AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Studies involving high temperature desulfurization/regeneration reactions of metal oxides for fuel cell development. Project status report, September 1982

The mixed oxides, CuO/ZnO, supported on zeolite demonstrated some loss of material during pre-reduction in the new quartz reactor. We suspected that, during pre-reduction, high surface area zinc oxide may be reduced to zinc metal which vaporizes and is deposited at the cool end of the reactor. Spectroscopic and quantitative elemental analyses were performed to confirm this. In the next period, we will run experiments with the supported mixed-oxides using a low-temperature pre-reduction step to limit zinc reduction and vaporization. Fluidization studies in the fluidized bed reactor have been performed at room temperature and 650/sup 0/C. The observed behavior correlates well with the theoretically calculated behavior. Desulfurization tests in the fluidized bed reactor will start in the next period. The third generation exponential model was the last of six models to be tested for fit with the experimental data and used to generate H/sub 2/S concentration profiles as a function of time. A set of experiments was begun to discriminate between the models, the results of which will be reported next period. A topical report on the modeling work is being prepared for separate submission. 1 reference, 5 figures.

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Laboratory weathering and solubility relationships of fluorine and molybdenum in combusted oil shale

Proper management of large volumes of spent oil shale requires an understanding of the mineralogy and the disposal environment chemistry. Simulated laboratory weathering is one method to rapidly and inexpensively assess the long-term potential for spent oil shales to degrade the environment. The objectives of this study were to assess the solubility relationships of fluorine (F) and molybdenum (Mo) in Green River Formation spent oil shale, to examine the mineralogy and leachate chemistry of three combusted oil shales in a laboratory weathering environment using the humidity cell technique, and to examine the data from spent oil shale literature. Combusted oil shales from the Green River Formation and New Albany Shale were used in the examination of the leachate chemistry and mineralogy.

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Modeling of hydrologic conditions and solute movement in processed oil shale waste embankments under simulated climatic conditions

Commercial development of oil shale resources will produce vast quantities of processed shale waste. The presence of potentially toxic trace elements, inorganic salts, and potentially toxic residual organic constitutents make the disposal of vast quantities of processed shale a potential environmental problem. To be environmentally acceptable, processed shale disposal must: result in a physically stable structure, prevent or minimize release of potentially toxic compounds, and provide an economically acceptable post-land use. Water is the common element underlying all factors important to the environmental stability of disposed solid waste. The leaching and transport of solubles by water in processed shale embankments may result in degradation of local surface and groundwater quality. The major purpose of this research is to physically model, study, and describe the redistribution and movement of water and percolates in lifts of disposed processed oil shale under simulated natural environmental conditions at a scale sufficient to predict these processes on an engineering (commercial) scale and to verify the use of developed computer models to describe these processes. Progress is discussed. 4 figs.

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Quenched nonisothermal decomposition studies of Department of Energy western reference oil shales: Preliminary results

Quenched nonisothermal pyrolysis studies have been conducted on a Tipton Member, Green River Formation oil shale from Wyoming and a Parachute Creek Member, Green River Formation oil shale from Colorado. These shales have been designated as western reference oil shales by the US Department of Energy. The conversion of kerogen to bitumen and volatiles (oil   gas) was obtained for heating rates of 2 and 10 K/min in the temperature range of 573 to 773 K using a modified thermogravimetric analyzer. Particular attention was paid to the formation of the intermediate bitumen during decomposition of the shale. The maximum amount of extractable bitumen increases with temperature and heating rate. This observation is consistent with an oil shale decomposition model in which the activation energy for kerogen decomposition is greater than the activation energy of bitumen decomposition. This is also consistent with previous isothermal decomposition studies on the same oil shales. A nonlinear least-squares program was used to fit the quenched nonisothermal data to a simple model that incorporates bitumen formation, bitumen decomposition, and volatiles evolution. Although seemingly good fits were obtained the parameter statistics were poor and showed a high degree of linear dependency. 18 refs., 11 figs., 3 tabs.

