AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
BI-GAS Pilot Plant operation. Quarterly technical progress report, April 1-June 30, 1983

Reactivation of the BI-GAS pilot plant neared completion in April 1983. Final preparations, plant checkout and the writing of new operating procedures proceeded in preparation for Test G-20, scheduled for mid-May. Calculations were done to determine the effects of operating the gasifier at 350 psig. It was found that few plant modifications would be necessary as long as coal feed was limited to 3500 to 4000 pounds per hour. Test G-20 was conducted May 23-24, 1983 with: 18.0 hours of coal feed to the gasifier, 18.2 hours of char feed, and 31.5 hours of char burner firing. The test was terminated due to failure of the Stage I thermocouples. Conclusions - char agglomeration was not a problem during Test G-20. Char feed remained steady throughout the test, and no large pieces of char were found in the system on inspection. During Test G-20A, an attempt will be made to build a char level; this will be the true test as to whether char agglomeration is a problem with Illinois No. 6 coal. Slag produced from Illinois No. 6 coal was high quality and tapping was maintained with no problems at a Stage I temperature of 2700/sup 0/F to 2750/sup 0/F. Test G-20A was conducted June 7-8, 1983 with: 24.8 hours of coal feed to the gasifier, 24.2 hours of char feed, and 30.7 hours of char burner firing. The test was terminated due to: loss of slag quench recycle water flow, failure of the slag agitator, cooling water leak in the slag breaker, and loss of level control in the slag quench section due to floating char and foam. Conclusions - as has been stated in previous reports on tests in which Pittsburgh coal was gasified, it is believed that char agglomerates are formed in Stage II when coal is exposed to temperatures which plasticize it. The second major problem observed during operation with Pittsburgh and Illinois coals has been the sudden drops in Stage I temperature which typically occur while trying to seal the char legs. 1 figure, 14 tables.

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CNG acid gas removal process. Technical progress report No. 2, 1 February-30 April 1981

During the second quarter of the CNG Acid Gas Removal Project, 4 subtasks were active. Within Subtask 1.1, melter design studies were performed to identify methods of improving melting rates in the CNG crystallizer. Greatly enhanced melting rates are thought possible with a melter configuration that excludes liquid carbon dioxide from the melting region and allows more intimate contact of the vapor and solid carbon dioxide. Also within Subtask 1.1, a review of triple-point desalination process literature was completed. Within Subtask 2.2, reconstruction and testing of the vapor-liquid solid equilibrium apparatus is nearly complete. Test operation with the carbon dioxide - ethylene binary system produced data in excellent agreement with published data for this system. The increased sample volume permitted minimum disturbance of the equilibrium states, and vapor-recirculation agitation permitted rapid attainment of equilibrium. Within Subtask 2.3, the original CNG crystallizer is being reactivated to measure separation factors for carbonyl sulfide and trace contaminants. Primary efforts to date have focused on reactivation of the crystallizer. However, a successful run with pure carbon dioxide was achieved late in April. Within Subtask 3.1, conceptual studies to assess treatment of low carbon dioxide crude gases focused on three processes: (1) a precompression process to boost the partial pressure of carbon dioxide; (2) a modified non-selective physical absorption process; and (3) a modified non-selective physical absorption process with solvent slurry. None of these three processes are as attractive as the modified physical absorption process incorporating the CNG crystallizer reported in the fist quarterly report. 12 references, 6 figures, 1 table.

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Site visit report:  U. S. Department of Energy's Anvil Point Oil Shale Research Facility, Rifle, Colorado. Final report

This report details the activities, facilities, and equipment used to sample raw feedstock and waste solids at the U.S. Department of Energy's Anvil Point Oil Shale Research Facility in Rifle, Colorado. Explanation of sampling locations, deviations from the Test Plan, sampling techniques (in accordance with the Fossil Energy Waste General Sampling Guideline), and plant design are reviewed.

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Hydrogen-methane separation processes and related phenomena. [112 references]

A thorough and up-dated literature survey has been conducted on processes for separating hydrogen and methane. This was done in conjunction with our work of developing a more energy-efficient and lower-cost process based on cyclic, fixed-bed processes using coal chars as the sorbents. Although the review has covered all hydrocarbon separation processes, the focuses were on physical adsorption phenomena and theories (for both single and mixed gases), surface and pore characteristics of coals and heat-treated coals, and the continuous or semi-continuous chromatographic separation methods. There has been a sharply increasing interest in the past 10 to 15 years in developing processes for hydrocarbon separation based on adsorption/desorption; this is particularly true since the energy costs became increasingly higher recently. The rigorous work on competitive adsorption and on the cyclic (including parametric pumping) processes has all been done in the past 13 years. On the other hand, it is disappointing to find the absence of knowledge on adsorption on coal chars and the lack of it on adsorption on raw coals as well.

