AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Oil shale mining studies and analyses of some potential unconventional uses for oil shale

Engineering studies and literature review performed under this contract have resulted in improved understanding of oil shale mining costs, spent shale disposal costs, and potential unconventional uses for oil shale. Topics discussed include: costs of conventional mining of oil shale; a mining scenario in which a minimal-scale mine, consistent with a niche market industry, was incorporated into a mine design; a discussion on the benefits of mine opening on an accelerated schedule and quantified through discounted cash flow return on investment (DCFROI) modelling; an estimate of the costs of disposal of spent shale underground and on the surface; tabulation of potential increases in resource recovery in conjunction with underground spent shale disposal; the potential uses of oil shale as a sulfur absorbent in electric power generation; the possible use of spent shale as a soil stabilizer for road bases, quantified and evaluated for potential economic impact upon representative oil shale projects; and the feasibility of co-production of electricity and the effect of project-owned and utility-owned power generation facilities were evaluated. 24 refs., 5 figs., 19 tabs.

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Second-generation pressurized fluidized bed combustion plant integrated R D program plan: Phase 1, Task 3 report

This report presents a Program Plan together with estimated costs and schedules for satisfying the research and development needs of coal-fired second-generation pressurized fluidized bed combustion plants. This type of plant can operate with a 45-percent efficiency (based on the higher heating value of the coal used as fuel) and achieve a cost of electricity at least 20 percent lower than that of a conventional pulverized coal-fired plant with wet-limestone flue gas desulfurization. The proposed plant concept integrates a coal pyrolyzer/carbonizer with a circulating pressurized fluidized bed combustor (CPFBC). Char produced in the carbonizer is burned in the CPFBC, and the low-Btu fuel gas produced in the carbonizer is burned in a topping combustor to heat the CPFBC exhaust gas to 2100{degree}F and higher before it enters a gas turbine. The carbonizer and CPFBC operate with lime-based sorbents for in-situ sulfur capture in {le}1600{degree}F. Components being developed for first-generation PFB combustion plants (gas turbine inlet temperature {le}1600{degree}F) protect the gas turbine from corrosion, erosion, and deposition. 28 refs., 15 figs., 3 tabs.

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Ash deposition from low rank coals

A laboratory test furnace was utilized to investigate ash deposit initiation and build-up as related to pulverized coal (p.c.)-fired combustion systems. Vertical tube furnace (  drop-tube'') investigations were conducted to study both ash deposition on heat transfer surfaces in a utility boiler and ash deposit formation on gas turbine hot gas pathways. In these tests, the rate of coal ash deposition and deposit strength were determined from coals ranging in rank from lignite to medium volatile bituminous. The presence of a low viscosity liquid phase in coal ashes has been shown to enhance the rate of deposit growth and deposit strength in both utility boilers and gas turbines. The objective of this work was to relate the rate of deposit formation and deposit strength from the test coals to their predicted ash viscosities. 79 refs., 56 figs., 33 tabs.

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Practical aspects of steam injection processes: A handbook for independent operators

More than 80% of the total steam injection process operating costs are for the production of steam and the operation of surface and subsurface equipment. The proper design and operation of the surface equipment is of critical importance to the success of any steam injection operation. However, the published monographs on thermal recovery have attached very little importance to this aspect of thermal oil recovery; hence, a definite need exists for a comprehensive manual that places emphasis on steam injection field practices and problems. This handbook is an attempt to fulfill this need. This handbook explores the concept behind steam injection processes and discusses the information required to evaluate, design, and implement these processes in the field. The emphasis is on operational aspects and those factors that affect the technology and economics of oil recovery by steam. The first four chapters describe the screening criteria, engineering, and economics of steam injection operation as well as discussion of the steam injection fundamentals. The next four chapters begin by considering the treatment of the water used to generate steam and discuss in considerable detail the design, operation and problems of steam generations, distribution and steam quality determination. The subsurface aspects of steamflood operations are addressed in chapters 9 through 12. These include thermal well completion and cementing practices, insulated tubulars, and lifting equipment. The next two chapters are devoted to subsurface operational problems encountered with the use of steam. Briefly described in chapters 15 and 16 are the steam injection process surface production facilities, problems and practices. Chapter 17 discusses the importance of monitoring in a steam injection project. The environmental laws and issues of importance to steam injection operation are outlined in chapter 18.

