CBM Project

Coalbed methane (CBM or coal-bed methane) also referred to as the coalbed gas, coal
seam gas (CSG), or coal-mine methane (CMM) is a form of natural gas extracted from coal
beds which has in recent decades, become an important source of energy in United States,
Canada, Australia, and a few other countries. The term refers to methane adsorbed into the
solid matrix of the coal. It is called 'sweet gas' because of its lack of hydrogen sulfide. (The
presence of this gas is well known from its occurrence in underground coal mining, where it
presents a serious safety risk). Coalbed methane is distinct from a typical sandstone or other
conventional gas reservoir, as the methane is stored within the coal by a process called
adsorption. The methane is in a near-liquid state, lining the inside of pores within the coal
(called the matrix). The open fractures in the coal (called the cleats) can also contain free
gas or can be saturated with water. Biogenic origin of the significant proportion of coal bed
methane has indicated the role of microbial communities in methanogenesis.
Methanogenesis or biomethanation is the formation of methane by microbes known as
methanogens. Organisms capable of producing methane have been identified only from the
domain Archaea, a group phylogenetically distinct from both eukaryotes and bacteria,
although many live in close association with anaerobic bacteria. The production of methane
is an important and widespread form of microbial metabolism. In most environments, it is the
final step in the decomposition of biomass.
Aim
To develop and implement an alternative approach involving methanogenic bacteria in Coal
Bed Methane reservoirs to boost productivity in a better and more efficient way.
Methods
Methane adsorbed into a solid coal matrix (coal macerals) will be released if the coal seam
is depressurised. Methane may be extracted by drilling wells into the coal seam. The goal is
to decrease the water pressure by pumping water from the well. The decrease in pressure
allows methane to desorb from the coal and flow as a gas up the well to the surface.
Methane is then compressed and piped to market.
Results
If we put in the methanogenic stains of bacteria in the water during the fracking of CBM
Reservoir then methanogens will have enough time i.e. 5-7 years to act and thus we will be
able to convert Coal to methane meanwhile the normal process of gas production will be in
progress. Also, since we will be able to add methanogens in the first go itself, it will reduce
the logistics and costs involves. Also, the methanogens dont need any extra supplements to
survive in Coal Bed Methane Reservoir.
Conclusion
CBM extraction suffers from a lower volume of recovery compared to other conventional
forms of methane recovery (i.e from sandstone reservoirs, recovery is 50% vis a vis 70-80%
for conventional deposits). If we are able to implement the aforesaid method successfully, it

would a long way in improving recovery from CBM beds and provide more energy for us and
the coming generations.