DE-FC26-00NT40978

Goal
The primary objectives of this work are to conduct the first pilot-scale field demonstration of a process to capture, purify, and convert coal mine methane (CMM) into commercially significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG); demonstrate the extent of reduction in CMM emissions; and demonstrate the efficiency and economics of producing LNG from CMM.

Performers
Appalachian-Pacific Coal Mine Methane Power Co, LLC, Washington, DC 20004

Background
This project was awarded under a National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) program focused on developing improved methods for extracting coal mine methane (CMM) gas. The Appalachian-Pacific CMM Power Company LLC (A-P) planned to demonstrate a pilot process to convert coal mine methane from a mine in Mannington, WV into liquefied natural gas (LNG) that could be used to fuel heavy trucks. The liquefaction process originally envisioned was known as TASHER technology. The TASHER process was to be used to cool the methane to cryogenic temperatures to convert it to LNG which could be used as a substitute for diesel fuel in modified fleet vehicles.

Subsequently the Mannington site became unavailable and Chart Industries sold its TASHER technology rights to Praxair, which shelved further development. Consequently, with DOE approval, A-P modified its project concept to encompass an approach to employ gas conditioning equipment to condition methane from coal mine gas for sale to a nearby natural gas pipeline (until CMM vehicle fuel markets can be developed) and then deploy non-TASHER refrigeration equipment to liquefy the purified and dehydrated CMM stream for use as a vehicle fuel.

Impact
This project, if successful, could demonstrate that commercial quantities of methane can be supplied from coal mines in an environmentally acceptable manner and could help develop regional markets for the sale of LNG. These accomplishments could impact the U.S. energy portfolio by helping to tap into an underutilized supply of natural gas while simultaneously reducing the volume of CMM vented to the atmosphere.

Accomplishments

• A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental assessment of the Parish Shaft of the Federal No. 2 Mine was completed, but the site was subsequently withdrawn. A new environmental assessment will be performed upon final site selection.
• A-P has acquired/developed all gas conditioning equipment (except for project compression equipment for which requirements are particularly site specific).
• A-P has acquired letters of intent from gas pipeline companies near the West Elk Mine to receive gas from the project until the intended LNG transportation fuel market is established (if necessary).
• A-P has acquired letters of intent from liquefier manufacturer and external support financing to bring the liquefier on board at the onset of field demo activities.

Current Status (October 2011)
A-P plans to continue to pursue access to the West Elk mine in Paonia, Colorado as a project field site. These plans include open offers to the site operator (Arch Coal) to collaborate on the project and inquiries with the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado congressional delegations about direct access to the gas. Arch Coal has indicated to BLM (through required lease reporting) that they do not feel collection and use of the CMM is economically feasible, but preliminary studies by A-P indicate that work under this demonstration project at the site does represent economically feasible use. The results of the A-P studies have been provided to BLM.

Additionally, AP is peripherally investigating other potential sources of methane for field testing in the event that access to West Elk CMM cannot be acquired.

Project Start: September 30, 2000
Project End: March 31, 2013

DOE Contribution: $4,606,844
Performer Contribution: $6,390,508

Contact Information:
NETL – Rick Baker (richard.baker@netl.doe.gov or 304-285-4714)
Appalachia Pacific – Charles Estes (cestes@aplng.com or 202-347-9347)
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