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Deposition effects in coal combustion: Annual report

We report results of a theoretical and experimental investigation of fundamental phenomena responsible for the formation of ash deposits in direct coal-fired gas turbine applications. Experimental studies were designed to simulate a gas turbine environment in terms of temperature, pressure and velocity. Sticking coefficients of residual coal ash particles impinging on a platinum target were measured as a function of target surface temperature for several coals in the Laboratory Entrained Test Reactor (LETR) and the pressurized Combustion/Deposition Entrained Reactor (CDER). The effect of metal additives (specifically, sodium) on ash deposition characteristics was also investigated experimentally. The ultimate objective of our deposition research is to develop a predictive capability for the fouling tendency of a given coal, and to identify (additive and/or coal clean-up) techniques to mitigate deposit formation. We have simultaneously developed a mechanistic model for the liquid-enhanced capture of impacting ash particles by a cooled contacting surface. The model accounts for impaction/diffusion interactions that determine the sticking fraction at low surface temperatures, and heterogeneous-reactions and particle softening phenomena that provide the requisite 'glue'liquid at higher temperature. 38 refs., 41 figs., 3 tabs.

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Sensitivity analysis of thermodynamic calculations

Iterative solution methods and sensitivity analysis for mathematical models of chemical equilibrium are formally similar. For models which are a Newton-type iterative solution scheme, such as the NASA-Lewis CEC code or the R-Gibbs unit of ASPEN, it is shown that extensive sensitivity information is available for approximately the cost of one additional Newton iteration. All matrices and vectors required for implementation of first and second order sensitivity analysis in the CEC code are given in an appendix. A simple problem for which an analytical solution is possible is presented to illustrate the calculations and verify the computer calculations.

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Deposition, corrosion, erosion and sulfur emission studies related to coal combustion

The direct use of pulverized coal in combustion applications, although an economically attractive technology, is limited at present by certain environmental and surface-degradation problems. Incombustible, inorganic constituents of coal deposit as submicron, and supermicron sized particles on relatively cool heat exchanger surfaces. In addition, sulfur in the coal is released in the form of sulfur dioxide and trioxide vapors during combustion. These  barrier issues'need to be addressed at the fundamental level before coal can be considered a viable, competitive fuel. The deposition and corrosion problems are particularly important in the direct-fired gas turbine technology which is still in a stage of development. In order to better understand and control the complex problem of deposition, it is necessary first to accurately define the environment in which the combustion of coal particles take place. The global objective of this research was to provide experimental and theoretical frame work with which different coals combusting in different environments can be evaluated for their fouling potential and that deposition control strategies can be formulated. Therefore, the following tasks were undertaken: (1) development of and testing of a particle -- temperature measurement technique via four-color pyrometry (2) analysis of the flow and temperature field of an entrained flow reactor which would be used for combustion-deposition studies of pulverized coal particles (3) development and testing of a gas-temperature measurement technique using a Fourier transformed -- infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer in high temperature gas streams. Results are discussed. 51 refs., 36 figs., 4 tabs.

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Performance characterization of an atmospheric pressure combustor for ultra-clean coal water mixtures

The Department of Energy has initiated a program to investigate the potential for coal-water mixtures to serve as direct substitutes for liquid petroleum and natural gas in combustion processes. As a part of this overall DOE effort, the Morgantown Energy Technology Center is investigating the feasibility for the combustion of ultra-clean, coal-water mixtures (UCCWM's) in gas turbines. A necessary goal of this program is to develop an understanding of the chemistry of the products of combustion (POC) of UCCWM's. Both experimental and modeling efforts are in progress to investigate POC chemistry. Based on these results, specifications for a UCCWM turbine fuel can be developed. Initial tests to characterize the POC from UCCWM were performed in an atmospheric combustion rig. This pilot-scale experimental combustion rig, configured to provide a high degree of combustion efficiency, was designed and constructed at METC to simulate the primary characteristics of combustion in a gas turbine combustor. The characterization of POC from UCCWM's was accomplished by on-line and extractive techniques. These measurements include gas composition, alkali levels, POC particle mass loading and size distribution, and complete chemical and physical characterization of the POC particles. A POC slipstream taken isokinetically from a plug flow region immediately downstream of the combustion zone provided the necessary samples for analysis. In addition, a water-cooled probe provided particulate and gaseous samples from various locations within the combustion zone. These data provide information on the rate of particle burnout and uniformity of combustion within the flame. POC data generated from this combustion rig and the general impact of the turbine performance are presented in this paper. 6 figures, 4 tables.