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Effects of coal combustion and gasification process contaminants on pulmonary carcinogen metabolism

The effects of heavy metals (lead, zinc, cadmium) on benzopyrene metabolism in the lungs of guinea pigs were investigated. Results show that benzopyrene hydroxylation is sensitive to inhibition by heavy metals and is tissue dependent. Heavy metals inhibit pulmonary mixed-function oxidizes more than the adrenal or hepatic enzymes. In related studies the effect of metals on pulmonary lipid peroxidation was also investigated. 3 tables. (DMC)

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Gas hydrates

This research is part of a multidisciplinary effort that focuses on developing the technology to produce natural gas from resources that have been classified as unconventional because of their unique geology and production mechanisms. Gas hydrates is one such resource. Current work emphasizes geological studies; characterization of the resource; and generic research, including modeling of reservoir conditions, production concepts, and predictive strategies for stimulated wells. Complementing this work is research on in situ detection of hydrates and field tests to verify extraction methods. The objective is to provide a comprehensive technology base from which estimates of reserve potential can be made, and from which industry can develop recovery strategies. Research has focused primarily on developing a basic understanding of hydrate formation and dissociation in the laboratory and geological characterization. Areas where gas hydrates are likely to occur were identified, and specific high potential areas were targeted for detailed investigation. Laboratory research has included the characterization of the physical system, which focused on creating synthetic methane hydrates and developing synthetic hydrate cores using tetrahydrofuran (THF), consolidated rock cores, frost base mixtures, water/ice-base mixtures, and water-base mixtures. Preliminary gas hydrate production models were developed for both steam injection and reservoir depressurization methods of gas production from gas hydrate formations. Concepts for in situ combustion production, shallow hydrate deposit dredging, and combinations of thermal and depressurization methods were also investigated. 22 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.

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Geologic characterization of tight gas reservoirs: FY86 USGS annual report, October 1, 1985-September 30, 1986

The objectives of US Geological Survey work are to conduct geologic research characterizing tight gas-bearing sequences in the western United States. The USGS research during the last few years has been in the Greater Green River, Piceance Creek, and Uinta basins of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. Additional critical objectives are to provide geologic consulting and research support for ongoing Multiwell Experiment (MWX) engineering, petrophysical, log-analysis, and well-testing research. Within these basins our research efforts have been regional in scope. The Greater Green River basin has high priority because most of the Piceance basin studies have been completed or are being completed, and because the Greater Green River basin has the greatest areal extent and greatest known thicknesses (>10,000 ft) of strata containing dominantly gas-bearing sandstone reservoirs. The Uinta Basin may have greater thicknesses of tight-gas strata, but there are presently no wells that have been drilled through the Cretaceous Mesaverde Group in the deeper parts of the basin. The objectives of these focused investigations are to provide geologic models that can be compared and utilized in tight gas-bearing sequences elsewhere. 18 figs.

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User's guide and documentation manual for BOAST-VHS for the PC''

The recent advancement of computer technology makes reservoir simulations feasible in a personal computer (PC) environment. This manual provides a guide for running BOAST-VHS, a black oil reservoir simulator for vertical/horizontal/slant wells, using a PC. In addition to detailed explanations of input data file preparation for simulation runs, special features of BOAST-VHS are described and three sample problems are presented. BOAST-VHS is a cost-effective and easy-to-use reservoir simulation tool for the study of oil production from primary depletion and waterflooding in a black oil reservoir. The well model in BOAST-VHS permits specification of any combination of horizontal, slanted, and vertical wells in the reservoir. BOAST-VHS was designed for an IBM PC/AT, PS-2, or compatible computer with 640 K bytes of memory. BOAST-VHS can be used to model a three-dimensional reservoir of up to 810 grid blocks with any combination of rows, columns, and layers, depending on the input data supplied. This dynamic redimensioning feature facilitates simulation work by avoiding the need to recompiling the simulator for different reservoir models. Therefore the program is only supplied as executable code without any source code.

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Treating paraffin deposits in producing oil wells

Paraffin deposition has been a problem for operators in many areas since the beginning of petroleum production from wells. An extensive literature search on paraffin problems and methods of control has been carried out, and contact was made with companies which provide chemicals to aid in the treatment of paraffin problems. A discussion of the nature of paraffins and the mechanisms of this deposition is presented. The methods of prevention and treatment of paraffin problems are summarized. Suggested procedures for handling paraffin problems are provided. Suggestions for areas of further research testing are given.

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Effectiveness of foam as a blocking agent at elevated temperatures over extended periods of time

The ability of foaming agents to withstand elevated temperatures over extended periods of time has been studied for their potential use in thermal recovery operations. Thirty-four samples were studied in a preliminary screening apparatus in which foaming ability was observed at the boiling point of water over a one week period. The sulfonate samples and some of the cations showed the best results while the nonionics showed the poorest. A second study involved the injection of slugs of water or foamer solution into an unconsolidated sandpack followed by continuous gas injection. Temperatures ranged from room temperature to 360/sup 0/F. The slug containing foamer solution decreased gas flow rate through the sandpack significantly more than the water slug. In time the gas flow rate would increase again, but injection of more foamer would cause it to decrease to even lower levels than the previous injection.

