Fluidized Mining and Microbial Methane Conversion Processes in Coal Reservoirs

Dear Colleagues,

With the increasing global demand for sustainable energy and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the innovative integration of enhanced coalbed methane recovery with bioconversion technologies has attracted significant research attention. Fluidized mining techniques, which aim to efficiently extract resources and create in situ reaction spaces, coupled with microbial processes that convert coal-derived substances into methane, represent a promising frontier for clean energy production and resource utilization. This approach not only has the potential to improve energy recovery efficiency but also to transform the environmental profile of coal reservoir exploitation.

This Special Issue on “Fluidized Mining and Microbial Methane Conversion Processes in Coal Reservoirs” seeks high quality works focusing on the development, integration, and application of these synergistic technologies. We welcome contributions that address fundamental mechanisms, process design, technological innovation, and system evaluation. Topics include, but are not limited to, methods and/or applications in the following areas:

• Fundamental theories of fluidized mining, mechanics of coal fluidization, multi-phase flow behavior in deep reservoirs.
• Microbial consortia enrichment, metabolism, and optimization for enhanced methane generation from coal.
• Process design and intensification strategies for integrating in situ fluidized mining with microbial conversion.
• Reactor design, process modeling, and simulation of coupled fluidized-bioconversion systems.
• Techno-economic analysis and lifecycle assessment of hybrid fluidized mining and microbial methane production processes.
• Field trials, pilot-scale studies, and case studies demonstrating process feasibility and performance.
• Environmental impact assessment and mitigation strategies, including water management and carbon footprint.
• Monitoring, control, and optimization of the integrated processes for safety and efficiency.

Prof. Dr. Qiangling Yao
Dr. Liu Zhu
Guest Editors

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