Effects of minewater ascent on methane emissions from the coal mines
Joint project with TU Clausthal for a detailed investigation of the gas migration process
As time progresses, the planned minewater ascent in the coal mining district of the Ruhr, the Saar and Ibbenbüren is resulting in the water table rising in the Carboniferous rock layer. How does this affect the mine gas (methane) in the rock mass? This is the subject of the research performed by experts from the Research Center together with TU Clausthal as part of a long-term project. They are analysing the outgassing behaviour of methane during the course of the minewater rebound process, systematically recording the secondary formation potential of the gases and are evaluating it for opportunities and risks.
The first phase of the project will see samples taken from selected sites, and tested to determine their chemical and isotopic composition, in order to ascertain the origins of the gases. This also enables statements to be made regarding the conditions for formation for methane, which means a distinction can be made between thermogenic and biogenic methane.
The project will be funded by the RAG-Stiftung until the end of 2021.
Project objective
- Untersuchung des langfristigen Ausgasungsverhaltens von Methan im Rahmen des Grubenwasseranstiegsprozesses
- Erfassung und Bewertung des sekundären Bildungspotentials von Methan hinsichtlich Chancen und Risiken
- Räumlich-zeitliche Simulation der Prozesse und der Migrationswege
- Identifikation potentiell gasgefährdeter Bereiche
Contact
Prof. Dr. rer. nat Christian Melchers
Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, University
Herner Street 45
44787 Bochum
Building 2, room 104b
Phone 0234 968 3280
Mail christian.melchers@thga.de
Dr. Barbara Teichert
Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, University
Herner Street 45
44787 Bochum
Building 2, room 106
Phone 0234 968 02
Mail barbara.teichert@thga.de
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