Patent · US Expired

Chemically induced stimulation of coal cleat formation

US5669444A · kind A · utility

76Cited by
21References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 31, 1996
Grant dateSep 23, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 31, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B43/27
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A method for increasing the production of methane from a subterranean coal formation by chemically stimulating the formation of cleats in the coal formation in order to facilitate removal of formation water, and increase the rate of methane production from the coal formation is disclosed. The method comprises injecting an aqueous oxidant solution into the coal formations to stimulate the formation of cleats in the coal formation; and thereafter producing methane from the coal formations at an increased rate. The aqueous oxidant solution comprises hypochlorite, metallic salts of hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, oxygen and combinations thereof.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.