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What Is Coalbed Natural Gas?
Coalbed natural gas is generated and stored in coal
beds. Within the coal seam, the natural gas is held in
place by water pressure. In order to release the natural
gas, the water pressure must be reduced. This is
accomplished by pumping a small percentage of the
water out of the coal seam. A useful analogy is a can of
soda pop. When the can is opened, pressure is
released and the carbon dioxide in the liquid escapes
from the can.
Gas produced at individual wells is piped to a metering
facility where the amount of production from each well is
recorded. The natural gas then flows to a compressor
station where the gas is compressed for shipment in a
pipeline.
Natural gas, the most efficient and clean-burning fossil
fuel, is seen as an answer to the country's reliance on
foreign oil. In addition, the calls from the Environmental
Protection Agency and environmental groups to
encourage the use of alternative fuels make coalbed
natural gas an excellent energy choice.
Water from these ponds are now being used for irrigation using a natural treatment process to remove the saline and a system of pipes installed under ranch land.
