Influence of Coal Shrinkage and Swelling on Coalbed-Methane Production and CO2 Sequestration

The potential for enhanced methane (CH4) production and geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in unmineable coal seams needs to be evaluated before large-scale sequestration projects are undertaken. Coal is known to competitively adsorb CO2 and CH4 gases. Laboratory experiments indicate that coal swells when a gas is adsorbed and shrinks when a gas is de-sorbed. The swelling and shrinkage may change the coal-cleat porosity and permeability. A 3D swelling and shrinkage model (SSM) was developed that is based on equations that account for coupled fluid-pressure/-deformation behavior of a porous medium that undergoes swelling and shrinkage.

View a Synopsis of SPE 102767 as published in JPT.

This article, written by Assistant Technology Editor Karen Bybee, contains highlights of paper SPE 102767, “Influence of Shrinkage and Swelling of Coal on Production of Coalbed Methane and Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide,” by H.J. Siriwardane and D.H. Smith, Natl. Energy Technology Laboratory/DOE; F. Gorucu, SPE, Advanced Resources International; and T. Ertekin, SPE, Pennsylvania State University, prepared for the 2006 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, 24–27 September.

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