AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Disposal of fluidized bed combustion ash in an underground mine to control acid mine drainage and subsidence. Quarterly report, March 1--May 31, 1998

This project will evaluate the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of filling abandoned underground mine voids with alkaline, advanced coal combustion wastes (Fluidized Bed Combustion, FBC, ash). Success will be measured in terms of technical feasibility of the approach, cost, environmental benefits (acid mine drainage and subsidence control) and environmental impacts (noxious ion release). Phase 1 of the project was completed in September 1995 and was concerned with the development of the grout and a series of predictive models. These models were verified through the Phase 2 field phase and will be further verified in the large scale field demonstration of Phase 3. The verification will allow the results to be packaged in such a way that the technology can be easily adapted to different site conditions. Phase 2 was successfully completed with 1,000 cubic yards of grout being injected into Anker Energy`s Fairfax mine. The grout flowed over 600 feet from a single injection borehole. The grout achieved a compressive strength of over 1,000 psi (twice the level that is needed to guarantee subsidence control). Phase 3 is to take 26 months and will be a full scale test at Anker`s eleven acre Longridge mine site.

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Task 16 -- Sampling and analysis at the Vortec vitrification facility in Paducah, Kentucky. Semi-annual report, April 1--September 30, 1997

The Vortec Cyclone Melting System (CMS{reg_sign}) facility, to be located at the US Department of Energy (DOE) Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, is designed to treat soil contaminated with low levels of heavy metals and radioactive elements, as well as organic waste. To assure that costs of sampling and analysis are contained, Vortec and the DOE Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC) have decided that initially the primary focus of the sampling activities will be on meeting permitting requirements of the state of Kentucky. Therefore, sampling will be limited to the feedstock entering the system, and the glass, flue gas, and water leaving the system. The authors provide suggestions for optional sampling points and procedures in case there is later interest in operations or mass balance data. The permits do not require speciation of the materials in the effluents, only opacity, total radioactivity, total particulate, and total HCl emissions for the gaseous emissions and total radioactivity in the water and solid products. In case future testing to support operations or mass balances is required, the authors include in this document additional information on the analyses of some species of interest. They include heavy metals (RCRA [Resource Conservation and Recovery Act] and Cu and Ni), radionuclides (Th{sub 230}, U{sub 235}, Tc{sup 99}, Cs{sup 137}, and Pu{sup 239}), and dioxins/furans.

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Simulated coal gas MCFC power plant systems verification. Technical progress report

The following tasks are included in this project: Commercialization; Power plant development; Manufacturing facilities development; Test facility development; Stack research; and Advanced research and technology development. This report briefly describes the subtasks still to be completed: Power plant system test with reformed natural gas; Upgrading of existing, US government-owned, test facilities; and Advanced MCFC component research.

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MFIX documentation numerical technique

MFIX (Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges) is a general-purpose hydrodynamic model for describing chemical reactions and heat transfer in dense or dilute fluid-solids flows, which typically occur in energy conversion and chemical processing reactors. The calculations give time-dependent information on pressure, temperature, composition, and velocity distributions in the reactors. The theoretical basis of the calculations is described in the MFIX Theory Guide. Installation of the code, setting up of a run, and post-processing of results are described in MFIX User`s manual. Work was started in April 1996 to increase the execution speed and accuracy of the code, which has resulted in MFIX 2.0. To improve the speed of the code the old algorithm was replaced by a more implicit algorithm. In different test cases conducted the new version runs 3 to 30 times faster than the old version. To increase the accuracy of the computations, second order accurate discretization schemes were included in MFIX 2.0. Bubbling fluidized bed simulations conducted with a second order scheme show that the predicted bubble shape is rounded, unlike the (unphysical) pointed shape predicted by the first order upwind scheme. This report describes the numerical technique used in MFIX 2.0.

