Advanced Environmental Technologies for Increasing Coal Seam Permeability (2018–2021)
Abstract:
Technologies for increasing the permeability of coal have become necessary for commercially viable coal seam
gas (CSG) extraction in Australia. Currently available methods arise from the conventional gas industry, are
problematic for coal, and fail to capitalise on coal¿s existing fracture network. This project aims to elucidate the
physical/chemical mechanisms occurring when benign chemicals interact and dissolve minerals and coal surfaces
in the natural fractures. The intended outcome is a range of new coal specific technologies for enhancing
permeability that avoid unwanted and irreversible damage to seams and protect the environment. Combined with
reduced costs, these methods would benefit sustainable growth of Australia¿s CSG industry.