Sproule Associates Limited has been involved in coalbed methane (CBM) technology since 1976. An initial research and experimental project for Algas Resources Ltd. (1976 to 1982) was the first attempt in Canada to establish production from this large potential resource. Sproule acted as the project manager and provided geological and engineering support. A total of 15 wells were drilled and completed in the foothills of Alberta. Also, exploration and assessment work for CBM resources was done in Nova Scotia, southeastern British Columbia, and Vancouver Island as part of this project.

In the early 1990's, Sproule was instrumental in setting up the Canadian Coalbed Methane Forum. This Forum consists of 12 oil and gas companies and 2 government agencies (the National Energy Board and the Geological Survey of Canada), and the Forum is a base for exchange of the data related to CBM exploration and development in Canada. The data is summarized in a General Catalogue and includes input for some 100 wells. The Forum is still active and monitoring activities in Canada.

As well as being involved in CBM projects in southeast British Columbia and the foothills of Alberta, Sproule has provided technical advice on projects in northeastern British Columbia, the Plains of Alberta, and the Maritimes. A potential resource assessment of CBM in the Plains of Alberta was completed for a client's submission to a National Energy Board application.

On the international coalbed methane front, Sproule has completed projects in Hungary and the Czech Republic where six CBM wells were drilled, completed and tested. Technical assessment of projects in Spain, Ukraine and Poland were also undertaken.

Sproule has also completed over 60 CBM evaluations in the United States. These projects ranged from reserve evaluations, litigation, reservoir simulation, and geological studies down to analysis of single well pressure transient tests and sorption isotherm validation. Sproule has been involved in projects in virtually all domestic U.S. coal basins.

Please contact Keith MacLeod, President, at (403) 294-5519 to discuss your coalbed methane needs. You could also e-mail Keith at keith.macleod@sproule.com . To learn more about Keith, click on his photo.

To view coalbed methane gas activity in Western Canada, see the Coalbed Methane/Natural Gas Coal Chart, October 2004, which is in PDF format. For a free copy of this map, please contact Brian Doell at bdoell@junewarren.com.

Click here for a free copy of the Adobe Reader.

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