Creek Coal Research Articles

Palynologic and petrographic variation in the Otter Creek coal beds (Stephanian, Upper Carboniferous), western Kentucky

The palynology and petrology of the Lisman (Lower Otter Creek) and Upper Otter Creek coals of the Stephanian portion of the Sturgis Formation of the Western Kentucky coal field was investigated in samples from mine and roadcut exposures. The Lisman coal bed exhibits an upward decrease in palynologic diversity and an upward increase in inertinite macerals. These factors suggest a change in swamp paleoecology in response to a climate which was gradually becoming drier. The Upper Otter Creek coal bed exhibits less lateral continuity in palynomorph assemblages than does the Lisman. The Upper Otter Creek palynomorph assemblages are less diverse than the Lisman assemblages. Overall, the variation in the Upper Otter Creek coal bed cannot be attributed with certainty to any factor other than the local relief within the swamp.

Organic petrology and geochemistry of intermontane coals from British Columbia: 3. The Blakeburn opencast mine near Tulameen, British Columbia, Canada

Rank, maceral composition and elemental concentrations of coals, volcanoclastics and sedimentary partings from coal-bearing strata in the Blakeburn opencast mine, British Columbia, are determined using reflected light microscopy, INAA and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (boron only). Petrologically, the coal is similar to that from the Hat Creek coal deposits Nos. 1 and 2 of British Columbia, with vitrinite the dominant maceral group and inertinite macerals contributing only a small percentage. Three depositional cycles are observed; each representing a particular sedimentological and petrological environment of deposition. The coal in Cycles I and II was deposited in a freshwater environment with an almost uniform rate of subsidence; the coal in Cycle III also formed in a freshwater environment but was subject to erratic subsidence rates. Distribution of certain elements is similar to that of the Hat Creek coals (e.g., Al, Br, Cr, Ca, Mo, Se, Ti, W), indicating a certain degree of regional lateral persistence of elemental distribution. Vertical variations of elemental concentrations are primarily related to the lithology. Organically-bound elements are concentrated mainly in coal, and inorganically bound elements are found in the volcanoclastic and sedimentary partings.

Coal liquefaction using an intermetallic hydride to distribute hydrogen and catalyze the reaction

Iron-titanium alloy forms a reversible metal hydride which stores hydrogen as atomic hydrogen within its metal matrix at a density exceeding liquid hydrogen. The alloy has also been shown to have substantial catalytic properties towards hydrogenation reactions. In this paper we examine the alloy as a vehicle to both transport and distribute hydrogen to slurried coal and catalyze the liquefaction process. Batch liquefaction experiments produced conversions of approximately 50% for industrially handled Utah (SUFCO) and Alabama Blue Creek coals slurried in either tetralin or 1-methylnaphthalene in less than 30 min at a temperature of 260°C and a pressure of 4.14 MPa. Comparison of the liquefaction results in tetralin and 1-methylnaphthalene suggested that tetralin was involved as a shuttling agent rather than a donor solvent for this approach. This catalytic process reduced the nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen contents of the Utah coal by 25%, 50%, and 89.5% respectively, while the sulfur content of the Alabama coal was reduced by 34%. Both a simple first order mechanism and a more complex second order mechanism closely modeled the liquefaction data. Calculation, based on a run using non-hydrided FeTi, produced a catalytic turnover number of 3·10 −2 molecules of hydrogen per site per s. This approach overcomes problems encountered in other liquefaction processes, while converting coal to liquid products at reduced operating conditions. A hydrogen adsorption study of the spent alloy showed a 4% deactivation of the catalyst.

Elemental concentrations in Canadian coals: 2. Byron creek collieries, British Columbia

The concentration of 58 elements in Byron Creek coals ( % Ro = 0.942 1 ̄ .05 ), and their 1000 °C ashes were determined using intense neutron activation and plasma emission spectrometry. The organic-inorganic affinities of elements were detected by the trend of element concentration versus ash content of the samples. Antimony, boron, bromine and selenium are the only elements that are enriched in these coals. The higher concentration of boron in one coal seam is considered to indicate that this seam was deposited in a more marine environment than the other seams. Coal seams can be identified by the concentration or depletion of certain trace elements, such as boron, sodium, thorium and uranium. Similarity indices of coal samples are also a useful tool in seam identification. Certain elements, for example gallium, thorium and uranium, are more concentrated in carbominerite from the roof or floor than within the coal. Regular variation of boron, sodium, thorium and uranium may indicate the repetition of certain units in tectonically thickened coal seams.

