WSGS Coalbed Natural Gas (CBNG) Group
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Scott Quillinan | Keith E. Clarey P.G. | Ramsey Bentley | Nick Jones P.G. |
Wyoming Coalbed Natural Gas
Coalbed natural gas (CBNG) occurs naturally in Wyoming’s prolific coalbeds. CBNG is the product of the microbial decay of plant material during the early stages of coal formation. It is the same gas that has caused explosions and fires in coal mines over the years. Hydrostatic pressure “glues” the gas to the surface of the coal (in cleats and fractures) until the pressure drops, usually because of dewatering. CBNG produced from the Powder River Basin Coal Field consists almost entirely of methane, with a minor amount of CO2. Wyoming is currently the number three producer of CBNG, just behind New Mexico and Colorado. In 2007, Wyoming produced a record-setting 436.3 billion standard feet of gas. CBNG production continues to increase and set new records, with low water-to-gas ratios. |
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The Powder River Basin accounts for roughly 98% of all the CBNG produced in the state; however, other areas of Wyoming are in various stages of development. The Atlantic Rim in south-central Wyoming supports nearly 500 wells, about a quarter of which are producing gas wells. Other areas of the state with CBNG potential are still in the pilot phases of development.
Figure 2. CBNG development in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin.
About Us
The CBNG group provides a wide variety of information about CBNG, including scientific reports and maps on gas and co-produced water, water quality, and the location of coal bed sources.( Publications )
Current Projects
- Carbon isotope analysis of coalbed aquifers of the Powder River Basin and Atlantic Rim CBNG plays of Wyoming, directed by Scott Quillinan. Cooperators include Anadarko Petroleum Inc.
- Powder River Basin groundwater quality and coalbed association model, directed by Ronald Surdam, project lead Scott Quillinan. Cooperator: Wyoming Water Development Commission. (Publication date 6/1/2008)
- Stable and radiometric isotopic analysis of aquifer systems of the Atlantic Rim, Carbon County, WY, directed by Fred McLaughlin. Cooperators: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Anadarko Petroleum, Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
- Green River Basin Plan II groundwater study, directed by Keith Clarey. Cooperators: U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Date Systems.
- Powder River Basin coalbed natural gas aquifer impact study, directed by Keith Clarey. Cooperator: Wyoming State Engineer’s Office.
- CBNG regional groundwater monitoring report: Wyoming portion of the PRB, directed by Keith Clarey. Cooperator: U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Current WSGS CBNG Information:
- Coalbed natural gas information
- Pyrophicity (spontaneous combustion) of Powder River Basin coals – Considerations for CBNG development
- Powder River Basin CBNG development animation
- WSGS coal website
- WSGS groundwater website
- Coalbed natural gas pamphlet