On August 9, a press conference in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province revealed that the Institute of Physical and Chemical Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, successfully completed an industrial experiment on the separation and liquefaction of oxygen-containing coalbed methane (CBM). This breakthrough marks the first time globally that such technology has been achieved, breaking the long-standing industrial bottleneck in China's CBM production. The achievement is expected to significantly reduce the emission of millions of cubic meters of oxygen-containing CBM into the atmosphere, improving energy efficiency and helping narrow the gap between energy supply and demand.
Oxygen-containing CBM refers to coalbed methane gas with methane content ranging from 30% to 70%, which is typically released during coal mining to prevent gas explosions. The successful test enables the separation and liquefaction of flammable gases like methane while minimizing explosion risks. The process is nearly pollution-free, with only minimal byproducts generated.
Coalbed methane is becoming a promising energy source in China. According to recent data, annual CBM production exceeds the total natural gas output of the same year. However, utilization remains limited, with few industrial applications. Each year, between 6 to 8 billion cubic meters of CBM are released into the atmosphere, causing severe air pollution and wasting valuable resources.
In China, most coal mines produce low-volume CBM, making it economically unviable for individual wells to install pipelines. This lack of infrastructure discourages investment. While some mines can extract high-methane-content CBM (over 95%) through surface drilling, the methane content during mining is often as low as 50%, or even less, and the gas is frequently mixed with air. Oxygen, being a combustion aid, poses safety challenges for processing and transportation. Additionally, many CBM sources have high gas content, leading to inefficient recovery and frequent gas explosions in mines.
The experiment was conducted by the Institute of Physical and Chemical Technology, Beijing Pro-International Investment Co., Ltd., and Yangquan Coal Industry Group. At the same time, the National Development and Reform Commission approved a project by the U.S.-China Energy Corporation, a subsidiary of China United Coalbed Methane Co., Ltd., to produce 500 million cubic meters of CBM annually. This project is a key initiative under China’s "11th Five-Year Plan" for CBM development and utilization.
Silicone Roller,Silicone Rubber Embossing Roller,Conductive Roller,Traction Transmission Roller
Jiangyin Mingda Rubber Roller Co,Ltd , https://www.mingdaroller.com