What is coalbed methane?
Coalbed methane (CBM) is natural gas or methane (CH4) which occurs in coal beds and has been generated during the conversion of plant material to coal. Although minor differences in geologic conditions alter production methods, coalbed methane is transported, sold, and used in a similar way to natural gas produced from conventional gas and petroleum fields. Methane is the major component and the primary energy source in natural gas. Coalbed methane is found in coal seams, and typically contains 80% – 95% methane gas. Coalbed methane is generated either from a biological process as a result of microbial action or from a thermal process as a result of increasing heat with depth of the coal. As organic material (peat) is buried, temperature and pressure increase, and methane, water, and other volatile substances are liberated. As these fluids are released, the coaly matter contracts and fractures in a distinctive manner. The fractures align themselves according to the existing stress fiel
