In the vast energy landscape, a new frontier is emerging from an unlikely source: coal measures. Researchers, led by Lei Wang from PetroChina Coalbed Methane Company Limited in Beijing, are unlocking the potential of helium extraction from coalbed methane (CBM), a discovery that could reshape the energy sector’s approach to this valuable resource.
Helium, a vital strategic resource, is traditionally sourced from natural gas. However, Wang and his team have turned their attention to coal measures, where helium often accompanies CBM with significant concentrations. Their focus on the Sanjiaobei Block along the northeastern margin of the Ordos Basin has yielded promising insights. “The Sanjiaobei Block features abundant coal-measure gas but relatively low helium resources,” explains Wang. Yet, the helium present is stable and substantial, with geological reserves reaching up to 11.1456 million cubic meters.
The team’s innovative approach involves extracting helium from boil-off gas (BOG) during the liquefaction of natural gas. By employing a low-temperature helium extraction technique, they’ve designed a process that includes gas filtration, catalytic dehydrogenation, dehydration and drying, helium extraction, helium charging, and liquid oxygen catalysis. This method not only optimizes energy recovery but also reduces the dependence on direct compression of feed gas.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. “This design provides a stable low-temperature environment that is insensitive to helium concentration fluctuations, enabling the rational and full utilization of BOG gas produced in the plant,” Wang notes. This means that even low-abundance helium resources can be efficiently extracted, opening up new avenues for resource utilization.
The research, published in *Meitian dizhi yu kantan* (translated as *Modern Geology and Prospecting*), highlights the potential for helium extraction from coal measures to become a viable and profitable venture. As the energy sector continues to evolve, this breakthrough could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient resource extraction methods.
For the energy sector, the commercial impacts are significant. The ability to extract helium from coal measures could lead to a more diversified and resilient supply chain, reducing dependence on traditional sources. This could drive down costs and increase the availability of helium for various industrial applications, from medical imaging to semiconductor manufacturing.
Moreover, the innovative techniques developed by Wang and his team could inspire further research and development in the field. As the energy sector seeks to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, this research offers a glimpse into the future of resource extraction.
In the words of Wang, “The findings of this study will play a positive and significant role in improving both the technique for helium extraction in coal measures and the economic benefits of relevant enterprises.” This research not only advances our understanding of helium resources but also sets the stage for a new era in energy extraction.