AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Multiwell Experiment final report: 2, The paludal interval of the Mesaverde Formation

The Department of Energy's Multiwell Experiment (MWX) is a field laboratory in the Piceance Basin of Colorado which has two overall objectives: to characterize the low permeability gas reservoirs in the Mesaverde Formation and to develop technology for their production. Different depositional environments have created distinctly different reservoirs in the Mesaverde, and MWX has addressed each of these in turn. This report presents a comprehensive summary of results from the paludal interval which lies between 6600 ft and 7450 ft at the MWX site. The interval is a complex, lower delta plain, fluvial depositional environment consisting of interbedded sandstone channels, carbonaceous siltstones and mudstones, and coals. Separate sections of this report are background and summary; site descriptions and operations; geology; log analysis; core analysis; in situ stress; well testing and analysis of one zone; well testing, stimulation, analysis and reservoir evaluation of another zone; supporting laboratory studies; hydraulic fracture diagnostics; and a bibliography. Additional detailed data, results, analyses, and data file references are given on microfiche in several appendices. Overall, the results show that the paludal is a complex and productive interval.

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Refining and upgrading of synfuels from coal and oil shales by advanced catalytic processes: Fourteenth interim report, Processing of Wyodak CTSL (catalytic two-stage liquefaction) oil and related experimental studies. [From single-stage and two-stage liquefaction processes]

Syncrudes produced from Wyodak coal in the Catalytic Two-Stage Liquefaction (CTSL) process were upgraded in pilot plant tests by hydrotreating with Chevron's commercial ICR 106 catalyst. Two CTSL syncrudes were studied; the first had an end point (EP) of about 625/sup 0/F; the second, an EP of about 850/sup 0/F. In this report, results are compared to those obtained with syncrudes from single-stage liquefaction processes and another two-stage process (Integrated Two-Stage Liquefaction (ITSL)). In general, products from the two-stage liquefaction processes were easier to upgrade than those from single-stage processes. However, with all of the syncrudes, relatively small increases in EP made the oils more difficult to hydrotreat. The 625/sup 0/F EP CTSL was the easier to upgrade than the other syncrudes because of its relatively low EP and low heteroatom and high hydrogen contents. Both of the CTSL syncrudes were upgraded in a single hydrotreating step to diesel fuel, jet fuel, and a naphtha suitable for catalytic reforming. However, for the higher EP syncrude, the preferred route also required either a hydrocracking step or a second hydrotreating step. Transportation fuels made from all the syncrudes were fairly similar. Mainly, they were composed of cyclic hydrocarbons. There were, however, differences in product distributions depending upon syncrude boiling ranges. The middle-distillate fuels (jet and diesel) had high densities and, therefore, high volumetric energy contents. 14 refs., 16 figs., 49 tabs.

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Alternative flow control nozzles/energy dissipation of highly erosive fluids: Final report

An innovative Flow Control Device (FCD) utilizing multiple pairs of opposed coaxially-aligned nozzles was successfully tested in a three-phase erosive-flow stream. A mixture of air, water, and silica was selected to produce velocities representative of those resulting in a high-pressure letdown coal-liquefaction process. Aluminum was utilized for test hardware to provide accelerated erosion data. A globe valve with aluminum trim was tested at the same operating conditions to provide baseline performance data for direct comparison with nozzle results. The time rate of increase in flow-control area of the FCD was less than one third that of the globe valve. This demonstrates the relative severity of impingement erosion over scouring erosion, as there are no abrupt directional changes in the nozzle flow. The receiver walls showed no erosion damage for liquid levels well below the nozzle exit, indicating very efficient energy dissipation in the jet-impact zone. These favorable results coupled with the design simplicity of the FCD provides a solid basis for further development. 15 refs., 33 figs., 4 tabs.

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Effects of selected thermophilic microorganisms on crude oils at elevated temperatures and pressures

During the past several years, a considerable amount of work has been carried out showing that microbially enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is promising and the resulting biotechnology may be deliverable. We are carrying out systematic studies dealing with the effects of thermophilic bacteria on the chemical and physical properties of selected types of crude oils at elevated temperatures and pressures comparable to those of reservoir conditions. Current studies indicate that during the biotreatment several properties of crude oils are affected. The oils are (1) emulsified, (2) acidified, (3) there is a qualitative and quantitative change in light and heavy fractions of the crudes, (4) there are chemical changes in fractions containing sulfur compounds, and (5) the qualitative and quantitative chemical and physical changes appear to be microbial species dependent. In order to analyze for these changes in the crudes, several instruments have been purchased and dedicated to this program. The results generated in the past fiscal year describing (1)--(5) are presented and discussed in this report. 18 refs., 18 figs., 3 tabs.

