Location

Rolla, Missouri

Session Dates

11 Jun 1999 - 17 Jun 1999

Keywords and Phrases

Coalbed Methane; Degasification; Methane Drainage; Reservoir Simulation; 3-D Model; Vertical; Degas; Permeability

Abstract

There are numerous proven methods to drain methane from coal seams in coal mines. These systems include vertical wells drilled ahead of mining, horizontal boreholes, gob wells, and others. However, these drainage systems are not typically applied properly to optimize gas recovery and minimize the cost of ventilation to the mine. This lack of optimization generally occurs due to the large up-front costs associated with the drainage systems and the lack of knowledge regarding the drainage technology. This results in the mine having a "reactive" response to methane drainage issues as opposed to a "pro-active" plan for handling methane drainage. This paper demonstrates the use of a coal bed methane reservoir simulator to design vertical well methane drainage systems ahead of active longwall mining. Using the reservoir simulator and a hypothetical mine, the degasification system is optimized with respect to I) the cost/benefit of the vertical well program, 2) the impact on the mining operation and mine ventilation, and 3) the reduction in coal seam gas content in the mined seams.

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Meeting Name

8th U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Document Version

Final Version

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

File Type

text

Language

English

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Jun 11th, 12:00 AM Jun 17th, 12:00 AM

Design of Methane Drainage Systems to Reduce Mine Ventilation Requirements

Rolla, Missouri

There are numerous proven methods to drain methane from coal seams in coal mines. These systems include vertical wells drilled ahead of mining, horizontal boreholes, gob wells, and others. However, these drainage systems are not typically applied properly to optimize gas recovery and minimize the cost of ventilation to the mine. This lack of optimization generally occurs due to the large up-front costs associated with the drainage systems and the lack of knowledge regarding the drainage technology. This results in the mine having a "reactive" response to methane drainage issues as opposed to a "pro-active" plan for handling methane drainage. This paper demonstrates the use of a coal bed methane reservoir simulator to design vertical well methane drainage systems ahead of active longwall mining. Using the reservoir simulator and a hypothetical mine, the degasification system is optimized with respect to I) the cost/benefit of the vertical well program, 2) the impact on the mining operation and mine ventilation, and 3) the reduction in coal seam gas content in the mined seams.