Application of Enhanced Gas Recovery to Coal Mine Gas Drainage Systems

Over the past 30 years rapid development of the coalbed methane industry in the USA and Australia has stimulated research into the mechanisms that control gas migration in coal seams. A technique for enhancing gas recovery from coal was trialed in the San Juan Basin, USA in 1998. The results showed a sustained 500% increase in gas production rates. The technique involves using an injectant gas to stimulate coalbed gas diffusion and increase seam permeability. This paper describes the technique, the potential applications for coal mining and presents a conceptual field trial for an Australian coal mine to demonstrate the effectiveness in partially drained coal mine workings.