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Preliminary scale-up design and economic study of methanol production based on high rate entrained flow coal gasification

Engineering design and economic studies were conducted of three sizes of plants for producing methanol from coal via advanced entrained flow gasification followed by conventional methanol synthesis. The advanced coal gasification technology being developed by Mountain Fuel Resources was employed as the basis for this study. The plant production capacities were 7 million, 70 million, and 200 million gallons per year. Ford, Bacon and Davis, Inc. performed engineering design, drafting, and cost estimating for the coal receiving, coal preparation, and coal gasification areas. Similar work on the gas purification and chemical processing downstream of the gasifier and the plant utilities was performed by Lummus Crest, Inc. Mountain Fuel Resources performed the economic studies. Total capital required for the three plants was estimated to be $33.6 million, $299 million, and $565 million. The estimated cost of methanol production was estimated to be $1.45 per gallon, $0.99 per gallon, and $0.68 per gallon. The production cost for the largest plant was favorable compared to the current selling price for methanol from a recently constructed natural gas based plant.

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Assessment of modular IGCC (integrated gasification combined cycle) plants based on entrained flow coal gasification

An assessment of modular integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants, based on Texaco entrained flow gasification, having a nominal capacity of 100 megawatts was conducted by Foster Wheeler. The scope of this study consisted of developing preliminary designs and relative economics for five modular IGCC power plant configurations in an effort to compare the use of air or oxygen as the oxidant for coal gasification and high temperature or low temperature processes for gas cleanup. Conceptual designs were prepared based on non-confidential information, estimated capital and operating costs, and determined the cost of electricity for five different modular IGCC plant configurations. In all five plant configurations, the same gas turbine, which is commercially available for conventional fuels, was used. It was assumed that this commercially available gas turbine could be modified without additional cost impact to accept the hot low BTU fuel gas produced from air gasification with high temperature cleanup. 16 refs.

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Extractors manual for Oil Shale Data Base System: Resource Extraction Data Base

Recognizing the need to gather and make available to the private sector the results of past and current research, the Department of Energy (DOE) is developing an Oil Shale Data System within the data system at the Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC). The oil shale system is a computer-based data storage and retrieval system that serves as a repository for relevant oil shale information. The Oil Shale Data System is composed of several independent data bases. These include the Major Plants Data Base (MPDB), the Test Data Data Base (TDDB), the Resource Extraction Data Base (REDB), and the Math Modeling Data Base (MMDB). The structure of the Resource Extraction Data Base is shown. To determine the types of data to be collected and entered into the Oil Shale Data System, the needs of potential users have been identified.

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Extractors manual for Oil Shale Data Base System: Math Modeling Data Base

The most abundant energy sources in the United States are the hydrocarbon fossil fuels consisting of oil, gas, oil shale, and coal. Currently, the most important energy sources are crude oil and natural gas. Although supplies are adequate today, it must be realized that oil and gas are depletive substances. Within the next few years, the increasing demand for liquid fuels will necessitate the supplemental supplies of domestic energy from crude oil and natural gas with synthetic fuels as those from oil shale. To date, those persons working in the development of oil shale technology have found limited amounts of reference data. If data from research and development (R and D) could be made publicly available, however, several functions could be served. The duplication of work could be avoided, documented test material could serve as a basis to promote further developments, and research costs could possibly be reduced. To assemble the available oil shale data for public use, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) is developing an oil shale data base. The Math Modeling Data Base (MMDB) for oil shale will be used to catalogue computer software and provide details for the applicability of each computer code that is available at the Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC).

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Research needs for the surface disposal of processed oil shale solid waste: Physical, hydrological, and geochemical parameters

The purpose of this study was to identify long-term, high-risk engineering-scale research needs and objectives associated with the solid waste management of processed oil shale. Specifically, this study identified important parameters that may affect the safe disposal of processed oil shale, assessed current state-of-the-art measurement techniques, and outlined suggested research needed to mitigate identified parameters. The research needs discussed emphasize data requirements for a commercial (engineering) scale facility and are outlined in six primary sections: (1) Site Characterization, (2) Basic Properties of Recently Processed Oil Shale, (3) Disposal and Weathering Factors Associated with Processed Shale Stability, (4) Erosion and Surface Stabilization of Processed Oil Shale, (5) Evaluation and Development of Analytical Models, and (6) Performance Monitoring of Prototype Processed Oil Shale Facilities. Identified research needs of major importance are those providing Baseline data, data characterizing the physical, chemical, and hydrologic properties of processed shale, and Physical Modeling Data, data from field studies, scaled physical modeling, and embankment prototypes. 39 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.

