Coal mine gas, also known as coalbed methane, is mainly composed of methane and is the second largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world, accounting for over 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Gas itself is non-toxic, but flammable and explosive, making it one of the main disasters in coal mines.

In November 2023, 11 departments including the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Development and Reform Commission jointly issued a comprehensive and specialized policy document on methane emission control called the “Action Plan for Methane Emission Control”, aimed at encouraging coal enterprises to increase their efforts in gas extraction and utilization. The goal is to achieve an annual utilization of 6 billion cubic meters of coal mine gas by 2025. In addition, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment released a draft methodology for soliciting opinions on the utilization of low concentration gas in coal mines in July 2024, and revised the coalbed methane emission standards to include low concentration methane (≤ 8%) in the carbon reduction project (CCER) to promote effective management of methane.

According to the warming potential values provided by the IPCC, the greenhouse gas effect caused by methane of the same mass is more than 20 times that of carbon dioxide. So, to achieve carbon neutrality, reducing methane emissions is imperative.

According to the 2023 Third Biennial Update Report on Climate Change in the People’s Republic of China, methane emissions in China mainly come from the production and use of fossil fuels (including coal mining and oil and gas systems), agriculture, waste disposal, and other activities. Among them, the energy sector is the largest source of methane emissions, accounting for 42% of the total emissions and is currently a key area for controlling emissions.

From this, it can be seen that medium and high concentration gas has been used for civilian, industrial gas, compressed natural gas, and power generation. Most of the low concentration gas is directly discharged into the air, accounting for over 60% of the total gas emissions. The lack of effective utilization methods results in environmental pollution and energy waste. Therefore, the treatment and application of low concentration gas in coal mines are issues that coal mining enterprises must consider.

The comprehensive utilization prospects of low concentration gas market in coal mines:

China has taken a series of effective measures in reducing coal mine gas emissions, from policy formulation to technological innovation, to comprehensively promote coal mine gas emission reduction work. With the continuous improvement of relevant technologies and policies, China will continue to play an important role in the global response to climate change and contribute to achieving low-carbon goals.

Low concentration gas control technology for Shanlan Environment Coal Mine:

For gases with a concentration below 8%, our company mainly uses regenerative catalytic oxidation (RCO) and regenerative high-temperature oxidation (RTO) technologies for treatment. RCO regenerative catalytic oxidation technology is mature, which controls the gas concentration at 1%~1.2% through a blending process, and then conducts flameless oxidation decomposition through RTO equipment.

Low concentration gas treatment in Shanlan environment – RTO Process

Shanlan Environment RTO/RCO Regenerative Catalytic Oxidation Technology is an efficient low concentration gas treatment technology, suitable for mixtures of air and low concentration gas with a concentration of less than 8%. This process starts from the reserved gas pipeline interface, passes through a series of safety equipment, and then adjusts the gas concentration to a suitable range through a mixing device. It is then sent to the oxidation furnace by the main fan for oxidation treatment, converting into harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor. The waste heat generated can be used for power generation and heating.

The advantages and characteristics of the low concentration gas treatment device in Shanlan environment:

1. Fast response speed;

2. High oxidation efficiency, reaching over 99%;

3. Mature technology and high safety factor;

4. Flexible design, customizable for customers;

5. The generated economic benefits are high, with waste heat recovery and utilization, which can be used for power generation, heating, and other purposes.