Publication Name: New Petroleum Symposium 1993
Authors: S.F. Waller
Date Published: December 1993
Number of Pages: 42
Reference Type: Magazine Article
Abstract:
Since 1976 Amoco Production Company (APC) has spent over US$500 million on exploration, research, and development of coalbed methane (CBM) projects. It now operates over 800 wells, and produces over 9 million cubic meters of gas per day (cu. m. G/D), or 320 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFGD), from operations in the San Juan and Black Warrior Basins. Coal bed methane is an important part of the United States energy portfolio, and is becoming a more significant global target.The decision to embark on a coalbed methane exploration project, and the vigor with which it is pursued, is based on the analysis of a series of non-technical and technical factors. This paper outlines the major factors which Amoco analyzes prior to and during CBM exploration, and gives a few case histories of successes and failures. A number of colleagues at Amoco have generously contributed to this paper, but the author wishes to especially thank W. B. Hanson. J.L. Cooper, L.M. Knox, M.W. Jeansonne, J. P. Seidle, D. Yee, and J. F. McAnear also made significant contributions.