Adsorption of methane on biochar for emission reduction in oil and gas fields

Abstract

To contribute to the reduction of methane emissions, using low-cost biochar as adsorbents for capturing and storing methane in oil and gas fields is investigated. This work presents results of methane adsorption on four biochars made from forestry wastes in comparison with the results of three commercial activated carbons. Although the adsorption capacity of the biochars is lower by over 50% than that of the activated carbons, thelow-cost and potential environmental benefits provide the incentive to the investigation. Moreover, it is shown that biochar can store more methane than vessels of compressed gas up to the pressure of 75 bar, suggesting the possibility of avoiding high-pressure gas compression and heavy vessels for cost savings in oil and gas fields. The thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors of the adsorption are studied and implications for the targeted application are discussed.

Highlight

•	Biochar showed promise in adsorbing methane.
•	Biochar could store more methane than gas cylinders up to 75 bar gas pressure.
•	Biochar could contribute to the reduction of methane emissions in oil and gas fields.

Funding

Program of Energy Research Development of Canada