<–2/”>a >Coal bed methane is found in the impermeable stone and is trapped in the coal seams. A significant portion of this gas remain as free gas in the joints and fractures of the coal seam. Large quantities of gas are adsorbed on the internal surfaces of the micropores within the coal itself
Coal bed methane can be accessed by drilling wells into the coal seam and pumping large quantity of water that saturate the seam. Water will occupy the gaps and pores and will push out the gas.
Problem of coal bed methane extraction :
- It is a capital intensive process and at current state of pricing it is not possible to extract.
- Private sector has no rights to extract unconventional gas reservoir.
- Coal bed methane comes under Ministry of petroleum and coal mines come under ministry of coal. So there is overlapping of jurisdiction which create problems.
- The technology required is very advanced and the public sector companies have very weak organizational setup to efficiently handle such technologies and extract gas economically.
Huge amount of water is required,
Coal bed methane (CBM) is a naturally occurring gas that is found in coal seams. It is composed primarily of methane, with smaller amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen. CBM is extracted from coal seams using a variety of methods, including hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
The extraction of CBM can have a number of environmental impacts, including water contamination, Air Pollution, and land subsidence.
Water contamination: The extraction of CBM can contaminate groundwater with methane, salts, and other chemicals. Methane can migrate into groundwater through cracks and fissures in the earth. Salts can also be released into groundwater during the extraction process, which can make the water undrinkable. Other chemicals, such as benzene and toluene, can also be released into groundwater during the extraction process. These chemicals can cause a variety of Health problems, including cancer.
Air pollution: The extraction of CBM can release methane and other pollutants into the air. Methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to Climate change. Other pollutants that can be released into the air during the extraction process include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and ozone. VOCs can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer. Particulate matter can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Ozone can cause respiratory problems, asthma attacks, and heart disease.
Land subsidence: The extraction of CBM can cause land to subside, which can damage Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE and property. Land subsidence occurs when the ground surface lowers due to the removal of water or gas from the earth. When CBM is extracted, the water pressure in the coal seam decreases, which can cause the coal to collapse. This collapse can cause the ground surface to lower, which can damage infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
Earthquakes: The extraction of CBM can trigger earthquakes. Earthquakes can be triggered when the extraction process causes the ground to shift or when the water pressure in the coal seam decreases. Earthquakes that are triggered by CBM extraction are typically small, but they can cause damage to infrastructure and property.
Greenhouse gas emissions: The extraction and combustion of CBM releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the Atmosphere. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. When CBM is extracted, the methane is released into the atmosphere. When CBM is combusted, the methane is also released into the atmosphere. The release of methane into the atmosphere contributes to Climate Change.
Social impacts: The extraction of CBM can have a number of social impacts, including Noise Pollution, traffic congestion, and loss of property. Noise pollution can occur during the extraction process, when heavy machinery is used to drill into the coal seam. Traffic congestion can occur when trucks are used to transport the CBM to processing facilities. Loss of property can occur when the extraction process causes land to subside.
The extraction of CBM has a number of environmental and social impacts. It is important to weigh the benefits of CBM extraction, such as the production of energy, against the costs, such as environmental damage and social disruption.
Coal bed methane (CBM) is a naturally occurring gas that is found in coal seams. It is a clean-burning fuel that can be used to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and power vehicles.
The extraction of CBM can be a complex and expensive process. It involves drilling wells into the coal seam and then extracting the gas using a variety of methods. The main problem with CBM extraction is that it can cause subsidence, which is the sinking of the ground surface. This can damage buildings and infrastructure, and can also pose a risk to human health and safety.
Here are some frequently asked questions about CBM:
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What is coal bed methane?
Coal bed methane (CBM) is a naturally occurring gas that is found in coal seams. It is a clean-burning fuel that can be used to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and power vehicles. -
How is CBM extracted?
CBM is extracted by drilling wells into the coal seam and then extracting the gas using a variety of methods. The most common method is to use a process called hydraulic fracturing, which involves pumping water, sand, and chemicals into the well to create fractures in the coal seam. The gas then flows into the well and is extracted to the surface. -
What are the benefits of CBM?
CBM is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer emissions than other fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. It is also a domestically produced resource, which means that it is not subject to the same price fluctuations as imported fuels. -
What are the risks of CBM?
The main risk of CBM extraction is that it can cause subsidence, which is the sinking of the ground surface. This can damage buildings and infrastructure, and can also pose a risk to human health and safety. Other risks include water contamination and air pollution. -
What is the future of CBM?
CBM is a promising energy source with the potential to reduce our reliance on imported fuels. However, the risks of CBM extraction need to be carefully managed before it can be widely adopted.
Coal bed methane is a natural gas that is found in coal seams. It is formed when organic matter in the coal decomposes over time. Coal bed methane can be extracted from the coal seam using a variety of methods, including hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.
The extraction of coal bed methane can have a number of negative environmental impacts, including:
- Water contamination: Fracking can contaminate groundwater with chemicals used in the fracking process.
- Air pollution: The burning of coal bed methane can release pollutants into the air, including methane, a greenhouse gas.
- Land disturbance: Fracking can cause land disturbance, including the creation of large surface scars.
Despite these negative impacts, coal bed methane is a valuable energy resource. It is a clean-burning fuel that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Coal bed methane is also a domestic resource, which means that it does not contribute to the country’s dependence on foreign oil.
Here are some MCQs about coal bed methane:
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Coal bed methane is a type of:
(a) Natural gas
(b) Petroleum
(c) Coal
(d) Oil shale -
Coal bed methane is formed when:
(a) Organic matter in the coal decomposes over time
(b) Coal is heated to high temperatures
(c) Coal is mixed with water
(d) Coal is exposed to air -
Coal bed methane can be extracted from the coal seam using a variety of methods, including:
(a) Hydraulic fracturing
(b) Mining
(c) Drilling
(d) All of the above -
The extraction of coal bed methane can have a number of negative environmental impacts, including:
(a) Water contamination
(b) Air pollution
(c) Land disturbance
(d) All of the above -
Despite these negative impacts, coal bed methane is a valuable energy resource because:
(a) It is a clean-burning fuel
(b) It is a domestic resource
(c) It can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(d) All of the above