An Introduction to Coalbed Methane Special Session 31: Presented by: Tony Ma, Hycal Energy Research Laboratories BACK to BASIC Series,
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An Introduction to An Introduction to Coalbed MethaneCoalbed Methane
Special Session 31:Special Session 31:
Presented by: Tony Ma,Presented by: Tony Ma,Hycal Energy Research Hycal Energy Research LaboratoriesLaboratories
BACK to BASIC Series,BACK to BASIC Series,
Outline of Outline of PresentationPresentation
1.1. Origin and Locations of CBMOrigin and Locations of CBM
2.2. Basic Geology & FundamentalsBasic Geology & Fundamentals
3.3. Production Phases of a CBM Production Phases of a CBM
ReservoirReservoir
4.4. Common Production TechniquesCommon Production Techniques
5.5. Future ChallengesFuture Challenges
Outline of Outline of PresentationPresentation
1.1. Origin and Locations of CBMOrigin and Locations of CBM
2.2. Basic Geology & FundamentalsBasic Geology & Fundamentals
3.3. Production Phases of a CBM Production Phases of a CBM
ReservoirReservoir
4.4. Common Production TechniquesCommon Production Techniques
5.5. Future ChallengesFuture Challenges
The origin of CBMThe origin of CBM
1. Biogenesis from bio mass – Coal beds are formed
from direct burial of organic materials as opposed to
conventional hydrocarbons which are believed to have
migrated into place.
2. The process of coal formation is known as
coalification.
Methane Storage in CoalMethane Storage in Coal
Methane in coal is:
• Adsorbed on the surfaces of the coal
• Stored as free gas in the cleats and open pores
Cleats in CoalCleats in Coal
Face Face CleatsCleats
Butt Butt CleatsCleats
Canada’s estimated CBM Reserves; 530 to 620 Tcf
Highlights of CBM Locations in Highlights of CBM Locations in CanadaCanada
Alberta ~450 Tcf
B.C.~80 Tcf
Sask~15 Tcf
E. Coast~22 Tcf
ALBERTA’S CBM POTENTIAL
Up to
500 TCF in Alberta
Outline of Outline of PresentationPresentation
1.1. Origin and Locations of CBMOrigin and Locations of CBM
2.2. Basic Geology & FundamentalsBasic Geology & Fundamentals
3.3. Production Phases of a CBM Production Phases of a CBM
ReservoirReservoir
4.4. Common Production TechniquesCommon Production Techniques
5.5. Future ChallengesFuture Challenges
Composition of CoalComposition of Coal
Anthracite
Bituminous Coal
Sub-Bituminous Coal
Brown Coal
How do you characterize How do you characterize coals?coals?
Vitrinite Reflectance is usually used as an indicator of the rank of the coal.
Low Quality Coal: Lignite (Brown) Coal
High Quality Coal: Anthracite Coal
Vitrinit
e
Increasin
g
Reflec
tanc
e
Coal Ranking & Coal Ranking & QualityQuality
Lower quality coal: • low gas capacity• high volatile matter• high moisture content
High quality coal:
• high gas capacity
• high Vitrinite Reflectance
• high carbon content
Coal Ranking & QualityCoal Ranking & Quality
Coal Rank % CarbonSpecific Energy
(MJ/kg)Vitrinite Reflectance
(Max %)
Anthracite 95 35.2 up to 7.0
Semi-Anthracite 92 36 2.83
Low VolatileBituminous Coal
91 36.4 1.97
Medium VolatileBituminous Coal
90 36 1.58
High VolatileBituminous Coal
86 35.6 1.03
Sub-BituminousCoal
80 33.5 0.63
Brown Coal 71 23 0.42
From Diessel (1992)
MaceralsMacerals
Macerals are the smallest Macerals are the smallest organic materials in the coalorganic materials in the coal
They are analogous to the They are analogous to the minerals in rock – for example minerals in rock – for example a rock quartz, feldspar, clay a rock quartz, feldspar, clay minerals, calcite and dolomiteminerals, calcite and dolomite
Macerals separated into 3 Macerals separated into 3 main groups: vitrinite, main groups: vitrinite, inertinite and liptiniteinertinite and liptinite
