Mining Publication: Methane Emission Rate Study in a Deep Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed Mine in Conjunction With Drilling Degasification Holes in the Coalbed

A degasification experiment was conducted in a Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed mine in Virginia. It involved (1) drilling holes in the coalbed in the outside headings of a set of five being developed in virgin area and (2) conducting a methane emission rate study as mining progressed and additional holes were drilled. Degasification from all drill holes except the longest in each of the outside headings and the first three drilled (excluding the in situ pressure hole) was erratic and inconsequential in methane emission rates. The two longest holes liberated 66 and 79 cfm of methane, which is significant for the coalbed, but such quantity lasted a relatively short time; the first three were uniform but low in methane emission.