An Assessment of Direct Gas Content Measurement Techniques on Asphaltite Samples

Asphaltites are energy raw materials existing in various locations in the World. Although being less common than coal and bituminous shale, it represents the third branch of hydrocarbons. They are petroleum originated. They resemble to coal and currently benefited like coal in Southeastern Turkey. They are mostly produced in open pit mines while there are several underground mining practices. Similar to coal, asphaltite production brings risk of gas explosion, dust explosion and spontaneous combustion etc. In this study, gas content of asphaltite samples, specifically, its measurement methods are focused. Firstly, asphaltites are introduced with their physical, chemical, and geological properties. Then, direct gas content measurement techniques are assessed and compared based on laboratory experiments. For the experiments, sample collection from Üçkardeşler vein in Şırnak was done on drillsite with desorption canisters. Volumetric measurement of desorbed gas was carried out with a u-tube arrangement. Temperature and barometric pressure were measured in each reading as well. In addition to desorption data production, pulverized asphaltite samples were obtained after desorption experiments was over. Proximate analysis was applied on pulverized samples in order to obtain a chemical background. The results of experimental procedure are shared, various techniques are used on desorption and discussed to estimate gas content values. USBM, Smith and Williams, curve fit and decline curve techniques are investigated. USBM method is determined as best technique.