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Programmed temperature gasification study. Final report, October 1, 1979-November 30, 1980

An experimental, modeling and conceptual engineering analysis study has been performed to assess the feasibility of TRW's Programmed Temperature Gasification (PTG) concept for carbonizing caking coals without severe agglomeration. The concept involves control of carbonizing heating rate to maintain metaplast concentration at a level equal to or slightly below that which causes agglomeration. The experimental studies required the construction of a novel programmed temperature, elevated pressure, hot stage video microscope for observation of coal particle changes during heating. This system was used to develop a minimum-time heating schedule capable of carbonizing the coal at elevated pressures in the presence of hydrogen without severe agglomeration. Isothermal fixed heating rate data for a series of coals were subsequently used to calibrate and verify the mathematical model for the PTG process. These results showed good correlation between experimental data and mathematical predictions. Commercial application of the PTG concept to batch, moving bed and fluid bed processing schemes was then evaluated. Based on the calibrated model programmed temperature gasification of the coal without severe agglomeration could be carried out on a commercial batch reaction in 4 to 12 minutes. The next step in development of the PTG concept for commercial application would require testing on a bench scale (3-inch diameter) gasifier coupled with a full commercial assessment to determine size and cost of various gasification units.

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Metallic species derived from fluidized bed coal combustion. [59 references]

Samples of fly ash generated by the combustion of Montana Rosebud coal in an experimental 18 inch fluidized bed combustor were collected. The use of a heated cascade impactor permitted collection of size fractionated material that avoided condensation of volatile gases on the particles. Elemental concentration trends were determined as a function of size and temperature and the results compared to published reports for conventional power plants. The behavior of trace metals appears to be substantially different in the two systems due to lower operating temperatures and the addition of limestone to the fluidized bed. Corrosion of the impactor plates was observed at the highest temperature and lowest limestone feed rate sampled during the study. Data from the elemental concentration and leaching studies suggest that corrosion is most likely due to reactions involving sodium sulfate. However, it is concluded that corrosion is less of a potential problem in fluidized-bed systems than in conventional coal-fired systems.

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Physical and chemical characterization of Devonian gas shales. Eastern Gas Shale Project report No. 18. Final annual report

Quantitative mineralogical analyses for major minerals and qualitative analyses for trace minerals were made on 28 samples, all of which were analyzed chemically. Quartz grain-size distributions were measured on 28 samples. Physical tests made on several samples were hardness, density, point-load strength, directional-tensile strength, air permeability, directional-sonic velocity, and pore-size distribution. It was found that the clay mineral, kaolinite, was a major mineral in Well Core No. 20336, but no traces of kaolinite were formed in the Devonian shales of New York State. Both the point-load and directional-tensile strengths showed that the Devonian shales, in general, were stronger in the NW-SE direction than in the NE-SW direction. It was also observed that the shales were stronger with increasing quartz or silicon contents and weaker with increasing amounts of micaceous, disilicate minerals. As expected from previous work, the quartz grain-size distributions were skewed toward the larger sizes when the frequency curves were plotted linearly. An exhaustive analysis of all the data obtained was not attempted, since it was not a part of the contract.

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Vibration monitoring of ebullating pump at the H-Coal pilot plant

Mechanical Technology Incorporated (MTI), under contract to the Department of Energy, has been monitoring the performance of the reactor-ebullating pump at the H-Coal pilot plant using vibration measurement techniques. During the progress of this project, some unique pump dynamic characteristics, which are not common to rotating equipment, have been found. Specifically, the vibration measurements contained very small signals at frequencies of once-per-revolution (1/rev) and its harmonics which are related to the pump speed. The predominating signals are structural type of resonances. To enhance the vibration data interpretation and to provide better guidelines in establishing the pump monitoring scheme, analytical analysis of the pump rotor-bearing-piping system has been performed. This report presents the findings of the anlaysis. The analysis utilized the state-of-the-art methodologies in the fields of structural dynamics and rotor-bearing system dynamics. It also included a unique approach in coupling the calculations of these two fields. Results of the anlaysis provided better interpretations of the existing vibration data. It also shed light on the generic characteristics of the pump system. Significant conclusions of the anlaysis are summarized.