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Entrained-flow gasification at elevated pressure: Volume 1: Final technical report, March 1, 1985-April 30,1987

The general purpose of this research program was to develop a basic understanding of the physical and chemical processes in entrained coal gasification and to use the results to improve and evaluate an entrained gasification computer model. The first task included the collection and analysis of in-situ gasifier data at elevated pressures with three coal types (North Dakota lignite, Wyoming subbituminous and Illinois bituminous), the design, construction, and testing of new coal/oxygen/steam injectors with a fourth coal type (Utah bituminous), the collection of supporting turbulent fluid dynamic (LDV) data from cold-flow studies, and the investigation of the feasibility of using laser-based (CARS) daignostic instruments to make measurements in coal flames. The second task included improvements to the two-dimensional gasifier submodels, tabulation and evaluation of new coal devolatilization and char oxidation data for predictions, fundamental studies of turbulent particle dispersion, the development of improved numerical methods, and validation of the comprehensive model through comparison of predictions with experimental results. The third task was to transfer technical advances to industry and to METC through technical seminars, production of a detailed data book, code placement, and publication of results. Research results for these three tasks are summarized briefly here and presented in detail in the body of the report and in supporting references. 202 refs., 73 figs., 23 tabs.

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Continuum theories of granular materials with applications to fluidized beds: Technical note

In this report we discuss the development of the theory of continuous media as it is applied to granular materials. A historical perspective on the importance and everday use of granular materials in engineering applications is given, and various examples of what is meant by granular material are presented. In the first section, for future use and convenience, we introduce some basic definitions and fundamental concepts used in granular media. In the second section, which will be the core of this report, we discuss various continuum theories implemented for specific use of granular materials for different flow conditions. The end of this report reviews the existing constitutive equations for the solid phase in fluidized beds, and discusses the importance and relevance of modeling the solid phase as granular material. In Appendix A, similarities between continuum theories of granular materials and Korteweg's Theory of Capillarity are discussed. Appendix B presents a general class of constitutive relations, which imply a Mohr-Coulomb stress criterion for impending flow of material. In Appendix C, for brevity and simplicity, we present a summary of the constitutive equations for the stress tensor. And finally, Appendix D is a review of the continuum theories of liquid crystals and a discussion of the similarities between these theories and continuum theories for granular materials. 82 refs.

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Development of metal-coated ceramic anodes for molten carbonate fuel cells

This report documents the developmental efforts on metal coating of various ceramic substrates (LiAlO{sub 2}, SrTiO{sub 3}, and LiFeO{sub 2}) and the critical issues associated with fabricating anodes using metal-coated LiAlO{sub 2} substrates. Electroless Ni and Cu coating technology was developed to achieve complete metal coverage on LiAlO{sub 2} powder substrates. Metal coated SrTiO{sub 3} powders were fabricated into anodes by a process identical to that reported in the GE literature. Microstructural examination revealed that the grains of the ceramic had fused together, with the metal having dewetted from the surface of the ceramic. Alternate substrates that might allow for better wetting of the metal on the ceramic such as LiFeO{sub 2} and Li{sub 2}MnO{sub 3} were identified. Cu/Ni-coated (50:50 mol ratio, 50 w/o metal loading) LiFeO{sub 2} anodes were optimized to meet the MCFC anode specifications. Metal-coated gamma-LiAlO{sub 2} substrates were also developed. By using suitable chemical surface modification methods, the gamma-UAlO{sub 2} substrate surface may be modified to allow a stable metal coated anode to be fabricated. Creep testing of the metal coated ceramic anodes were conducted at IGT. It was determined that the predominant creep mechanism is due to particle rearrangement. The anode porosity, and mean pore size had significant effect on the creep of the anode. Lower porosity and pore size consistent with performance criteria are desired to reduce creep. Lower metal loading with uniformity of coverage will result in lower creep behavior of the anode. Of the two substrates evaluated, LiFeO{sub 2} in general exhibited lower creep which was attributed to superior metal adhesion.

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Proceedings of the advanced research and technology development direct utilization, instrumentation and diagnostics contractors review meeting

The 1989 Advanced Research and Technology Development (AR TD) Direct Utilization, and Instrumentation and Diagnostics Contractors Review Meeting was held October 3--5, 1989, at the Lakeview Resort and Conference Center in Morgantown, West Virginia. The meeting was sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Fossil Energy, and the Pittsburgh and Morgantown Energy Technology Centers. Each year the meeting provides a forum for the exchange of information among the DOE AR TD contractors and interested parties. This year's meeting was hosted by the Morgantown Energy Technology Center and was attended by 230 individuals from industry, academia, national laboratories, and other Governmental agencies. Papers were presented on research related to pyrolysis, combustion phenomena, instrumentation, components, coal beneficiation, ash behavior, heat engines, fluidized bed combustion and gas stream cleanup. This Volume 2 contains reports of sessions 7--10 and the poster session. Individual projects are processed separately for the data bases.

