Characterization of a potential underground coal gasification site in the state of Washington

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5280773

Bartel, L. C.; Dobecki, T. L.; Stone, R.

Sandia Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, and the Laramie Energy Technology Center participated in a Department of Energy funded program to select and characterize a potential underground coal gasification test site in the State of Washington. A site in the Centralia-Chehalis coal district, satisfying certain criteria, was selected for characterization. The characterization procedures included surface and borehole techniques and hydrology tests. Geologic structure and coal seam structure and continuity were determined using surface geophysical prospecting (seismic and electromagnetic surveys) and borehole geophysical (logging and cross-borehole, in-seam seismic) techniques. A complete suite of geophysical logs was taken in eight exploratory boreholes to determine lithology and properties of the coal and surrounding strata. Coal cores taken from four different exploratory boreholes were analyzed to determine coal quality. Results of the characterization show that the coal seam of interest is approximately 47 ft thick at a depth of 570 to 600 ft at the site. The seam is characterized by high ash content, relatively low overall heating value, and a low permeability. The site appears suitable for conducting an underground coal gasification test.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA); California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5280773
• Report Number(s): SAND-80-0745C; CONF-800806-23
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010404* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Gasification
017000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Legislation & Regulations
ASHES
BOREHOLES
CALORIFIC VALUE
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CAVITIES
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COAL
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL GASIFICATION
COAL SEAMS
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
DEPTH
DIMENSIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPLORATION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GASIFICATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
IN-SITU GASIFICATION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
LITHOLOGY
NORTH AMERICA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
PROCESSING
RESIDUES
RESOURCES
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SITE SELECTION
STRATIGRAPHY
SURVEYS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
THICKNESS
USA
WASHINGTON
WELL LOGGING