AUTHOR: Robert M. Davidson, Lesley Sloss and Lee B. Clarke
DATE: January 1995
PAGES: 90
ABSTRACT:
This report reviews the extraction of methane from coalbeds as a resource in its own right and not as a mining hazard,
emission or by-product. The properties of coal which make coal seams effective methane reservoirs are considered first. The methods by which coalbed methane resources can be estimated are then outlined followed by an inventory of the world's major coalbed methane resources and reserves.
The technology of producing coalbed methane has mainly been developed in the USA and the main methods of completing and
stimulating wells are described. Although fairly benign environmentally, there can be problems concerned with the
treatment and disposal of the water co-produced with the methane. Despite progress in the technology of coalbed
methane production, unexciting economics and legal problems, principally concerning ownership, have acted as
constraints on its development.