METHANE DRAINAGE POTENTIAL OF THE NORTHERN BOWEN BASIN

Large volumes of methane plus some other gases are generated during the coalification process. Under suitable conditions some of this gas is adsorbed within the microporosity of coals. The rate at which the gas can desorb is a function of the permeability, degree of fracturing or cleating, moisture content, geochemistry of the coals, and the pressure differential. Flow rates from coals are generally low but can be dramatically improved by artificial stimulation and techniques such as lateral drilling.Methane drainage or coal de-methanisation has been carried out for many years, primarily for safety reasons. The resource value of methane in coal seams is now being recognised and considerable research is being undertaken both overseas and in Australia.In the Northern Bowen Basin, several million tonnes of coal are mined each year. The main seams of the Permian Collinsville, Moranbah, German Creek, and Rangal Coal Measures are generally thick and laterally extensive. The area north of Blackwater probably contains more than 100 billion tonnes of coal from which several hundred billion m3 (several Bcf) methane could conceivably be recovered in those areas where the coals are too deep for commercial exploitation.The coals of the Northern Bowen Basin are considered to have better physical parameters for the commercial development of methane drainage projects than those of the central and southern Bowen Basin where methane drainage projects were undertaken several years ago. It is estimated that more than 85 million m3 (3 Bcf) of recoverable gas per square km could be present in some areas. This gas can probably be produced for less than $1.50/GJ (1 Mcft, a figure which compares favourably with many conventional natural gas sources.The Northern Bowen Basin is well-situated with respect to potential gas markets at Townsville and Gladstone. The gas could also be used as a chemical feedstock for products such as ammonia, fertilisers, explosives or synfuels, with the plants located close to the producing wells, thus significantly reducing gas transport costs.

Pond Creek Coal Seam in Eastern Kentucky--New Look at an Old Resource: ABSTRACT

Pond Creek Coal Seam in Eastern Kentucky--New Look at an Old Resource: ABSTRACT

Pore distribution in high-volatile bituminous coal: An e.p.r. study using nitroxide spin labels

Nitroxide spin labels of different size were diffused into high-volatile bituminous coal from the Mary Lee and Black Creek Coal seams of Alabama in an effort to study the relative pore size and number distributions. The nitrogen coupling in the principal z direction of the incorporated spin label exhibits a temperature dependence above 250 K that is largely a result of librational motion of the nitroxide moiety about an N-C bond. Below 250 K, the temperature dependence of the nitrogen coupling behaves in the same manner as found for spin labels in solids that exhibit a hydrogen bond equilibrium at low temperatures. The distribution of pore sizes differs considerably between the Mary Lee and Black Creek coals. Similar studies of selected coal samples from the Penn State coal sample bank indicate that the spin-label doping method proposed is not applicable to all types of coal; however, it can be used to study selected samples of high-volatile bituminous coal.

Organic petrology of Hat Creek coal deposit No. 1, British Columbia

The upper Eocene Hat Creek coal deposits of British Columbia, Canada, are one of the thickest lignite to subbituminous coal deposits of the world, and comprise 350–550 m of coal. Samples of sedimentary organic material were taken from a 560-m interval of interbedded shale, siltstone and carbonate that was penetrated by corehole 75–106 in the centre of the coal basin, and the reflectances of huminite (eu-ulminite) from coal and kerogen from the organic material were determined and petrographical analyses were made. The coal deposit contains many leaf- and resinite-rich horizons, and the reflectance of huminite in these horizons in lower than in corresponding horizons containing less liptinite. When compared with huminite in adjacent coal beds, the reflectance of huminite in shale is lower, that in siltstone is similar, and huminite associated with carbonate rocks has slightly higher reflectance values. The petrological variation in the coal is mainly within the huminite group of macerals. The coal at the top of the deposits is lignite (% R o = 0.38) and becomes subbituminous C (% R o = 0.50) at the base. The inertinite content is very low, indicating a low level of peat fire or oxidation. The early stages of transformation of gelinite to macrinite are described. The paleoenvironment appeared to be lacustrine, as determined by organic petrological analysis of coals and interbedded sediments. Four major zones, each containing many subzones, were found. Paleoenvironments were similar for the A and C zones and also for the B and D zones.

Stratigraphy and Depositional Environments of Part of Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation in Black Warrior Basin, Alabama and Mississippi: ABSTRACT

The upper part of the Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation of the Black Warrior basin of Alabama and Mississippi is composed of cyclic sequences of conglomerates, sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, and coals, deposited in response to alternate phases of constructive and destructive deltaic sedimentation. The coal-bearing interval has been divided into seven coal groups (Black Creek, Mary Lee, Pratt, Cobb, Gwin, Utley, and Brookwood), each of which contains several coal beds. A detailed study of the three oldest coal groups, the Black Creek, Mary Lee, and Pratt, identified a variety of deltaic facies. These include distributary channel, interdistributary bay, crevasse splay, distributary mouth bar, lagoon/prodelta, and barrier island. The small, elongate deltas of the Black Creek, Mary Lee, and Pratt coal groups prograded northeastward from an orogenic source southwest of the Black Warrior foreland basin. A possible southeastern source terrain is suggested during deposition of Pratt strata. Distributary channels of the upper Black Creek and Mary Lee coal groups shifted extensively across the lower delta plain. Two general centers of deposition, one in Mississippi and one in Alabama, were maintained. Associated coals, trending northeast, accumulated in bays adjacent to the channels. In contrast, the northwest-trending coals of the lower Black Creek and Pratt coal groups were deposited in back-barrier settings during destructive phases of deltaic sedimentation. A single Pratt depocenter, located in Mississippi, is co ncident with the upper Black Creek and Mary Lee depocenter. Determination of depositional environments is based on the interpretation of geophysical log signatures and the distribution of sandstones and coals. Most of these data have been obtained from dual induction and density logs of wells drilled to underlying Mississippian reservoirs. The Pottsville sediments have not been a major petroleum objective; however, the numerous coal beds are a potential source of methane. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1447------------

Analysis of the Trace Element Content of Coals from the Wabaunsee Group, Southeastern Nebraska

Eight coal samples obtained from the Honey Creek, Lorton, Wamego, Elmo, and Nodaway coals of the Wabaunsee Group (Upper Pennsylvanian) were analyzed for their concentration of certain trace elements. Analysis of the data suggests (a) a general decrease of trace element concentrations away from the Precambrian Nemaha Arch in a basinward direction, and (b) the post-diagenetic emplacement of lead, zinc and cadmium typical of mid-continent coals.

Coal-Bed Methane Development in Warrier Coalfield of Alabama: ABSTRACT

The University of Alabama School of Mines and Energy Development is conducting research on coal-bed methane development and utilization in the Warrior coalfield. Four test core holes, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, have been drilled to depths of 2,800 to 3,400 ft (853 to 1,036 m). Gas quantities from coal samples were obtained by non-isothermal desorption and gas quality was determine by chromatographic analyses. Data from these tests were used to estimated total gas resources on targets of varying acreage around each core hole. Seams of the Pratt, Mary Lee, and Black Creek coal groups were found to have the greatest potential with gas contents ranging from 200 to 400 ft3 per ton, typically consisting of about 95% methane. An evaluation of well comple ion options and stimulation techniques indicate that multiple stimulation open-hole completion provides the best return on investment. Utilization options considered include: (1) direct on-site use as a fuel for heating, (2) vehicular fuel, (3) sale to a gas transmission company, and (4) sale to other users (local only). The feasibility of various well completion and gas utilization options was assessed using Internal Rate of Return (IRR) techniques over a 10-year life with 50% to 75% recoverability. These analyses indicate an acceptable rate-of-return, but are tentative as the percentage of in-place gas that can be recovered and the optimum well spacing are still under investigation. A demonstration well completed on the University of Alabama campus is being observed to confirm estimate of production rate, capital cost, and operating expenses. End_of_Article - Last_Page 483------------

