The Geology of coal in the Netherlands IV - New production methods - 2. Stability of an underground coal gasification cavity

Abstract

A concept for coal gasification of deep lying thin coal layers via borehole linking and repeated sand-fill of the reaction chamber is described. The influence of high temperatures (up to 1000° C) on the rock properties are summarised. The stability of a borehole leading to an underground coal gasification chamber can be simulated by means of a finite element computer programme. Forthcoming research on this subject for the next 3 years is indicated.