Microbial process for producing methane from coal
US6143534A · kind A · utility
28Cited by
7References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E50/30
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Lignite is treated with ligninase source to enhance its reactivity. In one embodiment, lignite is gasified in a subterranean reactor by simultaneous digestion by anaerobic ligninase producers, such as termite microflora, and acid formers and methanogens. In another embodiment, the lignite is treated with ligninase prior to digestion by the acid formers and methanogens. If desired, the lignite may be pretreated by alkaline hydrolysis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.