Preliminary feasibility study of the coal-bed methane resource in Pennsylvania

Conference · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States)

OSTI ID:5890067

Markowski, A K ^[1]

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1. Pennsylvania Geological Survey, Harrisburg (United States)

Coal-bed methane gas content data were obtained from exploratory drill holes, premining degasification drill holes, and methane recovery test projects from the Main Bituminous and Northern Anthracite fields of Pennsylvania. Exploratory coal cores tested ranged from the Pennsylvanian-Permian Dunkard Group to the Pennsylvanian Allegheny Group. Total gas contents were determined for each coal sample by using the UD Bureau of Mines direct method of testing. Graphical analyses of depth and thickness vs. total gas content revealed a direct correlation between depth and gas content. However, further study is needed to determine if significant gas contents are a functions of thickness. Gas values were approximately 1,000 Btu/scf, comparable to that of natural gas. Extremely low heating values, however, accompanied shallow, above-drainage coal beds (less than 500 ft) proximal to mining operations. Geologic factors that determine the feasibility of coal-bed methane development are (1) coal rank, (2) depth of overburden, (3) coal-bed thickness, (4) favorable structure and fracture permeability, (5) permeability of adjacent strata (6) water content, and (7) pressure/stress relationships. The developer must also evaluate economic, political, and legal issues when planning a project in the Northern Appalachian coal basin. Most of the available coal information in Pennsylvania is base on the minable coals. A more definitive estimate of the basin's deepest coal resources and gas contents are critical to the development of coal-bed methane as a resource.

• OSTI ID: 5890067
• Report Number(s): CONF-9109238--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States) Journal Volume: 75:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030200* -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
ALKANES
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL SEAMS
DEGASSING
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDROCARBONS
METHANE
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PENNSYLVANIA
PRODUCTION
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
RESOURCES
USA