Coal bed methane potential of northern Appalachian basin

Conference · Tue Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5864138

Kelafant, J; Wicks, D; Kuuskraa, V

Coal-bed methane in the northern part of the Appalachian basin represents a significant potential source of natural gas for the northeastern US. The numerous, relatively thick and areally extensive coal beds of attractive rank and depth offer the promise of large, low-cost reserves of natural gas. The proximity of the supply source to northeastern markets and the location of the basin within an established pipeline infrastructure further enhance its economic outlook. Lewin and Associations, Inc., under the sponsorship of the Gas Research Institute and with participation of numerous basin geologists, completed a resource economics study of coal bed methane in the northern part of the Appalachian basin. As part of this study, six major coal seams and groups have been targeted as holding the most potential for containing large volumes of gas: the Brookville-Clarion, Kittanning, Freeport, Pittsburgh, Sewickley, and Waynesburg coals. In addition to these major seams and groups, several less areally extensive coals are economical on a local level, particularly the Brush Creek and Mahoning coals in Pennsylvania. The preliminary estimate of gas in place for the northern part of the Appalachian basin is between 50-100 tcf, with a considerable portion of this resource potentially economic at today's gas prices. The coal seams considered by this resource assessment study are at 12 in. thick and with greater than 400 ft of overburden.

• Research Organization: Lewin and Associates, Inc., Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 5864138
• Report Number(s): CONF-8710197-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 71:9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
011000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200* -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS
COAL DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINERAL RESOURCES
MOUNTAINS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
RESOURCES
SOURCE ROCKS