Patent ID: 7163063

Claim:
A method for extracting resources from a subterranean coal bed, comprising: forming an articulated well bore extending to the subterranean coal bed and coupled to the surface, the articulated well bore having a first diameter and having an open end at the surface and a closed end in the coal bed; inserting a liner into the well bore, the liner having a wall including a plurality of apertures and a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the articulated well bore; positioning a tube having an entry end and an exit end into the liner, wherein an annulus is defined between the tube and the liner that is operable to accommodate a fluid flow; generating a flow of fluid through the annulus from the closed end to the open end of the well bore by urging the fluid into the entry end of the tube and out of the exit end of the tube; receiving, at the open end of the well bore, a mixture comprising the fluid flowing from the closed end of the well bore, a plurality of coal fines, and coal seam gas that is mixed with the fluid; and separating the coal seam gas from the mixture.