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CNG acid gas removal process. Final technical report

Work under Contract DE-AC21-80MC14399 comprised four tasks designed to advance development of the CNG acid gas removal process: Task 1 - development of a modified carbon dioxide triple-point crystallizer, Task 2 - acquisition of basic process data, Task 3 - extension of the process to low carbon dioxide content crude gases, and Task 4 - fate of trace contaminants in the CNG process. Task 2 covered crystallizer operation and data acquisition, other process data acquisition unrelated to the crystallizer, and process design studies. Task 2 is comprised of five subtasks. Rate and mechanical slurry handling data for the crystallizer were obtained under Subtask 2.1. For Subtask 2.2, apparatus was constructed and operated to obtain multi-component phase equilibrium data. For Subtask 2.3, crystallizer separation factors were determined for the binary systems carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide-carbonyl sulfide, carbon dioxide-ethane, carbon dioxide-ethylene, and carbon dioxide-methyl mercaptan. For Subtask 2.4, the minimum net positive suction head (NPSH) required to pump slurries of solid carbon dioxide in an organic liquid carrier solvent was determined for two gear pumps, a piston pump, and a centrifugal pump. For Subtask 2.5, alternative techniques for trace water removal from syngas mixtures were investigated, the likelihood of hydrate formation for methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide was assessed, and the solubility of water in liquid carbon dioxide was measured experimentally. 63 references, 64 figures, 50 tables.

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CNG acid gas removal process. Technical progress report 3, 1 May 1981-31 July 1981

Five tasks were active during the third quarter of the CNG Acid Gas Removal Project. Subtask 1.2, selection of CNG crystallizer design philosophy, was completed. The flasher design philosophy selected is a large area pool boiled flasher. The melter design philosophy is a drained bed melter. Within Subtask 2.2, equilibrium data acquisition, construction of the vapor liquid solid equilibrium apparatus was completed. Tests of the completed apparatus with the binary systems carbon dioxide-ethylene and carbon dioxide-hydrogen are in progress. Within Subtask 2.3, crystallization separation factors were determined for several systems: carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide-carbonyl sulfide, carbon dioxide-ethane, and carbon dioxide-ethylene. For each system, sharp separation was obtained in one stage of crystallization. Subtask 3.1, conceptual studies to assess treatment of low carbon dioxide crude gases, was completed. Modifications of the CNG acid gas removal process which were examined to treat low carbon dioxide crude gases fall into two categories: (1) modifications which replace liquid carbon dioxide as the absorbent for sulfur-containing modecules, and (2) modifications which increase the carbon dioxide dew point of the crude gas to enable the use of liquid carbon dioxide absorbent. Although none of the above modifications of the CNG process has a clear cut economic advantage over conventional selective physical absorption acid gas removal, an alternative, potentially attractive process based on the liquid phase oxidation of hydrogen sulfide is identified for treating low carbon dioxide crude gases. Within Task 4, a comprehensive literature search was initiated to identify probable trace contaminants in crude gasifier gas. 21 references, 20 figures, 13 tables.

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Analysis of the structural parameters that influence gas production from the Devonian shale. Annual progress report, 1979-1980

The executive study presents the results and progress of efforts toward understanding shale gas production from the Devonian shale in Appalachia. A correlation was found between the geochemical parameters of the shale in eastern Kentucky and shale gas production there. Tasks on resource inventory tasks and shale characterization include regional structure studies, production studies, geophysical studies, structure studies, fracture density and orientation, and fracture studies. (DLC)

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A sampling system for real-time alkali monitoring in high-temperature, high-pressure process streams: Technical note

A dual-probe, dual-orifice sampling system was developed for measuring real-time sodium and potassium concentrations in high- temperature, high-pressure process streams. The system was designed to operate isokinetically to ensure the delivery of a representative particle-laden gas stream to the alkali monitor. The sampling system was operated in conjunction with the Morgantown Energy Technology Center's alkali monitors during tests of a bench-scale pressurized combustor. The system proved to be sensitive to small, rapid changes in alkali concentrations and revealed correlations between alkali levels in the process streams and various operating parameters of the combustor. 36 refs., 8 figs., 5 tabs.

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Reaction kinetics of the CaO-SO sub 2  system in absence of inter-grain pore diffusion

Effective removal of SO{sub 2} released due to the combustion of coal is of primary concern and of vital importance in fluidized bed combustion technology. Utilization of limestone, as a sorbent in FBC, to remove SO{sub x} is an attractive and promising technique. However, the incomplete utilization of limestone causes an increase in limestone usage and bed spent materials. In order to improve the limestone utilization, one must understand the fundamental rate-limiting step and particle deactivation mechanism during CaO-SO{sub 2} reaction. The aim of this work is to better understand the CaO-SO{sub 2} reaction, particularly in terms of its intrinsic kinetics, rate-limiting steps, and particle deactivation mechanisms. The proposed approach involves the reaction of a single flat-plate CaO crystal with SO{sub 2} in a thermogravimetric analyzer. Appropriate experimental equipment was installed and the methodology to derive the related parameters has been established. Based on the mathematical model as reported in this report, the effect of diffusion rate, chemical reaction rate and reaction time on the reaction conversion were preliminarily obtained numerically and experimentally. Thus, the reliable experimental data of the gas diffusion coefficient in the product layer of CaSO{sub 4} has been obtained for the first time in open literature. 13 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

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