Potential for underground coal gasification in the southwest

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., Prepr.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5256381

Walters, E A; Nuttall, H E

Laboratory studies of samples of San Juan (New Mexico) and Hanna (Wyoming) sub-bituminous coals reveal strong similarities in permeability, devolatilization reactivity, and fracturing when subjected to simulated underground gasification conditions. The results suggest that San Juan basin coal can be expected to gasify in a manner similar to Wyoming coal. The seam and bed structures are vastly different in the San Juan basin and the limitations imposed by thin, multiple seams that have low moisture content are not clear. On the other hand, underground gasification is a viable alternative from the point of view of environmental and economic considerations. More detailed reactivity studies of various coals of the basin and much more stratigraphic information followed by field tests are required before a definitive statement can be made about underground gasification in the Southwest. What can be said now is that indications are mixed, but tend to be positive.

• Research Organization: Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque
• OSTI ID: 5256381
• Journal Information: Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., Prepr.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., Prepr.; (United States) Vol. 22:4; ISSN ACFPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010404* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Gasification
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL GASIFICATION
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GASIFICATION
IN-SITU GASIFICATION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
PROCESSING
SUBBITUMINOUS COAL
USA
WYOMING