Project Title: Research on Key Technologies and Equipment for Operation Control of In-situ Coal Gasification

Participating Enterprises: China United Coalbed Methane National Engineering Research Center Co., Ltd.
PetroChina Coalbed Methane Co., Ltd.
PetroChina Jianghan Machinery Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Award Received: Technological Invention Award

Project Number: ECF-2026-SYE-1024

Main Participants: Wang Chuangye, Zhang Youjun, Wang Feng, Fang Huijun, Xu Xiaohu, Ge Tengze, Hao Jun, Zhang Zheng, Yang Honghui

Expert Review Comments:

Controllability of the underground reaction is central to advancing in-situ coal gasification from trials to engineering applications. This project combines well preparation, ignition and gas-composition control with multichannel coiled tubing, specialized burners, surface simulation facilities and monitoring systems. Field trials and technical services at Tangjiahui, Santanghu and other sites demonstrate the engineering relevance of the equipment and control methods. Its distinctive value is an implementable, observable and adjustable process supported by experimental validation. The achievement provides a useful foundation for optimizing further demonstrations, improving operating stability and evaluating the development of otherwise difficult-to-access medium-depth and deep coal resources.

Main Innovations:

1. Develop full-process control technologies for wellbore preparation, ignition combustion and gas composition regulation, establish an underground coal gasification (UCG) system and advance mid-deep UCG technologies. 2. Develop dedicated equipment including multi-channel coiled tubing units and multi-functional ignition burners to support UCG tests and applications. 3. Propose ground simulation test methods and devices for in-situ ignition and gasification of mid-deep coal seams, filling gaps in fundamental UCG testing technologies. 4. Innovate full-process simulation, intelligent algorithms for key parameters, real-time monitoring, early warning and automatic control to ensure long-term safe and efficient operation.

Main Uses and Technical Principles:

To realize underground in-situ coal conversion and steadily produce syngas containing methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the technology supplies fuel for power generation, hydrogen production and chemical feedstock preparation. It also enables underground in-situ storage of carbon dioxide and ash to balance efficient resource utilization and low-carbon environmental protection. Based on coal thermo-redox reactions, gasifying agents are injected into underground coal seams via surface wells to form underground gasification cavities. High-temperature resistant sensors and multi-field monitoring devices collect real-time data on formation temperature, pressure and gas composition. By dynamically adjusting agent proportion and flow, the reaction rate and cavity expansion are precisely controlled with self-adaptive parameter optimization. The system addresses unstable gas output, cavity out-of-control and formation leakage for long-term safe, continuous and efficient operation.