CHEMICALLY INDUCED PERMEABILITY ENHANCEMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN COAL FORMATION

摘要

A method for increasing the permeability to methane of a subterranean coal formation by chemically stimulating the formation of cleats in the coal form ation in order to increase the rate of methane production from the coal formation. The method comprises injecting a gaseous oxidant into the coal formation to stimulate the formation of cleats in the coal formation; and thereafter p roducing methane from the coal formations at an increased rate. The gaseous solution comprises ozone, oxygen and combinations thereof. The completion of wells penetrating a coal formation is facilitated by injecting a gaseous oxidant into the coal formation surrounding the well pri or to forming a cavity in the coal formation around the well.