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.