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Western Gas Sands

Western gas sands research is conducted by the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Morgantown Energy Technology Center to encourage the development of very low permeability, lenticular gas sands in the western US. This research is an integral part of DOE's Unconventional Gas Recovery Program, which is a multidisciplinary effort to develop the technology for producing natural gas from resources that have been classified as unconventional because of unique geologies and production mechanisms. The current research is an outgrowth of earlier Government research on tight sands in which nuclear and massive hydraulic fracturing stimulations were tested without definitive results. Based on input from the gas industry, universities, and geologic and engineering consulting firms, activities were broadened to include fundamental research and development. Consequently, the focus of the research for the last several years has been on improving diagnostic instrumentation for reservoir and stimulation performance evaluation, geophysical and engineering interpretation, and stimulation techniques. Integrated geologic studies of three depositional basins that contain tight lenticular sandstone units have also been pursued as part of this new effort. To date, the following tentative conclusions have been formulated: the permeability of the tight gas sands can be as much as three to four orders of magnitude lower than that of conventional gas deposits; nineteen western geologic basins and trends have been identified that contain significant volumes of tight gas. Gas resources in the priority geologic basins have been estimated as follows: Piceance Basin, 49 Tcf; Greater Green River Basin, 136 Tcf; Uinta Basin, 20 Tcf. The critical parameters for successfully developing tight sandstone resources are: (1) the presence of natural microfractures within a reservoir; and (2) the effective propped length of hydraulically induced fractures. 2 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.

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A novel approach to hydrogen recovery, storage and transport: Task 1, Technical plan

The obtaining of high purity hydrogen from the coal gasification process is a series of chemical reactions, several of which require reactant preparation/purification. At any point in the process, it would be useful to have a chemical separation system which can purify the product hydrogen and store it in convenient form. The purpose of this research program is to evaluate one such candidate system, the catalytically reversible hydrogenation of an aromatic hydrocarbon, toluene, to its corresponding cyclical paraffin, methylcyclohexane. Reversible hydrogenation, kinetics, and dehydrogenation is discussed. 5 refs., 4 figs.

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Modeling of hydrologic conditions and solute movement in processed oil shale waste embankments under simulated climatic conditions: Quarterly report, April 1, 1987--June 30, 1987

The major purpose of this research is to physically model, study, and describe the redistribution and movement of water and percolates in lifts of disposed processed oil shale under simulated natural environmental conditions at a scale sufficient to predict these processes on an engineering (commercial) scale and to verify the use of developed computer models to describe these processes. Progress is described.

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Development of an advanced, continuous mild gasification process for the production of co-products

The current objective of the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) Mild Gasification Project is to optimize reactive char and marketable liquids production on a 100-lb/hr scale using Wyodak subbituminous and Indiana No. 3 bituminous coals. Tests performed using the EERC 100-lb/hr process development unit (PDU) include a refractory cure (Test P001), a test using petroleum coke (Test P002), and tests using Wyodak and Indiana coals. The reactor system used for the 11 PDU tests conducted to date consists of a spouted, fluid-bed carbonizer equipped with an on-line condensation train that yields three boiling-point fractions of coal liquids ranging in volatility from about 77--750{degrees}F (25--400{degrees}C). This report describes reaction conditions and results of Tests P010 and P011. Conditions of Test P010 (Wyodak coal) include a reactor temperature of 1100{degrees}F (590{degrees}C), reactor pressure of 14.7 psi, residence time of 30 minutes, and a fluidization gas mixture comprised of the products of natural gas combustion with 80% excess air. Following an 8-hour heat-up period, continuous coal feed was maintained for about 30 hours. Conditions of Test P011 (Indiana No. 3 coal) were similar to those of P010, except that the fluidization gas was comprised of the products of natural gas combustion with stoichiometric amounts of air. Test P011 was terminated ahead of schedule due to the loss of recycle tar coolant in the tar scrubber. 2 refs., 11 figs., 12 tabs.

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High-temperature solid oxide electrolyte fuel cell power generation system. Quarterly technical progress report, October 1-December 31, 1983

Improved (pugged) porous support tubes were analyzed by using a tube burst test that has been established to more reliably measure the tube strength. Stability of alternative air electrode materials and processing conditions for their preparation continued to be investigated. Initial batch preparation of air electrodes was performed. Single cell testing continued with over 2000 hours of operation logged. Three-cell testing commenced during this quarter, and the three-cell test has performed well for over 1000 hours to date. Efforts in support of cell technology advancement included: microstructural characterization of the fuel electrode and electrolyte interfaces, reactivity and diffusion studies between the air electrode and electrolyte, resistance measuring techniques to characterize cells and cell components, and preparation of a dedicated cell test facility. A computer program, to predict SOFC Nernst potential and equilibrium composition of depleted fuel gas, was written. Dual atmosphere testing techniques were devised, for evaluating the behavior of metallic containment materials and insulation materials, that are planned to be used in the submodule (and generator).

