A 120 page study titled "Multi-Seam Well Completion
Technology: Implications for Powder River Basin Coalbed Methane Production"
can be found here. This study is
from the U.S. Department
of Energy.
The key to CBM production is largely protecting
the permeability developed in the cleats from such detrimental substances
as acids, xylene-toluene, gasoline-benzene-diesel, condensate-strong
solvents, bleach, gels, foams, strong surfactants-formers, and 100-mesh
sand…Generation of coal fines is a major cause of stimulation failures,
high decline rates and resulting low gas productivity…. Fracturing gels
and most other conventional stimulation additives have generally proven
to be detrimental to CBM production.[1]
“The most important revelation for coalbed methane
was when people realized this is a play specific resource,” Kelso added.
The coal and completion techniques are different in every play and the
companies that are successful are those that step outside the box and
approach each play from a different angle.[2]
In summary, every coal well is different. It is
imperative to document and monitor each treatment and step in the completion
and production cycle. The minimum treatment necessary is best to minimize
any damage to the coal and maximize the natural permeability, which
is already present.[3]
[1] Oklahoma
Coalbed Methane, 2001; Petroleum Technology Transfer Council
[2]
Coalbed Methane Comes of Age; www.aapg.org
explorer
[3]
Panoak…Its Present; www.panoak.com