Which of the following is/are true regarding Coalbed methane (CBM)?

1) The methane is in a near-liquid state.

2) The methane is stored within the coal due to a phenomenon called absorption.

a. Only 1

b. Only 2

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:

Coalbed methane is distinct from a typical sandstone or other conventional gas reservoir, as the methane is stored within the coal by a process called adsorption.

The methane is in a near-liquid state, lining the inside of pores within the coal (called the matrix).

The open fractures in the coal (called the cleats) can also contain free gas or can be saturated with water.

Gas contained in coal bed methane is mainly methane and trace quantities of ethane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and few other gases.

Intrinsic properties of coal as found in nature determine the amount of gas that can be recovered.