1978 – 1981+
Objectives: To provide technical assistance and support for resource delineation activities in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain area, including: selecting, evaluating and recommending drill test sites; synthesizing and summarizing pertinent geological information; monitoring industry activity and determining potential for cooperative agreements for testing, performing well-site geology supervision, and performing methane desorption of samples.

Evaluation of Utah Coalbed Methane Potential
Contracts: DE-FG-21-79MC11729
Performer: Utah Geological and Mineral Survey
Key Investigators: A.D. Smith
Time Period: 1979 – 1981+
Objectives: To provide technical assistance and support for resource delineation activities in the state of Utah, including the collection of available coal core samples for desorption of methane, preparation of a new Utah coal map based on the collection of data on coal depth, formation, interval, zone/bed, location and coal description.

Evaluation of Southern Coalfields
Contracts: DE-AC21-78MC08089
Performer: Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University
Key Investigators: C.T. Rightmire (TRW)
Time Period: 1979 – 1980
Objectives: To determine methane production potential of Southern coalfields, with an emphasis on coal seams that are currently unmined, unlikely to be mined in the near future or unminable.

Resource and Site Characterization
Contracts: DE-AC21-78MC08089 (Task 2)
Performer: TRW Energy Systems Planning Division
Key Investigators: various
Time Period: 1979 – 1983
Objectives: To develop technology for the extraction and utilization of methane from coalbeds

Reservoir Fracturing and Mining Through Fractured Areas
Contracts: DE-AC21-78MC08089
Performer: Pennsylvania State University
Key Investigators: C.T. Rightmire (TRW)
Time Period: 1979 – 1980
Objectives: To evaluate the recovery of methane from fractured coal deposits and the impact of fracture stimulation on the subsequent mining of coal.

Effect of Predrainage Stimulation Techniques on Coal Recovery
Contracts: DE-AC21-78MC08089
Performer: Colorado School of Mines
Key Investigators: C.T. Rightmire (TRW)
Time Period: 1979 – 1980
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of premining methane drainage stimulation techniques on later coal recovery operations.

Fracture Mechanics
Contracts: DE-AT21-79MC11284
Performer: West Virginia University
Key Investigators: W.R. Powell
Time Period: 1979 – 1983
Objectives: To acquire fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fracture initiation and growth in coal. Tasks included:

Quantifying the fracture toughness of coal,
Identifying directions of natural weakness,
Experimentally measuring the interactions of stresses, directions of weakness and fracture orientation,
Determining influence of liquid flow rates, viscosity and stimulated tectonic stresses on the propagation of induced fractures,
Developing models for the mechanical behavior of coal,
Experimentally examining fractures to propagate across joints and boundaries, and
Comparing fracture properties of coal with those of well-studied formations.

Development and Evaluation of Near Mine Stimulation Techniques for Coalbed Degasification
Contracts: DE-AC01-80ET14205
Performer: Dames and Moore
Key Investigators: D.J. Steele
Time Period: 1980 – 1982
Objectives: To gather information pertaining to the hydraulic stimulation process and supply the mining industry with a sound basis for decisions. Specifically, perform underground measurements and inspection of areas affected by stimulation treatment, determination of changes in mine roof integrity, and refinement of stimulation treatment design.

Investigation of Pore Structure Effects in Methane Released from Coal
Contracts: DE-AC21-78MC08089
Performer: University of New Mexico
Key Investigators: C.T. Rightmire (TRW)
Time Period: 1980 – 1982
Objectives: Field and laboratory studies to determine the validity of the “chip desorption” technique and to investigate the effects of pore structure in methane release from coal. Investigators collected coal cuttings from rotary drill and core drill mud and measured gas desorption rate. Investigators also performed physical characterization of coal samples and chromatic determination of micropore and marcopore diffusion coefficients.

Long Horizontal Holes (Active Mine Test Project, Buchanan Co., Virginia)
Contracts: DE-AC21-78MC08089
Performer: Occidental Research Corp.
Key Investigators: N.F. McGinnis (TRW)
Time Period: 1979 – 1981
Objectives: To develop a technique for recovery of methane from long horizontal holes drilled from within a mine, and for practical use of recovered methane.

Multiple Vertical Borehole Degasification Test Project (Jefferson Co., Alabama)
Contracts: ET-75-C-01-9027
Performer: U.S. Steel Corporation
Key Investigators: J.S. Wallace
Time Period: 1975 – 1980+
Objectives: To develop the capability of removing coalbed gas using a pattern of vertical boreholes, and to demonstrate this method’s compatibility with the process of mining coal.

