Horizontal degasification and characterization of coals in the Sabinas Sub-basin, Mexico: implications for CBM production

Abstract

Research Article| September 01, 2006 Horizontal degasification and characterization of coals in the Sabinas Sub-basin, Mexico: implications for CBM production Thomas Gentzis; Thomas Gentzis Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Keith Murray; Keith Murray Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Renee Klinger; Renee Klinger Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Mario Santillan Mario Santillan Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Thomas Gentzis Keith Murray Renee Klinger Mario Santillan Publisher: Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Received: 15 Jul 2005 Accepted: 19 Jun 2006 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 2368-0261 Print ISSN: 0007-4802 © The Society of Canadian Petroleum Geologists Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology (2006) 54 (3): 221–237. https://doi.org/10.2113/gscpgbull.54.3.221 Article history Received: 15 Jul 2005 Accepted: 19 Jun 2006 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Thomas Gentzis, Keith Murray, Renee Klinger, Mario Santillan; Horizontal degasification and characterization of coals in the Sabinas Sub-basin, Mexico: implications for CBM production. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology 2006;; 54 (3): 221–237. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gscpgbull.54.3.221 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyBulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology Search Advanced Search Abstract The Sabinas sub-basin in northern Mexico contains gassy coals in the Upper Cretaceous Los Olmos Formation, based on both historical evidence and current desorption testing. The “Double Seam” coal is present at shallow depth (<500 m), has high vitrinite content (>86 vol%), is well-cleated, shows high diffusivity [average tau (τ) value is 56 hours] and has high natural fracture permeability (>30 mD) in the minesites. The coal averages 2.2 m in thickness but has a high ash content (32 wt%). A tonstein band is present in the middle of the Double Seam, consisting of vitrinite and inertinite embedded in a matrix of fine clays and quartz. Average desorbed gas content of this medium-volatile bituminous coal 3/g). Maximum methane adsorption at an equivalent (Romax = 1.30%) is highest in Mine V (Esmeralda Mine at >9.0 cm depth of 300 m is 15 cm3/g (as-received basis; arb). Coal bed methane is mainly methane (98%) with heating value of 38.21 MJ/m3 (1026 Btu/ft3). The coal is under-pressured and reported to be dry, with possibly free gas in the cleat/fracture system and absence of discrete mineralization. In-seam horizontal drilling prior to longwall mining has resulted in the significant reduction of in-situ gas contents and in an increase of mined coal production per shift. The Sabinas sub-basin coals are suitable for a full-scale coal bed methane (CBM) development using in-seam single horizontal and multi-lateral horizontal drilling. Similarities, but also differences, exist between the Sabinas coals in Mexico and the same coals in the Maverick Basin, Texas. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.