A review on transport of coal seam gas and its impact on coalbed methane recovery

Abstract

This paper presents a summary review on mass transport of coal seam gas (CSG) in coal associated with the coalbed methane (CBM) and CO₂ geo-sequestration enhanced CBM (CO₂-ECBM) recovery and current research advances in order to provide general knowledge and fundamental understanding of the CBM/ECBM processes for improved CBM recovery. It will discuss the major aspects of theory and technology for evaluation and development of CBM resources, including the gas storage and flow mechanism in CBM reservoirs in terms of their differences with conventional natural gas reservoirs, and their impact on CBM production behavior. The paper summarizes the evaluation procedure and methodologies used for CBM exploration and exploitation with some recommendations.

Keywords

mass transport / coal seam gas (CSG) / coalbed methane (CBM) / coal / CBM recovery / carbon dioxide storage

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Australian Queensland International Fellowship Program and China Scholarship Council (CSC) for provision of financial supports. We would also like to thank the expert advices and supports of Professor Victor Rudolph and Dr Paul Massarotto from School of Chemical Engineering and Professor Sue Golding from School of Earth Science in the University of Queensland.

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