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

A Mild Gasification process that will rapidly devolatilize coals of all ranks at relatively low temperatures between 930{degree} and 1470{degree}F and near atmospheric pressure to produce primary products that include a reactive char, a hydrocarbon condensate and a low-Btu gas. One objective of the project is to achieve successful operation on mildly caking coals of high sulfur content in support of the strategic goal of producing a metallurgical coke substitute for the Great Lakes steel industry from midwestern bituminous coal feedstocks. Task 2 primarily covers bench-scale testing on a 10-gram thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and a 1-lb/hr continuous fluidized bed reactor (CFBR). Tests were performed to determine product yields and qualities for a high sulfur bituminous coal from the Illinois Basin (Indiana No. 3) and a low sulfur subbituminous coal from the Powder River Basin (Wyodak). Preliminary results from Task 3 on product upgrading tests performed by AMAX R D are also reported based on limited quantities of product obtained from Task 2. More extensive upgrading studies will be performed on the larger quantities of products generated in Task 4, which will integrate process testing in the 100-lb/hr process development unit (PDU) currently under construction. Background information guiding this process development effort has been previously presented in two study reports addressing markets and processing technologies (January 1988). Wastewater produced in the mild gasification process was successfully biotreated at full strength in an aerated active sludge system that removed 96.9% if the biological oxygen demand (BOD), 92.7% of phenol, and 49.5% of total chemical oxygen demand (COD) at 2.9 days hydraulic retention time. 14 refs., 52 figs., 47 tabs.

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Sorption of fuel-bound contaminants for coal-fired gas turbine systems: Final report

The sorption of sulfur and alkali species and the effects of interaction between sorbents used for removal of these species and the coal ash in its various modes of appearance in heat engine combustion systems were studied. Predictive models for sulfur and alkali sorption and to obtain estimates for the capture of these species in potential heat engine applications. It is necessary to control the sulfur emissions because the oxides of sulfur have been identified as precursors to acid rain and also react within and subsequent to the combustion process to form species, such as alkali sulfates, which may be transported to and react to produce corrosive deposits on the surfaces of the heat engine power train. Candidate sorbents for removing these species from the gas phase include lime and dolomite materials for the sulfur oxides, and aluminosilicates for the alkalis. These sorbents were evaluated in the high presure region appropriate to heat engine applications.

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Proceedings of the fourth annual fuel cells contractors review meeting

Objective of the program was to develop the essential technology for private sector commercialization of various fuel cell electrical generation systems, which promise high fuel efficiencies (40--60%), possibilities for cogeneration, modularity, possible urban siting, and low emissions. Purpose of this meeting was to provide the R and D participants in the DOE/Fossil Energy-sponsored Fuel Cells Program with a forum. With the near commercialization of phosphoric acid fuel cells, major emphasis was on molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cells. 22 papers were given in 3 formal sessions: molten carbonate fuel cells; solid oxide fuel cells ; and systems and phosphoric acid. In addition, the proceedings also include a welcome to METC address and comments on the Fuel Cells program from the viewpoint of EPRI and DOE's vehicular fuel cell program. Separate abstracts have been prepared.

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Economic evaluation report

The objective of this report is to establish a database of costs associated with operating a circulating fluidized bed boiler for electric power production in a utility environment. Such data and information can be used by others for resource planning and for comparisons with competing technologies. Costs are also presented for the engineering, construction and start-up of the Nucla CFB. These are compared with estimates made in 1981 prior to completing detailed engineering. Detailed monthly operating costs over the testing period covered by the Cooperative Agreement, from September 1988 through January 1991, are presented in Appendix D. An overall summary of cost data for this period is presented in the same format in Appendix C. These data were generated by CUEA using reporting requirements established by the Rural Electrification Administration's Uniform System of Accounts. This accounting system is consistent with that used by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Uniform System of Accounts, which is prescribed for public utilities and licensees subject to the provisions of the Federal Power Act. The definitions of terms used in the REA code of accounts are contained in Appendix B.

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Nickel transport in molten carbonate fuel cell electrolytes: Final report

Cathode dissolution occurs predominantly by an acidic mechanism in binary lithium/potassium carbonate electrolytes having from 50 to 75 mole percent lithium carbonate. The cathode attrition can be reduced by increasing the basicity of the electrolyte. The amount of nickel, which is transported into the matrix is directly proportional to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the oxidant. Nickel dissolved in the electrolyte can survive passage through the electrolyte matrix to reach the anode. The proportion of dissolved nickel surviving to reach the anode compared to the nickel deposited in the electrolyte increases with increasing basicity of the melt. Because of the small quantities involved, nickel transport from cathode to anode does not appear to represent a problem with respect to cell durability. The best explanation for the results observed in these experiments is that the nickel oxide cathode dissolves in the electrolyte via two mechanisms.

