Method for in situ biological conversion of coal to methane

Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Measuring or testing process involving enzymes or... – Involving viable micro-organism

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435 42, 435167, 4352544, C12Q 104, C12Q 124, C12P 502

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active

054241952

ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus are provided for the in situ biological conversion of coal to methane comprising culturing on a coal-containing substrate a consortium of microorganisms capable of degrading the coal into methane under suitable conditions. This consortium of microorganisms can be obtained from an underground cavity such as an abandoned mine which underwent a change from being supplied with sewage to where no sewage was present, since these conditions have favored the development of microorganisms capable of using coal as a carbon source and converting coal to methane. The consortium of microorganisms obtained from such abandoned coal mines can be isolated and introduced to hard-to-reach coal-containing substrates which lack such microorganisms and which would otherwise remain unrecoverable. The present invention comprises a significant advantage in that useable energy can be obtained from a number of abandoned mine sites or other areas wherein coal is no longer being recovered, and such energy can be obtained in a safe, efficient, and inexpensive manner.

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Derwent ABS 91-021958/03 (Dec. 18, 1990) Volkhein ABS US7540598.

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