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Novel electrochemical process for coal conversion

The feasibility of two distinctly different routes to coal conversion at low severity conditions was investigated. An electrochemical approach utilizing both the electro-oxidation and electro-reduction routes was employed. The electro-oxidation route consists of an electrochemical reaction involving H{sub 2}O and coal, leading to the breakup of coal molecules. The observed reaction rate has been explained as a combination of the coal and pyrite electro-oxidation currents. Organic sulfur has been identified as the contributing factor for the observation of more than 100% H{sub 2} production current efficiency with several coal samples. Also, an attractive coal pre-treatment process has been identified which results in production of useful products and simultaneous upgrading of the coal. Electrochemical oxidation of coal with H{sub 2}O leads to the production of hydrogen, CO{sub 2}, simultaneous removal of pyritic sulfur, and significant reduction of ash content. There is also indirect evidence that the organic sulfur may be removed in the process. A preliminary economic evaluation of this process has projected a cost advantage of > $8 per ton of Illinois {number sign}2 coal. A lab-scale cell has been successfully employed in this study for generating process data useful for future design calculations. This study also explored the electro-reduction route of coal conversion and has successfully demonstrated production of liquid products from different coal types at low severity conditions. A variety of aliphatic and aromatic compounds have been identified in the products. Coal type appeared to be the most important parameter affecting the product spectrum. 32 refs., 26 figs., 19 tabs.

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Design and operating characteristics for a laboratory coal-water fuel droplet generator

A coal-water fuel (CWF) or slurry droplet generator has been developed for use in laboratory-scale studies of CWF combustion phenomena. The droplet generator design is based on ink-jet printer technology and offers the capability of delivering, on demand, a stream of slurry droplets of uniform size and composition. To date, reliable operation has been achieved for slurries with coal loadings up to 40% by weight. Monodisperse constant diameter CWF droplet streams have been produced with droplet diameters ranging from < 100 ..mu..m up to 300 ..mu..m. The droplet generator currently is being employed to investigate the initial stages of CWF droplet combustion. 5 refs., 9 figs., 4 tabs.

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Development of an advanced, continuous mild gasification process for the production of co-products. Quarterly report, January 1, 1993--March 31, 1993

Formed coke development continued with char derived from Penelec filter cake and a coking coal blend from Koppers Industries. Good to excellent coke was obtained from both coals. A total of eight CMGU test runs were completed. Obtaining the maximum thermal efficiency of the pyrolyzer and producing char in the 8% to 12% volatile matter range were the main objectives for these test runs. The design capacity of 1000 lbs/hr coal feed was demonstrated for longer durations. CMGU improvements included alterations to the screw feeder and condenser system.

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Acoustically enhanced combustion of micronized coal water slurry fuel

A multi-faceted investigation has been carried out to demonstrate analytically and experimentally, that a high intensity acoustic field can be substantially enhance the convective transfer processes occurring during MCWSF (micronized coal water slurry fuel) combustion. The initial stage of the investigation dealt with elucidating the transient as well as time-averaged efforts of high intensity acoustic fields on the heat and mass transfer between a single spherical particle and its environment. A two-dimensional unsteady computer code was developed, which employs the unsteady conservation of mass, momentum, and energy equations for laminar flow in spherical coordinates. One objective of the present project was the modeling of MCWSF combustion in a laboratory scale combustor with and without the application of a sonic field. The influence of various operating parameters (sound frequency and level, etc.) on sonic enhancement could thus be studied. The combustion of pulverized coal (PC) was also modeled for the sake of comparison. The first of the two coal combustion experiments was performed using a flat flame methane-air burner. Micronized coal was injected in the same direction as, and burned together with the methane. The final investigation was carried out in a 300,000 Btu/h sonic combustor. For the runs conducted, SPLs of 156 dB and 145 dB, respectively, were measured below the fuel injection point and before the exit to the combustor. Frequency was held at 1400 Hz. Finally, an attempt was made to model the runs performed in the down-fired unit, using the PCGC-2 code. 61 refs., 60 figs., 8 tabs.

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Geological evolution and analysis of confirmed or suspected gas hydrate localities

Geological factors controlling the formation, stability, and distribution of gas hydrates in the Timor Trough region were investigated by basin analysis. Geological, geophysical, and geochemical data from the region were assembled and evaluated to determine the relationships of geological environments and gas hydrates. The Timor Trough is located between the Indonesian island of Timor and the northwest margin of Australia. The floor of the Timor Trough is 1800 m to 3400 m deep and ranges in width from 3 to 20 km. The trough extends for about 600 km. The Timor Trough is part of the Banda Arc system; it is bounded to the west by the Java Trench and the Aru Basin to the east. 36 refs., 26 figs., 2 tabs.

