Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering methane from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation having a production well in fluid communication with the formation and an injection well in fluid communication with the formation. In the method an oxygen-depleted effluent, produced by a cryogenic separator is injected into the formation through the injection well. A first methane-containing gaseous mixture is recovered from the formation through the production well-during at least a portion of the time the oxygen-depleted effluent is being injected into the formation. The first methane-containing gaseous mixture has a first methane-desorbing gas volume percent. The injection of oxygen-depleted effluent is ceased and thereafter a second methane-containing gaseous mixture is recovered from the formation which has a second methane-desorbing gas volume percent which is less than the first methane-desorbing gas volume percent.

Abstract: A method for treating a mixture of gaseous fluids within a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the invention provides for the disposal of a strongly adsorbing gaseous fluid within the formation. In other embodiments, the invention provides a means for fractionating a mixture of gaseous fluids within the formation. In still other embodiments, the invention provides for the recovery of a raffinate from the formation which is enriched in relatively weaker adsorbing gaseous fluids. In still other embodiments, the invention provides for the recovery of methane from the formation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering methane from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation having a production well in fluid communication with the formation and an injection well in fluid communication with the formation. In the method an oxygen-depleted effluent, produced by a cryogenic separator is injected into the formation through the injection well. A first methane-containing gaseous mixture is recovered from the formation through the production well during at least a portion of the time the oxygen-depleted effluent is being injected into the formation. The first methane-containing gaseous mixture has a first methane-desorbing gas volume percent. The injection of oxygen-depleted effluent is ceased and thereafter a second methane-containing gaseous mixture is recovered from the formation which has a second methane-desorbing gas volume percent which is less than the first methane-desorbing gas volume percent.

Abstract: A method for treating a mixture of gaseous fluids within a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the invention provides for the disposal of a strongly adsorbing gaseous fluid within the formation. In other embodiments, the invention provides a means for fractionating a mixture of gaseous fluids within the formation. In still other embodiments, the invention provides for the recovery of a raffinate from the formation which is enriched in relatively weaker adsorbing gaseous fluids. In still other embodiments, the invention provides for the recovery of methane from the formation.

Abstract: A method for reducing the inert gas fraction volume percent present in a methane-containing mixture produced by injecting an inert gas into a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation is disclosed. The method reduces the inert gas fraction by suspending the injection of the inert gas or by reducing a rate of injection of the inert gas. Additional methods are disclosed in which the inert gas volume percent of a gaseous mixture produced from more than one well can be maintained below the inert gas volume percent present in a gas obtained from at least one of the wells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of degasification, wherein gas and water production from a coal field are maintained at high rates regardless of temporary changes in market demand. While all the produced water is disposed, surplus gas is reinjected in coal by converting some of the producers to injectors. When the demand for gas improves, the injection wells are put back on production. Recovery of gas from wells used as injectors is rapid because of increased reservoir pressure and high gas relative permeability near the wellbore.