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U.S. Department of Energy
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Reducing methane in coal mine gob areas with vertical boreholes. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6818252
This final report on methods of reducing and controlling methane in coal mine gob areas indicates that vertical degas holes are beneficial to the mines of northern West Virginia working the Pittsburgh Coal. The project involved the drilling and testing of eight vertical holes (four over longwall panels and four over room and pillar panels) based on a review of 13 previously in existence. Areas of observation included gas production history, flow entry profile, underground methane reductions, strata separations, and casing loads (accompanying subsidence). Observations led to the drilling of successful holes drilled short of the mine. Eleven gas production response to applied vacuum tests were conducted at nine degas holes under the contract. Significant production responses were recorded over longwall gobs.
Research Organization:
Continental Oil Co., Morgantown, W.Va. (USA)
OSTI ID:
6818252
Report Number(s):
PB-272768
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English