Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing gas from a subterranean formation containing a coal seam. The method includes the steps of drilling a substantially vertical well bore into the subterranean formation, which intersects the coal seam and fracturing the coal seam using a hydrajetting tool to produce at least one pair of opposed bi-wing fractures substantially along a plane of maximum stress. One or more horizontal well bores may also be drilled into the coal seam along which the coal seam can be further fractured.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to subterranean well construction, and more particularly, to improved methods for producing gas from subterranean formations that include coal seams. The method according to the present invention includes the steps of drilling at least one substantially vertical well bore intersecting the coal seam, drilling at least one substantially horizontal well bore disposed substantially within the coal seam and exiting from the at least one substantially vertical well bore, and fracturing the coal seam along the at least one substantially horizontal well bore using a hydrajetting tool to produce a plurality of fractures. The plurality of fractures is spaced to maximize interference between the fractures and enhances the production of gas from the coal seam of the subterranean formation. A plurality of substantially horizontal well bores can also be drilled.