Lignite Field Validation Test in Burke County, North Dakota: Sampling Protocols
The PCOR Partnership developed a lignite field validation test in Burke County, North Dakota, to investigate the feasibility of CO2 storage in unminable lignite seams with the concurrent production of coalbed methane. Several field tests for CO2 sequestration in coals have been conducted worldwide recently. However, many aspects of the sequestration process still need to be better understood, including fluid transport in coals of different ranks, mechanism and efficiency of the replacement of natural gas by CO2, stability of the system during and after the injection, and the importance of cofiring seals for this type of storage. The EERC is collaborating with its PCOR Partnership partners to address these specific questions. Special attention was given to the understanding of lignite permeability, natural gas content, adsorption and desorption of natural gas and CO2, and the stability of the system during and after injection. A comprehensive sampling program was implemented to ensure that meaningful results would be obtained. The program included an appropriate site design and development to allow for efficient monitoring, in situ measurements, and laboratory tests.View/Download Document