Wyoming-based Welldog says its GasMapper technology allows for in situ testing of methane gas in existing drill or chip holes without the need for time-consuming sample analysis in controlled laboratory conditions.

GasMapper claims to cut exploration costs by removing the need for an onsite lab, reducing dependence on drill rigs for traditional gas testing, and avoiding data uncertainty associated with lab-based testing methods for methane levels.

The system also claims to improve protection from the risk of outbursts and explosions because it allows for more continuous and immediate measurement of methane in coal seams.

Because coal seam characteristics can change dramatically over short distances, successful gas management plans require closely spaced, repeated measurements laterally across a coal seam.

Welldog says the GasMapper system achieves this in real time without additional drilling, thereby cutting 90% off result wait time.

GasMapper also identifies “threshold limits” of potentially dangerous area and predicts required drainage time in shallow and deep seams.