Methods for destroying colliery methane and system for practicing same

摘要

Improved methods for the destruction of methane gas within a colliery ventilation stream are provided that include the efficient utilization of the energy obtained from the oxidation of the methane gas. In practicing the methods, a colliery vent gas, containing a dilute concentration of methane in air, is oxidized within a matrix bed of heat resistant material to convert the methane to oxidation products with the simultaneous release of heat energy. The heat energy is recovered to thermally heat a working fluid used to operate a steam turbine to produce electricity.