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Advanced sulfur control concepts in hot-gas desulfurization technology. Quarterly report, January 1--March 31, 1998

The last six cycles of a 25-cycle sorbent durability test were completed, final installation of the flame photometric detector was accomplished, and fifteen tests whose aim was to determine the minimum prebreakthrough H{sub 2}S concentration over reduced CeO{sub 2} were performed. There was little, if any, evidence of sorbent deterioration in the durability test. During the durability test the author confirmed that, when using pre-reduced sorbent and a clean system, the prebreakthrough H{sub 2}S concentration was less than 100 ppmv, the detection limit of the thermal conductivity detector (TCD). Consequently, a more sensitive flame photometric detector (FPD) which permitted measurements of H{sub 2}S concentrations of 1 ppmv or less was installed. The FPD and TCD were connected in parallel so that, when desired, the entire H{sub 2}S breakthrough curve could be measured. Most of the quarter was devoted to conducting reduction-sulfidation tests to determine the minimum prebreakthrough H{sub 2}S concentrations which could be achieved using prereduced CeO{sub 2}. Fifteen runs involving variations in reduction-sulfidation temperature, H{sub 2}S concentration in the feed gas, and feed gas volumetric flow rate were completed. In all tests the prebreakthrough H{sub 2}S concentration was less than 10 ppmv, and in many of the tests the H{sub 2}S concentration was equal to or less than 1 ppmv for an extended time period.

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A Methodology to Integrate Magnetic Resonance and Acoustic Measurements for Reservoir Characterization

This report contains eight sections. Some individual subsections contain lists of references as well as figures and conclusions when appropriate. The first section includes the introduction and summary of the first-year project efforts. The next section describes the results of the project tasks: (1) implementation of theoretical relations between effect dispersion and the stochastic medium, (2) imaging analyses using core and well log data, (3) construction of dispersion and attenuation models at the core and borehole scales in poroelastic media, (4) petrophysics and a catalog of core and well log data from Siberia Ridge field, (5) acoustic/geotechnical measurements and CT imaging of core samples from Florida carbonates, and (6) development of an algorithm to predict pore size distribution from NMR core data. The last section includes a summary of accomplishments, technology transfer activities and follow-on work for Phase II.

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Utilization of lightweight materials made from coal gasification slags. Quarterly report, March 1--May 31, 1998

The major objectives of the subject project are to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of commercial production of lightweight aggregates (LWA) and ultra-lightweight aggregates (ULWA) from slag and to test the suitability of these aggregates for various applications. The project goals are to be accomplished in two phases: Phase 1, comprising the production of LWA and ULWA from slag at the large pilot scale, and Phase 2, which involves commercial evaluation of these aggregates in a number of applications. In the current reporting period, test work focused on Slag III lightweight aggregates. The following was accomplished during this reporting period: (1) Laboratory testing of expanded Slag III for the lightweight block application was completed satisfactorily. The block production run has been scheduled for 11 June 1998. (2) Testing of expanded Slag III made from 50/50 Slag III/clay for the roof tile application was completed satisfactorily. Specimens with a strength of over 5,600 psi were produced. (3) Commercial production and economic evaluation of the expanded slag in panel application was initiated per user request. (4) Additional batch testing for nursery applications has been initiated.

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High volume-high value usage of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products in underground mines: Phase 2 -- Field investigations. Quarterly report, October 1--December 31, 1997

The field investigation phase of the project was essentially completed when grout placed into auger holes at the Lodestar Energy mine site during Summer 1997 was sampled. Mining had proceeded to a point where the strata overlying the coal was completely removed, thus exposing the grout-filled auger holes. All of the auger holes contained either grout from these experiments or shale that in-filled the non-grouted holes during the process of clearing the top surface of the coal. Eleven grouted holes were sampled, utilizing hammers and chisels, for physical (strength) testing, as well as chemical, mineralogical, and microscopical analysis. Upon arrival at the laboratory, moisture contents, densities, and void ratios were obtained before disturbing the samples, and after strength testing. Representative samples of each grout were then cut into flat-sided prisms, with a height: width ratio {approx}2, to be used for testing of unconfined compressive strength. In summary, all of the grouts had very good mechanical strength, ranging from 1000 psi to 2250 psi. The lowest compressive strength was recorded on a bed ash-based grout.

