Patent US4947429A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US4043395A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4043395A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for removing methane from coal
Assignee: C0NSOLIDATION COAL Co
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Filing: 1976-06-07
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Granted: 1977-08-23
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Expires: 1996-06-07
Abstract
Abstract A process for removing methane from a subterranean coal deposit. A carbon dioxide-containing fluid is introduced into the coal deposit through an injection well and held therein for a period sufficient to enable a substantial amount of methane to be desorbed from the surfaces of the coal deposit. Following the hold period, the injected carbon dioxide-containing fluid and desorbed methane are recovered through a recovery well or wells spaced from the injection well. The process is repeated until sufficient methane has been removed to enable safe mining of the coal deposit.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard L. Every
- 👤 Luino Dell'Osso, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 23:56
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21F; E21F7/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S48/00; Y10S48/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
A process for removing methane from a subterranean coal deposit comprising: a. providing at least one injection well and at least one recovery well spaced therefrom, said wells extending from the surface to said coal deposit; b. pressurizing said coal deposit by injecting a gaseous fluid containing at least about 20 percent by weight carbon dioxide through said injection well at a pressure not exceeding the cracking pressure of said deposit into said coal deposit while maintaining said recovery well closed; c. stopping said injection and maintaining said deposit in a pressurized condition for a period of time sufficient to enable a substantial amount of methane which is adsorbed on said coal deposit to be desorbed therefrom; d. opening said recovery well after step (c) to recover injected fluid and desorbed methane from said coal deposit; e. closing said recovery well after step (d); and f. repeating steps (b) through (e) until enough methane has been removed from said coal deposit to enable the deposit to be worked safely.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
A process for removing methane from a subterranean coal deposit comprising: a. providing at least one injection well and at least one recovery well spaced therefrom, said wells extending from the surface to said coal deposit; b. pressurizing said coal deposit by injecting a gaseous fluid containing at least about 20 percent by weight carbon dioxide through said injection well at a pressure not exceeding the cracking pressure of said deposit into said coal deposit while maintaining said recovery well closed; c. stopping said injection and maintaining said deposit in a pressurized condition for a period of time sufficient to enable a substantial amount of methane which is adsorbed on said coal deposit to be desorbed therefrom; d. opening said recovery well after step (c) to recover injected fluid and desorbed methane from said coal deposit; e. closing said recovery well after step (d); and f. repeating steps (b) through (e) until enough methane has been removed from said coal deposit to enable the deposit to be worked safely.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said carbon dioxide-containing fluid is a gaseous compound selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, flue gas, off-gas from a limestone kiln and off-gas from a cement kiln.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said fluid is carbon dioxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a plurality of recovery wells spaced about said injection well are provided.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein sufficient carbon dioxide is injected to provide a pressure of about 200 psi throughout the zone defined by said recovery wells.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-22 | 1981-02-21 | 1981-08-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-22 | 1985-02-21 | 1985-08-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-22 | 1989-02-21 | 1989-08-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |