The organic matter distribution and methane capacity of the Lower Cretaceous strata of Northeastern British Columbia, Canada

Gareth R L Chalmers; Robert Marc Bustin

doi:10.1016/j.coal.2006.05.001

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The organic matter distribution and methane capacity of the Lower Cretaceous strata of Northeastern British Columbia, Canada

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The organic matter distribution and methane capacity of the Lower Cretaceous strata of Northeastern British Columbia, Canada

Gareth R L Chalmers and Robert Marc Bustin

International Journal of Coal Geology, Vol.70(1-3), pp.223-239

2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2006.05.001

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Abstract

Maceral content

Methane sorption capacity

Microporosity

Moisture content

Organic matter content

The methane sorption capacity of a succession of sandstone, siltstone, shale and coal from the Lower Cretaceous Fort St John Group of Northeastern British Columbia was investigated. Average organic matter (OM) content for all formations is 2.3 wt.% with a minimum of 0.6 wt.% and maximum of 10.1 wt.%. The methane sorption capacity ranges between 0.19 and 2.74 cm3/g at 6 MPa and at 30 °C. Total gas capacity (free and sorbed gas) ranges between 2.2 and 16.6 cm3/g at 6 MPa. Micropore volumes range between 0.43 and 1.69 cm3/100 g. A positive correlation exists between the OM content, micropore volume and the methane capacity of shales. Shales with high methane capacities have either high contents of inertodetrinite or vitrinite. Moisture content shows a positive relationship with OM content, micropore volume and methane capacity. The negative relationship between moisture and surface area derived from N2 adsorption suggests the moisture is located within the microporosity of the OM, and also explains the positive relationship between methane capacity and moisture. The high inertodetrinite and vitrinite contents correlate with sea-level regressions that delivered terrestrial OM from coastal plains located south of the study area into the basin.

Details

Title: The organic matter distribution and methane capacity of the Lower Cretaceous strata of Northeastern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Gareth R L Chalmers (Author) - University of British Columbia
Robert Marc Bustin (Author) - University of British Columbia
Publication details: International Journal of Coal Geology, Vol.70(1-3), pp.223-239
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2007
DOI: 10.1016/j.coal.2006.05.001
ISSN: 0166-5162; 0166-5162
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99513885602621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Energy & Fuels; Geosciences, Multidisciplinary