Research Development Webinar

Feb. 26, 2007 - The University of Wyoming will hold a research development Webinar on February 27, 2007 entitled Sustained Biogenic Production of Coal-Bed Methane. The program will include an introduction from UW School of Energy Resources, C.D. Frost, overview of research examining biogenic production of coal-bed methane from Dr. David Bagley of the UW Civil and Architectural Engineering Department, and research information from Mike Urynowicz, and other Webinar participants.

The coal-bed methane (CBM) found with sub-bituminous coals such as those in the Wyoming Powder River basin is primarily biogenic and ranges from 20-90 standard cubic feet (SCF) gas/ton coal. This is small, however, compared to coal-bed methane found with bituminous and anthracite coals which ranges up to 500 SCF/ton, indicating that sub-bituminous coals contain the potential to produce up to 410-480 SCF/ton more methane. Recovering only 15% of that potential could double the methane production from existing sub-bituminous coal-bed methane wells in the Wyoming Powder River basin alone. This would increase estimated recoverable gas production from 25.2 to over 50 trillion cubic feet, for the same investment in mining, processing and recovery infrastructure. The challenge is to cost-effectively stimulate and control secondary biogenic CBM production in situ. The purpose of this Webinar is to share current information from University of Wyoming researchers and identify, in conjunction with industry representatives, the key technical questions remaining to be answered.

The Webinar, hosted by the School of Energy Resources will be held in Wyoming Hall, Room 304 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Although there is no cost for the Webinar, registration is required. For additional details please contact Dr. David Bagley, Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, 307-766-55591 or by e-mail at bagley@uwyo.edu.