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Development of an advanced, continuous mild gasification process for the production of coproducts

Research continued on the production of coproducts from continuous mild gasification. During the third quarter of 1990, work focused on start-up and operation of the 50 pound/hour char-to-carbon (CTC) process research unit (PRU). Start-up procedures have been finalized for the methane production reactor, and the design temperature has been achieved. Flows and pressures for the overall process have been balanced and optimized. We have achieved temperatures above 1500{degree}F in the carbon formation reactor. Upgrading experiments on mild gasification pitch have also continued on a pitch produced in run MG-122. Results of heat treating and catalytic treating tests are reported.

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Displacement of oil by carbon dioxide. Second annual report, October 1980-September 1982

Results of a comprehensive research effort to investigate and quantify factors which affect the performance of CO/sub 2/ flood processes in reservoir rocks are presented. An apparatus is described in which displacement of oil from pore networks etched in glass by CO/sub 2/ at high pressure can be observed visually. Results of a series of secondary and tertiary, first contact and multiple contact miscible displacements are reported. Equipment for on-line measurements of mixing in one- and two-phase displacements is described. A new device designed to separate oil and water continuously in a chamber of very low dead volume is also described. Results of one- and two-phase displacements which validate the experimental techniques are reported. Results of a series of PVT experiments to study the effects of changing both the amount of dissolved gas in a crude oil and the system temperature are given. Those results suggest strongly that the extrapolated vapor pressure of CO/sub 2/ is a good estimate of the minimum miscibility pressure if the temperature is below about 140/sup 0/F. Modifications and improvements to the design of the continuous multiple contact apparatus are described, as are preliminary tests of the use of an oscillating quartz crystal to measure viscosities. Results of a series of phase composition measurements to study effects of oil composition on component partitioning in CO/sub 2/-crude oil systems are reported.The theory of the effect of CO/sub 2/-crude oil phase behavior on displacements in an ideal porous medium is tested by predicting the performance of slim tube displacements from independently measured phase behavior and fluid property data obtained with the continuous multiple contact experiment. The quantitative agreement between prediction and experiment is good enough to suggest that the essentials of CO/sub 2/-crude oil phase behavior can be modeled with a small number of pseudo-components.

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Granular bed filter development program, Phase II. Quarterly report, January-March 1981

Phase I included the development of a mathematical model, a cold flow parametric test series in a 0.746 Nm/sup 3//s GBF, and investigations of potential dust plugging problems at the inlet screen. Collection efficiencies of 99% and filter outlet loadings less than 0.0074 g/m/sup 3/ were demonstrated. The objectives of Phase II are to investigate the effects of elevated temperature and coal combustion particulate on GBF filtration performance; to update the analytical model developed in Phase I to reflect high temperature effects; to optimize filter internal configuration; to perform parametric and long duration tests to characterize the effects of filter design improvements on filtration efficiencies. Hot flow testing to date has confirmed that the GBF configured with inlet and outlet screens has exhibited a tendency for extensive and irreversible ash plugging. The potential advantages of a screenless configuration, having higher filtration efficiency, has been confirmed. This report describes the continuation of work pertinent to the development and design improvement of the GBF system, specifically addressing: (1) the development of governing equations derived for the 3-dimensional GBF mathematical model; (2) the initial results of subcontracted experiments to establish correlations of particulate capture mechanisms for use in the numerical 3-dimensional model; and (3) the design and physical modifications incorporated into the Model 4 GBF hot test setup for the final series of hot gas tests.

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Literature survey of mild gasification processes, co-products upgrading and utilization, and market assessment: Topical report

The primary objective of this DOE-sponsored project is to develop an advanced mild gasification process to produce coal-derived co- products that can readily open new markets for coal in both the utility and nonutility sectors. The study will incorporate novel and innovative concepts for process development and for co-products utilization. The former includes the development of a means to promote the rapid, continuous devolatilization of caking coals, the use of inexpensive reactor additives for capturing sulfur compounds, and the use of inexpensive reaction gases to produce co-products of optimal quality and quantity. It is the ultimate goal of this project to commercialize the advanced mild gasification technology in the next 5 to 10 years. 109 refs., 86 figs., 45 tabs.

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