Directional Drilling for Degasification of the Pittsburgh Coalbed (Greene Co., Pennsylvania)
Contracts: ET-77-C-01-8891
Performer: Harold F. Scott (Bridgeville, PA)
Key Investigators: H. F. Scott
Time Period: 1977 – 1983
Objectives: To demonstrate the capability of using directional drilling techniques to drill long, horizontal methane drainage holes in coalbeds from a surface location to reduce the explosion hazard of methane/air mixtures during mining.

Vertical Drilling to Degasify the Jawbone Coalbed (Dickenson Co., Virginia)
Contracts: ET-77-C-01-9151
Performer: Clinchfield Coal Company
Key Investigators: T. Wallace
Time Period: 1977 – 1982
Objectives: To determine the feasibility of using vertical boreholes to drain methane gas from the Jawbone coalbed and to evaluate the relationship of borehole spacing on gas drainage rates.

Multiple Completion Development Test Project (Greene Co., Pennsylvania)
Contracts: DE-AC21-78MC08089
Performer: Waynesburg College
Key Investigators: N. F. McGinnis (TRW)
Time Period: 1979 – 1980
Objectives: To develop and demonstrate a multiple completion technique system, with consideration for the variable need for dewatering of each distinct zone, and for the utilization of the recovered methane in a local distribution pipeline.

Book Cliffs Coalfield Production Test Project
Contracts: DE-AC21-78MC10734
Performer: Mountain Fuel Supply Company (Salt Lake City, UT)
Key Investigators: R. L. Coates
Time Period: 1979 – 1983
Objectives: To determine effective extraction techniques for recovery and utilization of coalbed methane from deep (umined) horizons in the Uinta Basin, Carbon Co., Utah. Tasks involved drilling a series of vertical wells, hydraulically fracturing the wells, monitoring reservoir performance, developing completion techniques, and perfecting predictive reservoir modeling of methane production.

Formation and Retention of Methane in Coal
Contracts: DE-FG22-88PC88939
Performer: University of Utah
Key Investigators: V.J. Huck and D. M. Bodily.
Time Period: 1992
Objectives: Study the formation and retention of methane in ten Utah coal samples, one Colorado coal sample and eight samples from the Argonne Premium Coal Sample Bank. Commercialization of Waste Gob Gas and Methane Produced in Conjunction with

Coal Mining Operations
Contracts: DE-FG21-92MC29254
Performer: Resource Enterprises, Inc.
Key Investigators: various
Time Period: 1993
Objectives: Evaluate various gas conversion and enrichment processes for using gas recovered from longwall mining activity.

Variation in Quantity of Methane Adsorbed by Selected Coals as Function of Coal Petrology and Chemistry
Contracts: DE-AC21-80MC14219
Performer: GeoChem Research Inc.
Key Investigators: R.R. Schwarzer
Time Period: 1982
Objectives: To evaluate the methane adsorption capacity of 100 coal samples in relation to their chemical and petrological parameters using a multivariate statistical strategy. This was to be done in an effort to better understand the methane adsorption/desorption process and determine methods for improving methane release from coal.

Methane Utilization from Coalbeds
Contracts: DE-AC21-77ET13133
Performer: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
Key Investigators: various
Time Period: 1979 – 1981
Objectives: To demonstrate the technical feasibility of using coalbed methane locally for power generation.

Selected key reports and publications related to the research carried out during these contracts are listed in Table 3.3.1 and scanned copies are included on the CD.

Table 3.3.1: List of Major Research Reports for MRCP (1978-1982).

Also available in ..

Title
--------------------------------------- Authors
------------------------- Organization
--------------------------- Date
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An Evaluation of the Effect of Methane Adsorption/Desorption in Well Tests on Coal Beds (Final Technical Report) Bayles, G.A.; Reznik, A.A. University of Pittsburgh 1986 Sep

Chip desorption and pore-structure effects in methane release from coal. Final report (Vol. 1 of 2) Williams, F.L. University of New Mexico 1983 Jan

Chip desorption and pore-structure effects in methane release from coal. Final report (Vol. 2 of 2) Williams, F.L. University of New Mexico 1983 Jan

Coal Mine Natural Gas Power Generation (Phase II Final Report) Soot, P.M. Northwest Fuel Development

