IGNITING AN UNDERGROUND COAL SEAM IN AN UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION PROCESS, UCG

摘要

An ignition apparatus (150) configured to ignite an underground coal seam (151). The ignition apparatus (150) comprising an ignition system, a positioning system, a sensor (170) and a controller (165). The ignition system comprises ignition means and an ignition tool (155) for igniting the underground coal seam (151) from within the well channel (154) or well liner encasing the well channel (154). The positioning system comprises coiled tubing (156) connected to the ignition tool (155) and extendible through a well head (153) within the well channel (154) to position the ignition tool (155) at a desired location within the well channel (154). The positioning system further comprises a spool (157) for transporting and dispensing the coiled tubing (156).