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Low-temperature, sulfur-tolerant homogeneous catalysts for the water-gas shift reaction

Coal gasification in conjunction with the water-gas shift reaction represents a significant resource for the production of hydrogen, a gas of considerable industrial value. Current industrial water-gas shift reaction (WGSR) processes are operated in two stages: a high temperature shift (HTS) stage operating at about 350{degree}C over sulfur-tolerant catalysts, followed by a low temperature shift (LTS) stage operating at about 250{degree}C over a sulfur-intolerant catalyst. Several reports in the literature suggest that homogeneous catalysis of WGS is highly active at LT and sulfur-tolerant. Catalysts active at temperatures as low as 60{degree}C are reported to remain active in the presence of large sulfur concentrations. However, these studies were conducted in batch reactors with activities measured far from equilibrium. Those conditions are very different from industrial conditions of continuous operation close to equilibrium. The purpose of this project was to evaluate these homogeneous WGS catalysts under more industrially relevant conditions and to preliminarily compare the economics of a process based on high-activity, LT, sulfur-tolerant, homogeneous WGS catalysts to a process based on current industrial practice. Several transition element catalysts were screened. 98 refs., 11 figs., 23 tabs.

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Subduction Zone Tectonic Studies to Develop Concepts for the Occurrence of Sediment Subduction (Phase II) Volume II

The objectives of this study represent a continuation and refinement of the objectives addressed in Phase 1. This study focuses on trying to define the tectonics of sediment subduction at the trench axis through the use of accepted plate tectonic principles and the application of new subduction theory. The fundamental methods include: (1) compilation of all available bathymetric data from our Global Marine Geophysical Data Collection for all major ocean trenches, (2) generation of stacked bathymetric profiles and corresponding navigational maps, and structural maps, (3) selection and analysis of appropriate seismic reflection and refraction profiles and additional supporting data such as side-scan sonar, SEABEAM, magnetic, gravity and drilling data, and (4) detailed study study of selected trench regions in which data quality and/or quantity is exceptional. Phase 2 of this project represents a unique compilation and synthesis of existing data for the world's deep ocean trenches. The analysis of data and discussion of results in the context of current literature aids our understanding of the sediment distribution and nature of sediment deformation through various stages of plate convergence, the determination of whether sediments are subducted or accreted, and the evaluation of the controlling factors for sediment subduction and/or accretion. A discussion on petroleum and natural gas hydrate resource potential is included.

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The sensitivity of seismic responses to gas hydrates. Final report

The sensitivity of seismic reflection coefficients and amplitudes, and their variations with changing incidence angles and offsets, was determined with respect to changes in the parameters which characterize marine sediments containing gas hydrates. Using the results of studies of ice saturation effects in permafrost soils, we have introduced rheological effects of hydrate saturation. The replacement of pore fluids in highly porous and unconsolidated marine sediments with crystalline gas hydrates, increases the rigidity of the sediments, and alters the ratio of compressional/shear strength ratio. This causes Vp/Vs ratio variations which have an effect on the amplitudes of P-wave and S-wave reflections. Analysis of reflection coefficient functions has revealed that amplitudes are very sensitive to porosity estimates, and errors in the assumed model porosity can effect the estimates of hydrate saturation. Additionally, we see that the level of free gas saturation is difficult to determine. A review of the effects of free gas and hydrate saturation on shear wave arrivals indicates that far-offset P to S wave converted arrivals may provide a means of characterizing hydrate saturations. Complications in reflection coefficient and amplitude modelling can arise from gradients in hydrate saturation levels and from rough sea floor topography. An increase in hydrate saturation with depth in marine sediments causes rays to bend towards horizontal and increases the reflection incidence angles and subsequent amplitudes. This effect is strongly accentuated when the vertical separation between the source and the hydrate reflection horizon is reduced. The effect on amplitude variations with offset due to a rough sea floor was determined through finite difference wavefield modelling. Strong diffractions in the waveforms add noise to the amplitude versus offset functions.

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Pressurized Fluidized-Bed Hydroretorting of eastern oil shales. Final report, June 1992--January 1993

The Devonian oil shales of the Eastern United States are a significant domestic energy resource. The overall objective of the multi-year program, initiated in September 1987 by the US Department of Energy was to perform the research necessary to develop the pressurized fluidized-bed hydroretorting (PFH) process for producing oil from Eastern oil shales. The program also incorporates research on technologies in areas such as raw shale preparation, beneficiation, product separation and upgrading, and waste disposal that have the potential of improving the economics and/or environmental acceptability of recovering oil from oil shales using the PFH process. The program was divided into the following active tasks: Task 3 -- Testing of Process Improvement Concepts; Task 4 -- Beneficiation Research; Task 6 -- Environmental Data and Mitigation Analyses; and Task 9 -- Information Required for the National Environmental Policy Act. In order to accomplish all of the program objectives, tho Institute of Gas Technology (ICT), the prime contractor, worked with four other institutions: The University of Alabama/Mineral Resources Institute (MRI), the University of Alabama College of Engineering (UA), University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (UK-CAER), and Tennessee Technological University (TTU). This report presents the work performed by IGT from June 1, 1992 through January 31, 1993.

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