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*STTR Project:  Accelerated Biomethanation of Sequestered Carbon Dioxide and Paraffin in Coal Beds—Altuda Energy Corporation, 401 Austin Highway, Suite 209, San Antonio, TX  78209-4670; 210-829-8080

Mr. Andrew R. Scott, Principal Investigator, Andrew@altuda.com

Mr. Andrew R. Scott, Business Official, Andrew@altuda.com

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-05ER86236

Amount:  $749,999

Research Institution

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA

The conversion of carbon dioxide, an undesirable greenhouse gas, into methane, an environmentally friendly energy source, would satisfy two important national objectives.  This project will enhance and accelerate the in situ bioconversion of sequestered carbon dioxide into methane in the presence of hydrogen-rich coal macerals and paraffin.  The abundance of hydrogen, coupled with sequestered carbon dioxide in the presence of the appropriate microbes, is expected to accelerate the in situ bioconversion process, while simultaneously removing pore-plugging paraffin, and increasing gas production rates and ultimate recovery.  Phase I focused on developing cultures of paraffin-degrading anaerobic microorganisms.  First, Inocula were isolated from paraffin samples gathered from production equipment and from water samples collected from coal beds that contained emulsified paraffin.  The microbes were enriched to make them capable of degrading the paraffin samples in real time.  An assessment of the degradation pathways was conducted, and a preliminary model for the accelerated in situ bioconversion of carbon dioxide into methane was developed.  In Phase II, additional microbes and paraffin samples will be collected from coal seams.  The microbes will be isolated and characterized, and an optimum mix culture will be developed.  Continued laboratory experiments will be designed to evaluate factors affecting the biomethanation potential (from paraffin) and the economics of the process.

Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee:  Accelerating the in situ bioconversion of sequestered carbon dioxide would reduce the risk of global warming and provide a reliable source of environmentally clean energy, thereby reducing dependency on foreign energy supplies.  Accelerated biomethanation should be applicable to coalbed methane, sandstone, and carbonate reservoirs, resulting in higher production rates that prolong the life of some gas fields and increase ultimate recovery.