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Computer assisted gamma and X-ray tomography: Applications to multiphase flow systems

In process vessels, involving two or three phases it is often important not only to know the volume fraction (holdup) of each phase but also the spatial distribution of such holdups. This information is needed in control, trouble shooting and assessment of flow patterns and can be observed noninvasively by the application of Computed Tomography (CT). This report presents a complete overview of X-ray and gamma ray transmission tomography principles, equipment design to specific tasks and application in process industry. The fundamental principles of tomography, the algorithms for image reconstruction, the measurement method and the possible sources of error are discussed in detail. A case study highlights the methodology involved in designing a scanning system for the study of a given process unit, e.g., reactor, separations column etc. Results obtained in the authors` laboratory for the gas holdup distribution in bubble columns are also presented. Recommendations are made for the Advanced Fuels Development Unit (AFDU) in LaPorte, TX.

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Automated boiler combustion controls for emission reduction and efficiency improvement. Quarterly report, February 1--May 15, 1995

Control Techtronics International (CTI) is conducting a project to reduce air emissions and increase efficiency in coal fired boilers in Krakow, Poland and to create a commercial venture in Poland which can act as a leader for efficient combustion in boilers throughout the region. To achieve the technical goals of the project, CTI will use a three part program as follows: Analyze the fuel specifications of a given plant and recommend modifications as necessary; apply automatic combustion controls systems to the boilers; and train plant operators in proper plant operation as well as proper use of control systems. The following activities took place in this quarter: (1) Complete the installation of controls for all five boilers; (2) Final performance testing by the Politechnika on one hot water boiler after installation of controls; (3) Procurement of graded coal by MPEC; (4) Complete joint operator training of the Balicka operators and MPEC engineers by the Politechnika and establishment of a training center in Krakow; (5) Secured two sites for Budget period 2; and (6) Completion of adoption of control components to meet Polish requirements.

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Mechanisms of pyrite oxidation to non-slagging species. Quarterly report, October 1--December 31, 1996

This document is the tenth quarterly status report on a project that is concerned with enhancing the transformation of iron pyrite to non-slagging species during staged, low-NO{sub x} pulverized coal (P.C.) combustion. The research project is intended to advance PETC`s efforts to improve the technical understanding of the high-temperature chemical and physical processes involved in the utilization of coal. The work focuses on the mechanistic description and rate quantification of the effects of fuel properties and combustion environment on the oxidation of iron pyrite to form the non-slagging species magnetite. During this report period numerical encoding of a pyrite combustion model was embarked upon. The effort was intended to lead to predictive capabilities with respect to pyrite composition during pulverized coal firing. Many subroutines were written of a FORTRAN computer program to track the fate of a pyrite particle by integrating time-dependent differential equations for species, momentum, and energy conservation. Inputs to the program include fuel-related properties such as particle size and composition, as well as properties of the reactor environment such as oxygen level, temperature, gas velocity, and a set of initial and final positions.

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Mechanisms of pyrite oxidation to non-slagging species. Quarterly report, January 1--March 31, 1997

This document is the eleventh quarterly status report on a project that is concerned with enhancing the transformation of iron pyrite to non-slagging species during staged, low-NO{sub x} pulverized coal (P.C.) combustion. The research project is intended to advance PETC`s efforts to improve the technical understanding of the high-temperature chemical and physical processes involved in the utilization of coal. The work focuses on the mechanistic description and rate quantification of the effects of fuel properties and combustion environment on the oxidation of iron pyrite to form the non-slagging species magnetite. Activities during this report period were associated with the numerical encoding of the pyrite combustion model. The computer program resulting from the efforts put forth is intended to provide predictive capabilities with respect to pyrite composition during pulverized coal firing. The subroutines that have been written to track the fate of a pyrite particle of specified size and composition flowing in a gaseous environment of specified oxygen concentration, temperature, and velocity are being debugged and tested.

