Determining Coal Bed Gas Content is focus of ASTM standard.

Press Release Summary:



ASTM D7569, Practice for Determination of Gas Content of Coal - Direct Desorption Method, describes method for determining gas content of coal from such sources by desorption, using samples obtained by surface drilling. U.S. Geological Survey research geologist Peter Warwick called ASTM D7569 "an important procedure for establishing a resource base for investment and development," citing potential use by government, industry, and research laboratories.



Original Press Release:



New ASTM Standard Describes Method for Determining Gas Content of Coal Beds



W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.-Natural gas from unconventional sources such as coal beds has become a common target of exploration. Now, a new ASTM standard is the first to describe a method for determining the gas content of coal from such sources by desorption, using samples obtained by surface drilling.

ASTM D7569, Practice for Determination of Gas Content of Coal - Direct Desorption Method, was developed by Subcommittee D05.21 on Methods of Analysis, part of ASTM International Committee D05 on Coal and Coke.

"The standard will potentially be used by government, industry and research laboratories to establish procedures for equipment construction, sample preparation and methods of calculation to determine the amount of gas expected to be found in subsurface coal beds," says Peter Warwick, research geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, and a member of D05. "ASTM D7569 is an important procedure for establishing a resource base for investment and development."

Warwick also notes that coal gas demand continues to grow and is expected to provide about 10 percent of U.S. production in the future.

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View this release on the ASTM Web site at www.astmnewsroom.org.

ASTM Committee D05 Next Meeting: May 15-18, 2011, May Committee Week, Anaheim, Calif.

Technical Contact: Peter Warwick, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Va., Phone: 703-648-6469; pwarwick@usgs.gov

ASTM Staff Contact: Scott Orthey, Phone: 610-832-9730; sorthey@astm.org

ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

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