Biomass-enhanced natural gas from coal formations
US10151185B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E50/30
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The use of coal fields as subsurface bioreactors for producing sustainable methane gas from terrestrial sources of biomass is described. Microbial presence is determined for a target coal formation, and tracers are injected to determine permeability, porosity, volume, and minimum and a maximum material injection rates. At least one injection well and at least one circulation well effective for generating an injection rate between the minimum and maximum injection rates are provided for injecting a solution of biodegradable materials into the coal seam. A chosen quantity of biodegradable materials is allowed to be digested, fermented and converted by microbial action within the coal seam. Methane gas is extracted through producing and injecting wells, although pumping will enhance gas recovery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.