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High temperature electrochemical polishing of H{sub 2}S from coal gasification process streams. Quarterly report, October 1--December 31, 1997

An advanced process for the separation of hydrogen sulfide from coal gasification streams through an electrochemical membrane is being perfected. H{sub 2}S is removed from a synthetic gas stream, split into hydrogen, which enriches the existing syn-gas, and sulfur, which is condensed downstream from an inert sweep gas stream. The process allows for continuous removal of H{sub 2}S without cooling the gas stream while allowing negligible pressure loss through the separator. Moreover, the process is economically attractive due to the elimination of the need for a Claus process for sulfur recovery. To this extent the project presents a novel concept for improving utilization of coal for more efficient power generation. This quarter`s research focused on fabricating LiCoO{sub 2} electrodes and then utilizing them in full cell experiments at 650 C. The cathode showed inefficient porosity to allow mass transfer of the extremely dilute hydrogen sulfide to the electrolyte interface.

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Production and screening of carbon products precursors from coal. Quarterly report, January 1--March 31, 1998

It was reported last quarter that attempts to reduce the ash content of the Hydrocarbon Technology, Inc. (HTI) bottoms material following N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) extraction and centrifugation produced a coal-derived pitch with an ash content of 0.7 wt%. Additional processing by pressure filtration through a 0.2 {micro}m Teflon filter produced a coal-derived pitch with an ash content of 0.5 wt%. The latter result indicates that the ash-forming constituents are sub-micron in dimensions. Because the ash exhibited the color of an iron oxide, the assumption was made that the ash-forming matter is primarily iron based. Thus, a portion of the inorganics may be soluble in a dilute solution of HCI acid. To test this assumption, 200 g of the coal liquid were redissolved in 1.5 L of NMP. Table 1 compares some data of the properties of the acid-washed coal liquid with those from centrifugation alone. It is evident that the acid treatment was effective in reducing the quantity of ash significantly. In addition, because some of the lighter coal components were discarded with the supernatant liquid, the coke yield, real density, and softening point temperature all increased.

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Production and screening of carbon products precursors from coal. Quarterly report, October 1--December 31, 1997

For this quarter, West Virginia University has completed the extraction of the Hydrocarbon Technology, Inc. (HTI) O-6 bottoms coal product. Recall that the material was vacuum distilled earlier at the Koppers Technical Center in Harmarville, PA to remove liquefaction solvent and other low-boiling substances. There are now approximately 25 kg (about 55 pounds) of extracted coal product available for further testing and evaluation. A portion of the extracted HTI coal liquid was converted into green coke in a laboratory-scale atmospheric still coker. The ash content of 0.7 wt% may be too high for the extracted coal liquid to be used directly in carbon products. To reduce the ash-reforming constituents further, a series of filtrations was performed using a Millipore pressure filter apparatus. Table 2 lists the results of the ash determinations for the coal material after filtration through filters of different particle retention capability. Efforts are now being pursued to remove the ash forming material by selective extraction.