Coalbed Methane (Topical Report) METC 1984 Dec

Coalbed Methane Desorption Data Colorado Geological Survey 1983

Coalbed Methane Geostistical Analysis Project (Final Report) Caceres, F.; Pratt, S.; Robey, E.; Wojewodka, R. 1985 Jul

Coalbed methane modeling analysis (Technical Note) Covatch, G.L. ; Layne, A.W. ; Salamy, S.P. METC 1985 Dec

Coalbed Methane Production Case Histories TRW Energy Systems 1981 Feb

Coalbed methane recovery and utilization in the United States METC 1983 Dec

Coalbed methane: Technology status report METC 1986 Jan

Coalbed methane: Technology status report METC 1987 Jan

Coalbed/Devonian Shale Degasification Project (Vol. 1: Exec. Summary) Gustavson Associates 1986 Nov

Coalbed/Devonian Shale Degasification Project (Vol. 2: Project Summary) Gustavson Associates 1986 Nov

Coalbed/Devonian Shale Degasification Project (Vol. 3: Application Guide for Small Utility) Gustavson Associates 1986 Nov

Coalbed/Devonian Shale Degasification Project (Vol. 4: How To Manual: Well Feasibility and Installation) Gustavson Associates 1986 Nov

Demonstration Project for Methane Recovery from Unmineable Coalbeds (Final Report) Allred, L.D. Mountain Fuel Supply Co. 1982 Aug

Desorbed Gas Measurement System Design and Application TRW Energy Systems 1981 Mar

Development potential of coalbed methane in the Warrior Coal Basin of Alabama (Chapters 1, 2, and 3) University of Alabama 1984 May

Development potential of coalbed methane in the Warrior Coal Basin of Alabama (Chapters 4, 5, and 6) University of Alabama 1984 May

Economic Analysis of Vertical Wells for Coalbed Methane Recovery Gillies, A.; Snygg, A.; Fox, W. TRW Energy Systems 1981 Mar

Evaluation of a Coalbed Degasification Production Test Intercomp Resource Development and Engineering, Inc. 1979 Aug

Evaluation of Data Gathered from Unminable Coal Seams Intercomp Resource Development and Engineering, Inc. 1982 Jun

Evaluation of gas bearing coal seams Rieke, H.H. ; Rightmire, C.T.; Fertl, W.H. TRW, Dresser Atlas 1979

Formation and Retention of Methane in Coal (Final Report) Hucka, V.J.; Bodily, D.M.; Huang, H. University of Utah 1992 May

Geologic overview, coal and coalbed methane resources of Raton Mesa Region, CO and NM Jurich, D. TRW Energy Systems

Geologic overview, coal and coalbed methane resources of the Arkoma Basin, Arkansas and Oklahoma Rieke, Herman H. TRW Energy Systems

Geologic overview, coal and coalbed methane resources of the Warrior Basin, AL and MS Hewitt, J.L. TRW Energy Systems

Geologic overview, coal and coalbed methane resources of Wind River Basin Rieke, Herman H. TRW Energy Systems 1981 Mar

Geologic overview, coal deposits, and potential for methane recovery from coalbeds, Piceance Basin, CO Choate, Raoul; Jurich, David; Saulnier Jr., George J. TRW Energy Systems 1981 Mar

Geologic overview, coal deposits, and potential for methane recovery from coalbeds, Powder River Basin Choate, Raoul; Johnson, Carol TRW Energy Systems

Geologic overview, coal deposits, and potential for methane recovery from coalbeds, Uinta Basin, UT and CO Adam, M. A., Kirr, J. N. TRW Energy Systems 1980 Dec

Geologic overview, coal resources, and potential methane recovery from coalbeds, Central Appalachian Basin, MD, WV, VA, KY, TN Adams, M.A. TRW Energy Systems 1982 Jun

Geologic overview, coal resources, and potential methane recovery from coalbeds, Northern Appalachian Coal Basin, PA, OH, MD, WV, KY Adams, M.A., Eddy, G.E., Hewitt, J.L., Kirr, J.N., Rightmire, C.T. TRW Energy Systems 1982 Nov

Measurement of Dynamic Coalbed Reservoir Conditions Required to Design Near-Mine Methane Control Activities in the Warrior Basin Boyer, C.M.; Stubbs, P.B. US Steel Corp. 1983 Feb