VitrinitesVitrinites
Wood, bark and rootsWood, bark and roots Contain less hydrogen than the Contain less hydrogen than the
liptinitesliptinites
LiptinitesLiptinites
Hydrogen-rich hydrocarbons derived from Hydrogen-rich hydrocarbons derived from spores, pollen, cuticles and resins in the spores, pollen, cuticles and resins in the original plant materialoriginal plant material
InertinitesInertinites• Oxidation (burnt?) products of other macerals and are thus higher in carbon content
Maceral AnalysisMaceral Analysis
Vitrinite
Pseudovitrinite
Exinite
Resinite
Semi-Fusinite
Semi-Macrinite
Fusinite
Macrinite
Micrinite
VitriniteThree main groups:
Exinite (liptinite)
Inertinite
Methane Storage in CoalMethane Storage in Coal
Methane in coal is:
• Adsorbed on the surfaces of the coal
• Stored as free gas in the cleats and open pores
Adsorption of MethaneAdsorption of Methane
Two types of adsorption are believed to occur between the gaseous methane phase and the coal (solid phase). These two types of adsorption are:
1. Physical Adsorption
2. Chemical or chemisorption
Physical AdsorptionPhysical Adsorption
• Involves intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces) between the gas molecules and the coal (solid) molecules.
Physical AdsorptionPhysical Adsorption• Physical adsorption is nearly instantaneous and
equilibrium is quickly established.
• Usually reversible due to low energy requirements – energy of activation is usually very low.
Physical AdsorptionPhysical Adsorption
• The degree of physical adsorption decreases with increasing Temperature.
• Not limited to a “monolayer” but a series of layers may “pile up”.
ChemisorptionChemisorption
• Chemisorption usually involves sharing or transfer of an electron.
ChemisorptionChemisorption
• The heat released from chemisorption is much higher then physical adsorption. Therefore, the chemisorbed molecules generally requires an activation energy for it to release.
ChemisorptionChemisorption
• Chemisorption is limited to the formation of a monolayer of molecules, but physical adsorption may take place on top of a chemisorbed monolayer.
Adsorption Isotherm Curve
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Pressure
Ad
sorp
tion
(scf/
ton
)
The Adsorption Capacity The Adsorption Capacity defines the Reservoir Capacitydefines the Reservoir Capacity
An adsorption Isotherm curve
defines the holding capacity of
gas as a function of pressure.
Adsorption Isotherm Curve
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Pressure
Ad
sorp
tion
(scf/
ton
)
Adsorption Capacity and Coal RankingAdsorption Capacity and Coal Ranking
Anthracite
Bituminous
Sub-Bitumino
us
Increasing:
• Vitrinite Reflectance
• (Carbon Content)
• (Energy Content)
• (Rank)
Adsorption Capacity and Coal RankingAdsorption Capacity and Coal Ranking
Langmuir Langmuir TheoryTheory
The rate of molecules arriving and adsorbing on the solid surface
The rate of molecules leaving from the solid surface
=
Langmuir Langmuir TheoryTheory
Number of Sites Occupiedθ = Number of Sites Available
Rate of Adsorption = dθ = KAP(1 – θ) (1) dtRate of Desorption = dθ = -KDθ (2) dtwhere KA and KD are the constants of adsorption and desorption respectively.
Langmuir Langmuir TheoryTheory
All the surface has the same All the surface has the same activity for adsorption.activity for adsorption.
No interaction between No interaction between adsorbed molecules.adsorbed molecules.
The same mechanism of The same mechanism of adsorption for all molecules.adsorption for all molecules.
Extent of adsorption is less Extent of adsorption is less than one complete monolayer.than one complete monolayer.
Irving Irving LangmuirLangmuir
Irving Irving LangmuirLangmuir
Langmuir Langmuir TerminologiesTerminologies
Reservoir Pressure Psi
Adso
rpti
on
Pre
ssure
/Adso
rpti
on V
olu
me
Linear relationship between P/V vs. P
Irving Irving LangmuirLangmuir
Langmuir Langmuir TerminologiesTerminologies
Reservoir Pressure Psi
Gas
Conte
nt
Langmuir Volume (Saturated MonolayerVolume)
Irving Irving LangmuirLangmuir
Langmuir Langmuir TerminologiesTerminologies
Reservoir Pressure Psi
Gas
Conte
nt
Langmuir Pressure (Pressure at ½ of
Langmuir Volume)
½ of Langmuir Vol.
½ of Langmuir Vol.
Desorption of MethaneDesorption of Methane
Methane Desorption CurveMethane Desorption CurveAdsorption Isotherm Curve
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
The desorption of the
methane gas generally
follow down the adsorption
isotherm curve.
Pressure
Ad
sorp
tion
(scf/
ton
)
Comparison of CBM and Typical Dry Gas Reservoir
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Reservoir Pressure (psi)
% G
as
in P
lac
e
Reservoir Pressure Depleted by 50%
17% of Gas Produced
CBM Reserv
oir
Comparison of CBM and Typical Dry Gas Reservoir
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Reservoir Pressure (psi)
% G
as
in P
lac
e
Reservoir Pressure Depleted by 50%
44% of Gas Produced
Conventional G
as
Reserv
oir
Comparison of CBM and Typical Dry Gas Reservoir
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Reservoir Pressure (psi)
% G
as
in P
lac
e
Conventional Gas Reservoir Depletes by
56%
To get 50% of Gas Out
CBM Reservoir Depletes by 78%
Another challenge is the decline Another challenge is the decline in Kin KABS ABS as pore pressure as pore pressure
decreases . . .decreases . . .
As pore pressure As pore pressure decreases, the decreases, the net overburden net overburden
stress increases.stress increases.
Net Overburden Net Overburden StressStress
Eff
ecti
ve P
erm
eab
ilit
yEff
ecti
ve P
erm
eab
ilit
y
Cleat width
PPORE
POVBN
The state of insitu stresses @ virgin conditionsThe state of insitu stresses @ virgin conditions
Cleat width
PPORE
POVBN
* As pore pressure decreases, * As pore pressure decreases, the the netnet overburden pressure overburden pressure increases.increases.
Cleat width
PPORE
POVBN
Permeability W 3
A reduction in fracture/ cleat width of 10% translates to permeability reduction of (0.90 x 0.90 x 0.90 = 0.729) 27.1%.W ↓ 20% = K ↓ 48.8%; W ↓ 40% = K ↓ 78.4%
The decline in KThe decline in KABS ABS at reduced pore at reduced pore pressure can be very significant !pressure can be very significant !
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
05001000150020002500
Well deliverability at 750 psi may only be
30% of that at 2300 psi
Medium Volatile Bituminous Coal
Pore Pressure (psi)
Met
han
e P
erm
eab
ility
(m
D)
Cleat width
A mitigating factor is that as the pore pressure decreases, the desorbed gas will effectively shrink the volume of the coal. This tends to intensify the cleating in situ.
PPORE
POVBN
At low reservoir pressures, the coal At low reservoir pressures, the coal shrinkage can offset the net overburden shrinkage can offset the net overburden
effects !effects !
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
05001000150020002500
Medium Volatile Bituminous Coal
Pore Pressure (psi)
Met
han
e P
erm
eab
ility
(m
D)
Outline of Outline of PresentationPresentation
1.1. Origin and Locations of CBMOrigin and Locations of CBM
2.2. Basic Geology & FundamentalsBasic Geology & Fundamentals
3.3. Production Phases of a CBM Production Phases of a CBM
ReservoirReservoir
4.4. Common Production TechniquesCommon Production Techniques
5.5. Future ChallengesFuture Challenges
Production of CBM,Production of CBM,What really happens?What really happens?
The Three stages of CBM Production
Time
MC
FD o
r B
PD
Water Gas
Stage 1,
De-watering
Stage 2,
Mid Life
Stage 3,
Decline production
There are 3 main flow regimes There are 3 main flow regimes in a typical coal seam:in a typical coal seam:
TIME
R1 – Saturated flow Only water – above desorption pressure.
R2 – Un-saturated flow – subcritical gas R3 – Full 2-phase flow
3 Flow Regimes
Adsorbed Methane
CoalPressure is above desorption pressure – therefore only water flows.
Regime 1: Saturated FlowRegime 1: Saturated Flow
WaterWater
Regime 1: Saturated FlowRegime 1: Saturated Flow
Conventional Isotherm
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500
Pressure (Psia)
Ad
so
rpti
on
(S
CF
/to
n)
Starting reservoir condition @ 2200 psia
Conventional Isotherm
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500
Pressure (Psia)
Ad
so
rpti
on
(S
CF
/to
n)
Starting reservoir condition @ 2200 psia
At the initial reservoir pressure of 2200 psi, the coal could adsorb about 1020 scf/ton but only has ~680 scf/ton. To start to desorb gas, we therefore need to depressurize to 950 psi.
The time it takes to De-water a coal seam to the The time it takes to De-water a coal seam to the point where commercial gas production begins point where commercial gas production begins can vary . . .can vary . . .
. . . Depending on how fast you can depressurize . . . Depending on how fast you can depressurize the reservoir. In some cases, it may take up to the reservoir. In some cases, it may take up to 2 years!2 years!
Coal
Regime 2: Un-Saturated FlowRegime 2: Un-Saturated Flow
WaterWater
Bubbles of gas starts to evolve out but does not form continuous flow streams.
The Three stages of CBM Production
Time
MC
FD o
r B
PD
Water Gas
Stage 1,
De-watering
Stage 2,
Mid Life
Stage 3,
Decline production
Coal
Regime 3: Full 2-Phase FlowRegime 3: Full 2-Phase Flow
A continuous gas stream is achieved and gas flow increases – full 2-phase flow.
The Three stages of CBM Production
Time
MC
FD o
r B
PD
Water Gas
Stage 1,
De-watering
Stage 2,
Mid Life
Stage 3,
Decline production
Typical CBM Well in Production
GasWate
r
Outline of Outline of PresentationPresentation
1.1. Origin and Locations of CBMOrigin and Locations of CBM
2.2. Basic Geology & FundamentalsBasic Geology & Fundamentals
3.3. Production Phases of a CBM Production Phases of a CBM
ReservoirReservoir
4.4. Common Production TechniquesCommon Production Techniques
5.5. Future ChallengesFuture Challenges
Comparison of CBM and Typical Dry Gas Reservoir
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Reservoir Pressure (psi)
% G
as
in P
lac
e
Conventional Gas Reservoir Depletes by
56%
To get 50% of Gas Out
CBM Reservoir Depletes by 78%
Comparison of CBM and Typical Dry Gas Reservoir
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Reservoir Pressure (psi)
% G
as
in P
lac
e
Deplete Reservoir by 75%
Conventional G
as
ReservoirCBM
Reservoir
CBM Reservoir still has over 50%
of Gas left behind !
At low reservoir pressures, the coal At low reservoir pressures, the coal shrinkage can offset the net overburden shrinkage can offset the net overburden
effects !effects !
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
05001000150020002500
Medium Volatile Bituminous Coal
Pore Pressure (psi)
Met
han
e P
erm
eab
ility
(m
D)
For CBM reservoirs, we need For CBM reservoirs, we need to deplete the reservoir to deplete the reservoir pressure down low to get the pressure down low to get the gas out . . .gas out . . .
. . . This has implications . . . This has implications in the spacing of the in the spacing of the wells.wells.
