In-situ gasification of coal utilizing non-hypersensitive explosives

Patent · Tue May 22 04:00:00 EDT 1973

OSTI ID:5275508

Rhoades, V W

A method is described for the combustion of coal in subterranean deposits. In the method, 2 or more wells are completed within a coal deposit. Subsequent to the well completion, a radially extended horizontal fracture is induced through the coal deposit so as to interconnect the wells by the introduction of a nonhypersensitive explosive under hydraulic pressure. The explosive is distributed normally between 2 or more wells connected by a radially extended horizontal fracture. The explosive is detonated so as to form a fracture network of crumbled coal within the coal deposit. A combustion-supporting gas is introduced into one or more of the wells and a combustion front is formed by ignition of the gas and coal tar products which are produced from one or more of the offset wells connected through the fracture network. (3 claims)

• Assignee: Cities Service Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3734180
• OSTI ID: 5275508
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010404* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Gasification
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL GASIFICATION
COAL SEAMS
COMBUSTION
COMMINUTION
EXPLOSIONS
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
FRACTURING
GASIFICATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
IN-SITU GASIFICATION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
MINERAL RESOURCES
OXIDATION
PROCESSING
RESOURCES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS