In-situ Coal Solubilization for Biogenic Methane Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inefficient in converting coal into biogenic methane due to the insoluble nature of coal, which limits the production of secondary biogenic coal bed methane.
Innovation Solution
The method involves in-situ coal depolymerization and solubilization using agents like acids, bases, oxidants, and solvents to transform solid coal into soluble constituents, which are then biologically converted into methane by indigenous microorganisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coal is used as substrate for biogenic methane production, then methane can be produced from coal deposits, but the insoluble nature of coal limits the bio-availability and efficiency of conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by treating coal with chemical agents (acids, bases, oxidants, or solvents) to alter its physical and chemical properties. This depolymerization and solubilization process transforms the insoluble coal matrix into soluble constituents with improved bio-availability, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining coal as substrate and improving its convertibility to methane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (chemical treating agents such as acids, bases, oxidants, or solvents) that mediate between the insoluble coal and the microorganisms. These intermediaries facilitate the conversion of coal into bio-available forms without requiring direct interaction between microorganisms and raw coal, thereby improving methane production efficiency while maintaining the coal-based substrate system
2Productivity
If chemical treating agents are used to solubilize coal, then bio-availability of coal constituents is improved, but the process complexity and chemical usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal treating agents (acids, bases, oxidants, solvents) that can be applied through a standardized injection process regardless of the specific coal formation characteristics. This multi-functional approach allows the same basic process framework to handle different coal types and conditions, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining improved bio-availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes indigenous microorganisms already present in the coal bed to perform the methane conversion function. This self-service approach eliminates the need to introduce external microbial cultures or complex biological processing systems, thereby reducing process complexity while achieving effective methane production from the solubilized coal constituents
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the production of secondary biogenic coal bed methane by making coal-derived substrates more bio-available, potentially extending the life of coal beds by continuously providing methane.
Implementation Method 1
converting the solid coal matrix into soluble constituents through in-situ coal depolymerization and solubilization
Implementation Method 2
transform solid coal into soluble constituents using agents like acids, bases, oxidants, and solvents
Implementation Method 3
biologically converting the soluble, coal-derived constituents into methane using indigenous microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
A method for converting coal to biogenic methane is provided. The method comprises providing a solid coal matrix, converting the solid coal matrix into soluble, coal-derived constituents, introducing indigenous microorganisms and nutrients into the soluble, coal-derived constituents, and biologically converting the soluble, coal-derived constituents into methane.