Underground coal gasification: environmental update
Over the past decade underground coal gasification (UCG) in the US has progressed to the point where both its technical and economic prospects are causing industry to re-evaluate the process as a means of converting coal to gaseous fuels and synthesis gas. The technical feasibility of UCG has been demonstrated for subbituminous coals. Steeply dipping beds of these coals seem particularly amenable to recovery by this process. The fact that coal in currently uneconomical deposits or deposits which are difficult to mine can be converted into a useful gaseous product without large surface facilities, mines, and transportation requirements makes UCG very attractive. Contamination of ground water is a major concern in the development of underground coal gasification. A realistic evaluation of this possibility is presented.
- Research Organization:
- Dept. of Energy, Laramie, WY
- OSTI ID:
- 5579592
- Journal Information:
- Energy Prog.; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Prog.; (United States) Vol. 5:2; ISSN ENPGD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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010404* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Gasification
010900 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
COAL GASIFICATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GASIFICATION
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IN-SITU GASIFICATION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
PROCESSING
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WATER
WATER POLLUTION