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Expansion of high-temperature; high-pressure data set for coal gasification: Sixth quarterly report, December 28, 1985-March 28, 1986

During the sixth quarter, work was completed on modifications of the high pressure reactor (HPR) system for higher pressure (600 psig) operation. A series of pyrolysis experiments was completed in the HPR using mixtures of nitrogen and oxygen at various pressures and compositions. The original intention of the O/sub 2//N/sub 2/ experiments was to examine the effects of oxygen on the pyrolysis product distribution and the char reactivity. Unfortunately, at the temperature, residence time and pressure used for most of the experiments in this series (817/sup 0/C, 0.47 s, 26 psig) nearly complete oxidation of the char and volatile products occurred. Additional CO/sub 2/ gasification experiments were done to provide a database for revising the test plan. These were done at a variety of temperatures, pressures and CO/sub 2/ concentrations. The reactor was then switched back to nitrogen and additional pyrolysis experiments were done at high pressure (300 psig). When it was observed that the material balance was falling off slightly, it was decided to repeat some of the previous pyrolysis experiments at low pressure. There appeared to be a small, but systematic, reduction in char recovery. We continued to do char reactivity and surface area measurements for chars using the new non-isothermal technique described in the Fifth Quarterly report. A comparison was made of the results for char, tar, and gas yields for 1 atm and 5 atm (60 psig) experiments in the HTR. The asymptotic yield of about 10% was similar for both sets of experiments. A comparison was also made of tar yields for the Montana Rosebud coal from experiments in the HPR and HTR. The observed tar yields were in good agreement for similar experimental conditions. A preliminary version of a particle temperature model for the HPR was completed during the past quarter. 9 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.

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Development of BEACON technology: Hydrogen catalyst selection and preparation: Topical report

The BEACON process involves the catalytic deposition of a highly reactive form of carbon from a gas stream which contains carbon monoxide. The carbon-depleted gas is combusted with air to produce power, and the carbon is reacted with steam to produce methane or hydrogen. Bench scale development of the methane process was completed during the second quarter 1983 and the results reported to DOE. Bench scale development of the hydrogen process is currently underway. This document summarizes the effort expended in the selection and preparation of the primary and back-up hydrogen production catalysts to be used in multi-cycle testing at bench scale. The effort comprised the Task 1 experimentation of the current BEACON program and was six weeks in duration. From 20 catalysts screened at laboratory scale as candidates for hydrogen production from BEACON carbon, two were selected as promising for exhibiting good performance (activity and selectivity) at reaction pressures above ambient. These two catalysts, No. 6 and No. 11, were subjected to extensive carbon deposition-steaming testing at 50, 75 and 100 psig (3 to 5 cycles at each pressure,7565 ); 10 to 20 gram batches of solids were used in these tests. Performance comparisons led to the selection of Catalyst No. 11 as the primary catalyst for the hydrogen process. Catalyst No. 6 performed well enough at pressures up to 50 psig to be considered as a potential replacement to Catalyst No. 11 should the latter fail multi-cycle testing (long-term activity tests at elevated pressures). The multi-cycle testing (a minimum operation of 250 hours of simultaneous carbon deposition and steaming to hydrogen) will be performed in the existing Tandem Reactor apparatus under Task 2 of this program. 2 figs., 7 tabs.

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Conceptual design of commercial oil shale plants, fluidized bed retorting of Colorado oil shale: Alternate design study: Topical report

A conceptual design and cost estimate were developed for an integrated oil shale process plant based on fluidized-bed retorting of Colorado oil shale with lift pipe combustion of retorted shale. The present study incorporates an alternate design for the fluidized-bed retorting system, similar to the configuration employed in fluid catalytic cracking designs. The modified retort design, which employs fluidized bed combustion of retorted shale and pneumatic transport of hot solids, was factored into the base case integrated plant. As in the base case study, the alternate plant design has a nominal capacity of 50,000 barrels per operating day of syncrude product, derived from oil shale having a Fischer Assay of 30 gallons per ton. The plant scope reflects a grassroots facility which receives run-of-mine oil shale, delivers product oil to storage, and disposes of the processed spent shale. Estimated investment costs and annual operating costs for the alternate plant design were developed. In addition, a technical and economic assessment of the modified retorting design was made relative to the base case study. 9 refs., 7 figs., 30 tabs.

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