Mass transfer in coal seams for CO2 sequestration

CO2 sequestration in coal seams is a relatively new technique to simultaneously achieve enhanced coal bed methane production and reduced CO2 emission. In this article, we integrate understandings in individual research fields to provide improved insight into the nature of this complex process. Our current overall model constructed from a number of sub-models consists of mass transfer in four pore types, namely, fractures, micro-, meso-, and macro-pores, all having pore size dependent characteristics. Key parameters are estimated using well established methods from the general literature. Three mechanisms of coal swelling leading to permeability variations during adsorption are proposed based on molecular simulations. The macroscopic level model is validated using a true tri-axial stress coal permeameter, which provides previously unpublished, accurate dynamic measurements of systems properties in three orthogonal directions including changes to the coal matrix volume. The integrated model provides a more complete and flexible representation for this complex system. (c) 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

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