Pressure drawdown profile of a single Pressure drawdown profile of a single well well
Pressure drawdown profile of a single Pressure drawdown profile of a single well well
Water Flow
OnlyDiscontinuou
sGas Flow
Continuous
Gas Flow
With much closer well spacing, we can With much closer well spacing, we can achieve the low pressure required for gas achieve the low pressure required for gas
depletiondepletion
Drawdown Curve forall 3 wells pumping
Drawdown Curve for an individual
well
Horizontal wells and hydraulic fractures Horizontal wells and hydraulic fractures are often used to increase drawdown are often used to increase drawdown
Region of ContinuousGas Flow
Some Elaborate Horizontal well systems Some Elaborate Horizontal well systems
Outline of Outline of PresentationPresentation
1.1. Origin and Locations of CBMOrigin and Locations of CBM
2.2. Basic Geology & FundamentalsBasic Geology & Fundamentals
3.3. Production Phases of a CBM Production Phases of a CBM
ReservoirReservoir
4.4. Common Production TechniquesCommon Production Techniques
5.5. Future ChallengesFuture Challenges
Many Areas of CBM ResearchMany Areas of CBM Research
►CompletionsCompletions►Drilling fluidsDrilling fluids►Horizontal-well technologyHorizontal-well technology►Hydraulic FracturingHydraulic Fracturing►Reservoir characterizationReservoir characterization►Production forecasting (complex Production forecasting (complex
models)models)►Enhanced gas recoveryEnhanced gas recovery
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Reservoir Pressure (psi)
% G
as
in P
lac
e
What about Enhanced Gas What about Enhanced Gas Recovery ?!?Recovery ?!?
Affinity of COAffinity of CO22 Adsorption for Adsorption for CoalCoal
CO2
CH4
Affinity of COAffinity of CO22 Adsorption for Coal Adsorption for Coal
Reservoir Pressure Psi
Gas
Con
tent
Methane
CO2
Affinity of COAffinity of CO22 was 3-4 times that of Methane ! was 3-4 times that of Methane !
Reservoir Pressure Psi
Gas
Con
tent
Methane
CO2 CO2
Methane
What about the Affinity What about the Affinity of Hof H22S Adsorption for S Adsorption for
CoalCoal
H2S
CH4
Affinity of HAffinity of H22S Adsorption for CoalS Adsorption for Coal
Reservoir Pressure Psi
Gas
Con
tent
Methane
CO2
H2S
Affinity of HAffinity of H22S was more than 10 times of S was more than 10 times of Methane !Methane !
Reservoir Pressure Psi
Gas
Cont
ent
Methane
CO2
H2S
CO2
H2S
Methane
Pressure maintenance can provide Pressure maintenance can provide better flow characteristics.better flow characteristics.
Net Overburden StressNet Overburden Stress
Eff
ecti
ve P
erm
eab
ilit
yEff
ecti
ve P
erm
eab
ilit
y
PPORE
POVBN
What if we use CO2 for pressure What if we use CO2 for pressure maintenance?maintenance?
Reservoir Pressure Psi
Gas
Conte
nt
Methane
CO2
Adsorbed CO2
Coal
CO2 will preferentially displace the CO2 will preferentially displace the methanemethane
Displaced Methane
Reservoir Pressure Psi
Gas
Conte
nt
There is potential for using CO2 and/or H2S for There is potential for using CO2 and/or H2S for pressure maintenance to enhance the rate of pressure maintenance to enhance the rate of
recovery of the methane and potentially increase the recovery of the methane and potentially increase the ultimate recovery of methane. ultimate recovery of methane.
Methane
CO2
Using COUsing CO22 for pressure maintenance can also reduce for pressure maintenance can also reduce COCO22 emissions (sequestration). emissions (sequestration).
CO2 CO2 InjectionInjection
Methane Methane ProductionProduction
Thank you for your Thank you for your Attention . . .Attention . . .
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