Geological and Petrological Considerations for Coal Bed Methane Exploration: A Review

Abstract

Coal bed methane occupies pores and cleats of coal. The cleats are generated during the bituminous rank stage while their abundance decreases at high rank due to an increase in the thermal maturation. It is the organic component of coal that stores methane, whereas the inorganic component reduces the gas sorption capacity. At a given rank, the vitrinite-rich bright coals have a higher sorption capacity. This phenomenon is not prominent at the low rank stage. The moisture content of coal hinders the coal bed methane production. Recovery of coal bed methane from low rank coals has opened new windows for the future of coal bed methane exploration programs.