Consol’s CNX Gas section conceived the automated system that utilizes SCADA (Systems Control and Data Acquisition) to monitor gas quality, flow volume and wellhead pressure. The system allows for remote operation of wellhead control valves. This enables an operator to maximize the recovery of commercial quality coalbed methane in an active mining area.
"Currently, we are using this technology at our Buchanan (Virginia) Mine, but we hope to expand its use to some of our West Virginia mines, as well," said vice president of Consol’s gas operations Ronald Smith.
"This not only improves the environment, but assists in our goals of improved production, lower costs, and enhanced safety of our underground miners," he said.
"Studies conducted have shown (over an 83-day study period) that the new system increased recovery of methane by a daily average of 2,107,000 cubic feet or a total of 174,881,000 cubic feet," said CNX Gas operations vice president Claude Morgan.
The awards were presented at the West Virginia Business Summit and were sponsored by by the West Virginia Oil & Natural Gas Association, West Virginia Chamber, West Virginia Roundtable, West Virginia Economic Development Council, Contractors Association of West Virginia, and the West Virginia Manufacturers Association.
