ANALYSIS OF THE TECHNIQUES FOR THE UTILISATION OF COAL BED METHANE FROM POLISH COAL MINES

摘要

The present study deals with two techniques for the utilisation of coal-related methane emissions in Poland. An analysis is carried out of the enrichment of coal bed methane via adsorptive separation to produce gas that can be used commercially in natural gas networks. It is found that a two-stage pressure swing adsorption system can yield the gas containing more than 90% of methane. Also, economic feasibility is studied for an alternative utilisation option, namely, the combustion of ventilation air methane in existing boilers. Conditions are derived that determine the upper limit of the distance at which the transportation of ventilation air remains an economically viable solution.