Measurement of Dynamic Reservoir Conditions, Volume 1. Final Report Boyer, C.M.; Briscoe, F.H.; Camp, B.S.; et al. US Steel Corp. 1986 Dec

Methane Drainage Ahead of Mining Using Foam Stimulation, Mary Lee Coalbed, Alabama Lambert, Stephen W.; Trevits, Michael A. US DOE 1979

Methane Drainage in Advance of Mining Through Horizontal Boreholes (Final Report for Apr 1979-Dec 1980) Von Schonfeldt, H. Occidental Research Corp. for TRW 1981 Mar

Methane Drainage with Horizontal Boreholes in Advance of Longwall Mining (Tech and Economic Feasibility)- Final Report Gabello, D.P.; Felts, L.L.; Hayoz, F.P. TRW Energy Systems 1981 Mar

Methane Drainage: Experience With Hydraulic Stimulation Through Slotted Casing Lambert, Stephen W.; Trevits, Michael A. DOI-USBM 1978

Methane from Coalbeds Collection and Utilization Systems TRW Energy Systems 1981 May

Methane Gas from Coalbeds-Development, Production and Utilization MERC 1978 Apr

Methane Potential from Coal Seams in the Richmond Basin of Virginia Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University 1981 Mar

Methane Produced from Coalbeds (Systems Studies of Energy Conservation) Vol. 1 of 2 TRW Energy Systems 1977 Jan

Methane Produced from Coalbeds (Systems Studies of Energy Conservation) Vol. 2 of 2 TRW Energy Systems 1977 Jan

Methane Recovery from Coalbeds Project plan document, FY 1980 METC 1979 Nov

Methane Recovery from Coalbeds Project plan document, FY 1981 TRW Energy Systems 1980 Sep

Methane Recovery from Coalbeds Project plan document, FY 1982 METC 1981 Nov

Methane Recovery from Coalbeds: A Potential Energy Source Mroz, T.H. ; Ryan, J.G. ; Byrer, C.W. METC 1983 Oct

Methane Recovery from Horizontal Holes in Advance of Mining Pothini, B. Rao Occidental Research Corp. 1982 Mar

Methane Recovery from Multiple Coal Seams (Final Report) Waynesburg College 1980 Dec

Methane Utilization from Coalbeds for Power Generation (Final Report) Westinghouse Corporation 1981 May

Preliminary resource assessment of coalbed methane in the United States METC 1981 Apr

San Juan Basin Report, a Study of Upper Cretaceous Geology, Coal and Coalbed Methane Resources of the San Juan Basin, in Colorado and New Mexico Choate, Raoul; Lent, Judy A.; Rightmire, C. TRW Energy Systems 1982 Jul

Second Phase of a Coalbed Methane Extraction and Utilitization Program Westinghouse Corporation 1980 Apr

Studies of Fracture Mechanics of Coal (Final Report for Jun 1979- Nov 1980) Powell, W. West Virginia University 1980

Test Program to Determine the Feasibility of Producing Methane from Unminable Coalbeds, Final Report Intercomp Resource Development and Engineering, Inc. 1979 Apr

The Feasibility of No-Proppant Stimulation to Enhance Removal of Methane from the Mary Lee Coalbed Lambert, Stephen W.; Trevits, Michael A. Carbondale Mining Technology Center DOE/CMTC/TR-80/1 1980 Apr

The Geology of the Deep Coal in Iowa Lemish, J.; Palmquist, R.C. Iowa State University 1980 Nov

US Department of Energy Region IV Unconventional Gas Program: summary and analysis Telle, W.R. ; Thompson, D.A. University of Alabama 1984 Dec

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page

Executive Summary

1. Background

2. GRI Research into Unconventional Gas Resources

3. Structure of the Enhanced Gas Recovery Program (EGR)

3.1. Eastern Gas Shales Program (1976-1992)

3.1.1. Key Questions and Related R&D Goals

3.1.2. Program Design and Overview of Major Projects

3.1.3. Key Eastern Gas Shales Projects

3.1.4. Highlights of Important Results

3.1.5. Subsequent Developments in DOE and Other Research Related to Eastern Gas Shales

3.2. Western Gas Sands Program (1978-1992)

3.2.1. Key Questions and Related R&D Goals

3.2.2. Program Design and Overview of Major Projects

3.2.3. Key Western Gas Sands Projects

3.2.4. Highlights of Important Results

3.2.5. Subsequent Developments in DOE Research Related to Tight Gas Sands