Methane utilization as a resource-saving method inthe coal industry

Risks of partial or total loss of ecosystems and species due to climate change are currently increasing. Russia is the world’s fourth largest emitter of greenhouse gases, which have a detrimental effect on ecosystems. The fuel and energy complex is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases; in this regard, it is precisely the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in this area has the utmost significance.In addition, methane as one of the greenhouse gases is harmful not only for the ecosystem but also for industrial safety, and this is also a sphere of state regulation.Since methane, based on its forecast volumes, may well be mined as an independent mineral product, it is necessary to develop a rational method for its use, since today everything that is mined is emitted into the atmosphere.The report analyzes how coal mining companies are currently using coal-seam methane. The volumes of methane in coal seams in the Russian Federation and in coal basins are analyzed. The world experience in the extraction of coalbed methane as a separate mineral product is investigated. A project is proposed for the rational use of methane as a separate mineral product.The main purpose of the article is to show that resource-saving measures for the use of methane can have not only environmental but also economic effect.A financial model of the project is proposed, which allowed to prove the economic efficiency of the project for the use of methane as a fuel. The article is based on the case method, the method for constructing financial models, the method for assessing risks, the method for analyzing information, etc.

Probabilistic resource/cost appraisals for evaluation of petroleum resources

In the increasingly open global marketplace, unconventional resources such as coal seam methane, shale gas and shale oil are now the marginal (highest cost) sources of supply in some regions and are seen as potential important components of energy policy for many nations, including Australia. Large in-place hydrocarbon volumes, low-recovery efficiency, and slim profit margins characterise the development of most of these resources around the world. Although they contribute a relatively small percentage of global petroleum production, they greatly influence world commodity prices and pose challenges to developers, investors and policy makers. Traditional assessments of in-place or technically recoverable hydrocarbon volumes alone are inadequate for evaluating the economic viability of these unconventional resources. By integrating probabilistic geology-based assessments with estimates of undiscounted life-cycle capital and operating expenditures, however, single parameter resource assessments become two-parameter resource cost appraisals, which can be used to: benchmark alternative oil or gas technologies; quantify the effects of technological change on high-cost developments; and, compare alternative resource development opportunities. The integration of geological and technological information thus provides an important tool for the effective evaluation of potential projects and for setting energy policy.

Coal Mine Methane Drainage and Comprehensive Utilization in China

According to situation of coal mine methane drainage and utilization, the five experienced development stages of coal mine methane drainage technology was summarized, the reasons of low rate of coal mine methane drainage were analyzed. Coal-seam methane utilization was analyzed from methane purification, methane generating electricity, chemical production, methane for civil utilization and utilization as automobile fuel etc. With the coal seam methane drainage quantity is more and more, the emissions requirements is more and more strict, so the emission reduction and effective utilization of this energy is important to accelerate efficient utilization of coal methane, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect environment, alleviate the supply contradiction of energy and realize sustainable development of coal mine etc.

Coal Seam Methane Pressure as a Parameter Determining the Level of the Outburst Risk – Laboratory and in Situ Research / Ciśnienie Złożowe Jako Parametr Określający Stan Zagrożenia Wyrzutami Metanu I Skał – Badania Laboratoryjne I Kopalniane

Scarcity of research focusing on the evaluation of the coal seam methane pressure as a parameter determining the outburst risk makes it difficult to assess the value for which the level of this risk increases considerably. It is obvious that, apart from the gas factor, the evaluation of the threat should also take into account the strength factor. The research presented in this paper attempted at estimating the level of the outburst risk on the basis of the coal seam methane pressure value and firmness of coal. In this work, the author seeks to present both the relevant laboratory research and the measurements carried out in mines.

Highlights and trends in exploration 2009

2009 saw an overall decrease from high activity from 2008, levelling off in the December quarter as the economy stabilised. Unsurprisingly, most activity was in offshore Western Australia and on coal seam methane (CSM) in Queensland. Highlights include: good results in the Carnarvon and Browse basins for Western Australian operators, interest in Karoon and Conoco-Phillips’ enigmatic Poseidon project, over 180 CSM exploration wells in Queenslandd, and a relatively busy year for Tasmania. Western Australian seismic acquisition approached 10,000 km of 2D and 25,000 km2 of 3D for 38* wells and success rate around 50%. South Australia saw the highest conventional onshore drilling and seismic activity, with good results for 17 wells, while other states saw low activity in this sector. Victoria saw one offshore exploration well and no seismic. Tasmania also saw no new seismic, but saw four exploration wells and encouragement at Rockhopper–1. CSM is picking up in South Australia, and New South Wales saw continued high CSM activity in a historically low-activity region. High success rates suggest two trends: explorers finding value in 3D seismic, and a ‘flight to quality’ as operating costs and poorer access to capital reinforce risk aversion among operators. Elsewhere, geothermal energy helped small cap investors satisfy their appetite for risk outside of the petroleum industry, and results will be watched with great interest. *Numbers are from early public and departmental statistics and may be revised.