State-of-the-art summary for underground coal gasification

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/12815-PA· OSTI ID:6744603

Davis, B E; Jennings, J W

Underground coal gasification (UCG) process chemistry has been studied extensively through physical and mathematical simulations. The basic chemistry is the same as for surface gasifiers, although the reaction sequences are less well defined. During the process all reactions can contribute to the final product composition. Both thermodynamic and kinetic effects are significant. Residence times and temperature gradients in the reactor determine the degree to which these effects are significant for a given coal seam. The key factors for UCG are fairly well understood. The ability to measure and control the factors sufficiently to justify commercial operations has not been demonstrated to date. Application of the process to steeply dipping coal seams is especially attractive and appears relatively close to commercialization. State-of-the-art technology appears adequate for thick seams of low-rank coal, both horizontal and steeply dipping, with favorable geologic conditions. However, significant advances must be made before the process can deal with thin-seam bituminous coals and/or coal seams containing aquifers or with aquifers in the overburden.

• Research Organization: Gulf R. and D. Co., Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 6744603
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Journal Issue: 01 Vol. 36:1; ISSN JPTJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010404* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Gasification
AQUIFERS
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
CHEMICAL REACTORS
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL GASIFICATION
COAL SEAMS
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
CONTROL
GASIFICATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRATA
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
IN-SITU GASIFICATION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
INCLINED STRATA
KINETICS
MINERAL RESOURCES
PROCESS CONTROL
PROCESSING
REACTION KINETICS
RESOURCES
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
THERMODYNAMICS