In the heart of China’s Henan province, researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to improve the accuracy of coalbed methane (CBM) resource evaluation, potentially reshaping the energy sector’s approach to this valuable resource. Led by WEN Zhihui from the College of Safety Science and Engineering at Henan Polytechnic University, the team has introduced a novel way to calculate gas loss during confined sampling, a critical process in determining coal seam gas content.
Coalbed methane, a clean-burning natural gas extracted from coal deposits, is a vital resource in the global energy mix. Accurate measurement of gas content is crucial for resource evaluation, development, and safety management. However, traditional sampling methods often lead to significant gas loss, resulting in underestimation of resources and potential safety risks.
The team’s research, published in the Journal of China University of Mining & Technology, focuses on the desorption process of gas during underground confined sampling. “We analyzed the desorption patterns and developed a new method to calculate gas loss based on Sun Chongxu’s formula,” explains WEN. This innovative approach, coupled with an auxiliary software developed using C# language and MySQL database, has shown promising results.
The new method and software have demonstrated a significant improvement in accuracy. “The average gas loss calculated by our method accounted for 13.15% of the gas content,” says WEN. “This led to a 4.04-6.58% higher gas content measurement compared to traditional methods.” This enhancement in accuracy can greatly impact the energy sector, leading to better resource evaluation and development strategies.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. Improved accuracy in gas content determination can enhance the commercial viability of CBM projects, attracting more investment and accelerating development. Moreover, precise gas content measurement is crucial for predicting and managing gas protrusion risks, ensuring safer mining operations.
As the world increasingly turns to cleaner energy sources, the role of coalbed methane is set to grow. This research by WEN and his team could be a game-changer, providing the energy sector with a more accurate and reliable method for evaluating this valuable resource. The future of CBM development looks brighter, with this innovative approach paving the way for more efficient and safer extraction processes.