Geology and Petrology of Tertiary Lignites Adjacent to Beartooth Mountain Front, Montana-Wyoming: ABSTRACT

Along the eastern margin of the Beartooth front a sequence of Laramide conglomerates, sandstones, siltstones, shales, and minor coals are exposed. These minor Paleocene-Eocene coals, ranging from lignite to subbituminous in rank, are the focus of this study. Four coal exposures were sampled along a north-south strip (17 mi, 27 km), proximal to the Beartooth front. These coals range in thickness from less than a 1-in. (2.5 cm) lens to about 10 ft (3 m) and contain partings of carbonaceous shale, shale, siltstone and sandstone. Two of the seams, designated as Meeteetse Trail and Burgess Lignite occur in typical Fort Union sediments. The Meeteetse Trail locality is less than 0.25 mi (0.4 m) from vertical Madison Limestone with a westerly dip under the Madison. The other, the Burgess Lignite locality, is composed of alternating papery fusinitic lignite, siltstones, thin lenses of channel sandstones, carbonaceous shales, and carbonaceous mudstones. The coals here are high in organic matter, fossil stems, leaves, megascopic resins, randomly o iented petrified tree stumps, and gypsiferous deposits. Two other localities, Gold Creek and Clarks Fork Canyon, are in Paleocene alluvial fan deposits. The Clarks Fork coals are found at the distal end of an alluvial fan system and dip rather gently basinward. The Gold Creek coals are found at the base of a fan interbedded with massive sandstones and conglomerates containing andesitic porphyry clasts up to 1.5 ft (0.4 m) in maximum dimension. The Fort Union Formation in this area includes lacustrine, paludal, fluvial, and conglomeratic members. There is a wide diversity of megaflora in different sedimentary facies. Petrographic examination reveals well preserved cell structure, especially in the fusinoid macerals. Although the coals have undergone severe alteration and weathering, they still exhibit excellent fluorescence properties. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1457------------

Vertical gravity gradient surveys: Field results and interpretations in British Columbia, Canada

Two vertical gravity gradient (VGG) surveys were completed by the authors during 1977 in British Columbia, Canada. The VGG method utilizes a LaCoste and Romberg model D gravity meter in conjunction with a small gradient tripod. The VGG method is practical under most field conditions using a 2 person crew and yields results precise to ±20 E or better. The VGG work indicates that the “free‐air” effect ranges between 2600–2800 E for southwestern British Columbia, which is somewhat lower than the theoretical value of 3086 E. The usefulness of the method in mining exploration is doubtful, especially in hilly or mountainous terrain where VGG values are shown to be very terrain sensitive. However, the importance of knowing the regional VGG variations is emphasized by the work over the Hat Creek coal deposit, British Columbia.

Geophysical Logs and Marine Zones as Useful Coal-Exploration Tools in Southern West Virginia: ABSTRACT

The coal resources study currently in progress at the West Virginial Geological and Economic Survey using gamma-ray logs, density logs, core logs, and marine zones aids in regional correlation problems in the stratigraphically complex, coal-bearing End_Page 901------------------------------ Kanawha Formation (Middle Pennsylvanian) of southern West Virginia. Projecting marine-zone control points onto nearby geophysical and core logs has greatly aided understanding of the complex stratigraphy of the Kanawha Formation, which was deposited in a rapidly subsiding basin. Recent work has indicated problems with several type sections, notably those of the Seth Limestone, Hernshaw coal, Peerless coal, Buffalo Creek coal, and the Buffalo Creek Limestone. Also, it appears that previous mapping of the Dingess Limestone in Boone, Raleigh, Logan, and Mingo Counties (from the West Virginia Geological Survey County Reports) actually represents several separate marine units which were mapped as a single unit. Stratigraphic cross sections, constructed from gamma-ray, density, and core logs and incorporating biostratigraphic information from field investigations of marine zones, allow better correlation of units, more reasonable interpretations, and a new evaluation of the coal measures of the Kanawha Formation in southern West Virginia. End_of_Article - Last_Page 902------------

