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Introduction to CBM

What is Coal Bed Methane?

Coal Bed Methane is gas produced from underground coal seams.

Coal Bed Methane (CBM) is a natural gas containing virtually 100% methane (CH4) produced from coal seam reservoirs. CBM is often produced at shallow depths and is often produced with large volumes of water of variable quality.

CBM is natural gas that is sourced and reservoired in a coal seam. It is often produced through a bore-hole that allows gas and water to be produced to the surface. Shallow aquifers, if present, need to be protected and in the western U.S., the producing coal bed is often an Underground Source Drinking Water (USDW). CBM resources represent valuable volumes of natural gas within and outside of areas of conventional oil & gas production. Many areas support current CBM production; other areas are expected to produce significant volumes.

Click below to view animated examples of a typical coal bed methane well and infiltration system.

Flash animation of a typical producing coal bed methane well in the Powder River Basin. View
Flash animation of a typical coal bed methane infiltration systems. View

Click the below images for annotated diagram describing a producing CBM Well, Aquifer Storage/Recovery, and Groundwater Recharge.

CBM Production

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Aquifer Storage/Recovery
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Groundwater Recharge
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Disclaimer

Restriction of Liability: Neither ALL Consulting, the Montana Board of Oil & Gas Conservation, or the State of Montana, nor any of their employees make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information or data provided in this project. The data included in this project could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. ALL Consulting, the Montana Board of Oil & Gas Conservation, or any another associated affiliate may update, modify, or revise the data in this project at any time, without notice. Please note that decisions should not be made solely on the use of this data; field confirmation is highly recommended.