A new approach to producing a prospective energy resource based on coalmine methane

Abstract

The paper describes topical issues of a prospective method for coalmine methane utilization for obtaining an additional valuable energy resource for the regional development of coal-mining areas. It is noted that the development of the extraction of methane resources is very urgent and is of great economic importance for ensuring the energy independence of Ukraine. The experience and technologies of using methane and coalmine gas by global coal-mining companies are analyzed. Modern prospects and opportunities for using coal gas are studied. There is a need to transform the coalmine methane removal system and directions for maximizing the use of its resources in a wide range of concentrations in the composition of gas-air mixtures based on the development of innovative technologies to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of functioning coal-mining enterprises. Attention is focused on the advantages of using gas hydrate technologies for obtaining additional energy resource under conditions of changing coalmine methane concentrations. The specifics of the process of mixed gas hydrate formation from gas mixtures of various geneses have been studied. It has been revealed that it is the coalmine gas-methane composition that determines and forms the basic condition for hydrate formation. The thermobaric conditions for the hydrate formation process at different methane concentrations in gas mixtures of degassing systems have been experimentally determined. The results obtained are the basis for further research on efficiency of creating gas hydrates from coalmine methane and determining its minimum permissible concentration in the gas mixture of degassing systems according to the technological and economic criteria of hydrate formation.