Berea (Mississippian) Sandstone Core from CSO Island Creek Coal C-7, McDowell County, West Virginia: ABSTRACT

Berea (Mississippian) Sandstone Core from CSO Island Creek Coal C-7, McDowell County, West Virginia: ABSTRACT

Test of the Preheating Carbonization Process at a Coke Oven (II)

This report described the results of preheated coal carbonization test on a commercial coke oven, and we used experimental arrangements of our previous report.Used coals were following, weakly coking coal ……… Yubari-Tokugo-Bifun coal (Japan)slightly coking coal ……… Bibai coal (Japan)strong coking coal ……… Vicary Creek coal (Canada)For this test we based on partial preheating method, that was, preheated weakly coking coal and slightly coking coal, but strong coking coal untreated.Results of this test, mixing weight of strong coking coal should be sufficient by half, comparing with untreated charging coal by same blending ratio, and we obtained same coke strength.Then it could be substituted with slightly coking coal. On the other hand, throughput of coke oven improved about 20% by increasing bulk densiy and shortening coking time.We recognized a possibility to introduce the preheating process for full scale coke oven without any troubles.

Spore Floras of the Pennsylvanian of West Virginia and Kentucky

Each of nearly one hundred coal seams of Pennsylvanian age has been sampled at several localities in West Virginia and adjacent states. Maceration residues of these coal samples show a differentiation of the microfossil flora between the seams, which may represent evolutionary or/and ecological changes. Preliminary studies have been made on the megaspores which permit some advance conclusions. Sixty species and varieties of the megaspore flora of twenty selected seams are illustrated and discussed. Fifteen types of microspores from three seams are given from among fifty-eight recognized in all the coals studied. The principal floral changes appear to occur above the Lower War Eagle and Buffalo Creek coals and below the Uniontown coal. Less important changes are noted above the Matewan, Cedar Grove, and Lower Kit-tanning coals. Some evidence for interregional correlation based on similar geologic occurrence of certain spores is given. Several problems of the morphology and identification of spores are presented in the illustrated discussion of spore characteristics.

Correlation of Minable Coals of Illinois, Indiana, and Western Kentucky

The numbers by which the principal coals of Illinois, Indiana, and western Kentucky are commonly known are a result of independent work by the geological surveys of these three states and for the most part do not correspond. Certain interstate correlations have been made during the last 75 or more years and much attention has been directed toward the correlation of coals within the individual states but no attempt has previously been made to effect a comprehensive correlation of the coals of the Eastern Interior basin as a whole. Of the 50-odd seams present 13 are mined, 6 in Illinois, 5 in western Kentucky, and 8 in Indiana. The most important coal is Harrisburg 5 of Illinois (= Kentucky 9 = Indiana V). The Herrin coal 6 of Illinois (= Kentucky 11) is second in importance. Less important widespread seams are Rock Island coal 1 of Illinois (= Minshall of Indiana) with which is tentatively correlated Murphysboro coal No. of Illinois (= Mannington of Kentucky), Colchester coal 2 of Illinois, and Danville coal 7 of Illinois (= Indiana VII). Coals important only in restricted areas are lower and upper Brazil blocks of Indiana, Coals III, IV, and VI of Indiana, Grape Creek coal of Illinois, and coals 12 and 14 of Kentucky.

Injunction. Right to Relief. Unlawful Interference with Performance of Contract. Chesapeake & O. Coal Agency Co. v. Fire Creek Coal and Coke Co. et al., 119 Fed. 942

Injunction. Right to Relief. Unlawful Interference with Performance of Contract. Chesapeake & O. Coal Agency Co. v. Fire Creek Coal and Coke Co. et al., 119 Fed. 942

Laurel Creek Coal & Coke Co. v. Browning and Others. Decided at Wytheville, June 27, 1901

Laurel Creek Coal & Coke Co. v. Browning and Others. Decided at Wytheville, June 27, 1901