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Advanced byproduct recovery: Direct catalytic reduction of sulfur dioxide to elemental sulfur. Quarterly report, April 1--June 30, 1997

The team of Arthur D. Little, Tufts University and Engelhard Corporation are conducting Phase 1 of a four and a half year, two-phase effort to develop and scale-up an advanced byproduct recovery technology that is a direct, single-stage, catalytic process for converting sulfur dioxide to elemental sulfur. This catalytic process reduces SO{sub 2} over a fluorite-type oxide (such as ceria and zirconia). The catalytic activity can be significantly promoted by active transition metals, such as copper. More than 95% elemental sulfur yield, corresponding to almost complete sulfur dioxide conversion, was obtained over a Cu-Ce-O oxide catalyst as part of an on-going DOE-sponsored, University Coal Research Program. This type of mixed metal oxide catalyst has stable activity, high selectivity for sulfur production, and is resistant to water and carbon dioxide poisoning. Tests with CO and CH{sub 4} reducing gases indicate that the catalyst has the potential for flexibility with regard to the composition of the reducing gas, making it attractive for utility use. The performance of the catalyst is consistently good over a range of SO{sub 2} inlet concentration (0.1 to 10%) indicating its flexibility in treating SO{sub 2} tail gases as well as high concentration streams. The principal objective of the Phase 1 program is to identify and evaluate the performance of a catalyst which is robust and flexible with regard to choice of reducing gas. In order to achieve this goal, the authors have planned a structured program including: Market/process/cost/evaluation; Lab-scale catalyst preparation/optimization studies; Lab-scale, bulk/supported catalyst kinetic studies; Bench-scale catalyst/process studies; and Utility review. Progress is reported from all three organizations.

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A characterization and evaluation of coal liquefaction process streams. The kinetics of coal liquefaction distillation resid conversion

Under subcontract from CONSOL Inc., the University of Delaware studied the mechanism and kinetics of coal liquefaction resid conversion. The program at Delaware was conducted between August 15, 1994, and April 30, 1997. It consisted of two primary tasks. The first task was to develop an empirical test to measure the reactivity toward hydrocracking of coal-derived distillation resids. The second task was to formulate a computer model to represent the structure of the resids and a kinetic and mechanistic model of resid reactivity based on the structural representations. An introduction and Summary of the project authored by CONSOL and a report of the program findings authored by the University of Delaware researchers are presented here.

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Simultaneous removal of H{sub 2}S and NH{sub 3} from coal gas. Final report

Hydrogen sulfide (H{sub 2}S) and ammonia (NH{sub 3}) are the primary sulfur and nitrogen contaminants released when coal is gasified. Before coal gas can be utilized in an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plant to produce electricity, these contaminants need to be removed. The objective of this research was to develop sorbent-catalysts with the ability to simultaneously remove H{sub 2}S and NH{sub 3} from coal gas. Microreactor tests with HART-49, a zinc-based sorbent-catalyst with Ni, Co, and Mo as catalyst additives, showed that this material had the potential to remove 90% NH{sub 3} and reduce H{sub 2}S to <20 ppmv at 1 atm and 550 to 700 C. HART-49 was prepared in attrition-resistant fluidizable form (HART-56) using up to 75 wt% binder. Bench-scale fluidized-bed multicycle tests were conducted with the attrition-resistant sorbent-catalyst, HART-56, at 20 atm and 550 C. The H{sub 2}S and NH{sub 3} removal performance over the first two cycles was good in the presence of 5% steam but deteriorated thereafter when steam level was increased to 15%. The results point to a complex mechanism for simultaneous H{sub 2}S and NH{sub 3} removal, potentially involving both chemisorption and catalytic decomposition of NH{sub 3}. Further research and development is needed to develop a sorbent-catalyst for simultaneous H{sub 2}S and NH{sub 3} removal at IGCC hot-gas cleanup conditions.

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Engineering development of advanced physical fine coal cleaning for premium fuel applications

The goal of this project is engineering development of two advanced physical fine coal cleaning processes, column flotation and selective agglomeration, for premium fuel applications. Its scope includes laboratory research and bench-scale testing on six coals to optimize these processes, followed by design and construction of a 2 t/h process development unit (PDU). Large lots of clean coal are to be produced in the PDU from three project coals. Investigation of the near-term applicability of the two advanced fine coal cleaning processes in an existing coal preparation plant is another goal of the project and is the subject of this report.

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