AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Western Research Institute quarterly technical progress report, July--September 1993

Accomplishments for the quarter are described briefly for the following areas of research: oil shale; tar sand; coal; advanced exploratory process technology; and jointly sponsored research. Oil shale research covers process studies. Tar sand research is on recycle oil pyrolysis and extraction (ROPE{sup TM}) Process. Coal research includes: coal combustion; integrated coal processing concepts; and solid waste management. Advanced exploratory process technology includes: advanced process concepts; advanced mitigation concepts; and oil and gas technology. Jointly sponsored research covers: CROW{sup TM} field demonstration with Bell Lumber and Pole; operation and evaluation of the CO{sub 2} HUFF-N-PUFF Process; fly ash binder for unsurfaced road aggregates; solid state NMR analysis of Mesaverde group, Greater Green River Basin, tight gas sands; characterization of petroleum residua; shallow oil production using horizontal wells with enhanced oil recovery techniques; surface process study for oil recovery using a thermal extraction process; oil field waste cleanup using tank bottom recovery process; remote chemical sensor development; in situ treatment of manufactured gas plant contaminated soils demonstration program; solid state NMR analysis of Mowry formation shale from different sedimentary basins; solid state NMR analysis of naturally and artificially matured kerogens; and development of an effective method for the clean-up of natural gas.

Tags: kmd
Modeling of hydrologic conditions and solute movement in processed oil shale waste embankments under simulated climatic conditions. Fourth quarterly report, July--September 1993

The scope of the research program and the continuation is to study interacting hydrologic, geotechnical, and chemical factors affecting the behavior and disposal of combusted processed oil shale. The research combines bench-scale testing with large scale research sufficient to describe commercial scale embankment behavior. The large scale approach was accomplished by establishing five lysimeters, each 7.3 {times} 3.0 {times} 3.0 m deep, filled with processed oil shale that has been retorted and combusted by the Lurgi-Ruhrgas (Lurgi) process. Approximately 400 tons of Lurgi processed oil shale waste was provided by Rio Blanco Oil Shale Co., Inc. (RBOSC) through a separate cooperative agreement with the University of Wyoming (UW) to carry out this study. Three of the lysimeters were established at the RBOSC Tract C-a in the Piceance Basin of Colorado. Two lysimeters were established in the Environmental Simulation Laboratory (ESL) at UW. The ESL was specifically designed and constructed so that a large range of climatic conditions could be physically applied to the processed oil shale which was filled in the lysimeter cells.

Tags: kmd
Coolside waste management research. Quarterly technical progress report, April 1, 1993--June 30, 1993

Reactions controlling the formation, composition and disintegration of ettringite are critical in determining the overall stability and strength of cements and concretes derived from dry-flue gas desulfurization wastes. These wastes typically consist primarily of fly ash, along with, CaSO{sub 3}, and CaSO{sub 4} and unreacted Ca(OH){sub 2}. The sulfites and sulfates in these materials react with the portiandite (Ca(OH){sub 2}) along with the glassy aluminosilicate Portion of the fly ash to form calcium sulfo-aluminate minerals. Ettringite, the most important of these, is the main contributor to the compressive strength development of the FGD waste mixtures. Excessive ettringite formation causes first lateral and horizontal swelling of the concrete which often leads to destructive crack formation. It has been shown that the quantity of ettringite formed and compressive strength of the FGD waste mixtures reach a maximum until ettringite begins to disintegrate. Because the formation mechanisms of ettringite are not entirely understood, swelling in FGD derived products is difficult to predict. This study focused on the formation and disintegration mechanism of ettringite in FGD waste mixtures with varying contents of aluminum (hydr)oxides, and calcium (hydr)oxides of the starting materials. Mineralogical transformations were documented in X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of the materials.

Tags: kmd
Scale models of a fluidized bed combustor: Simplification of the scaling laws over all flow regimes from bubbling to circulating flow and the scaling of heat transfer. Quarterly report, [April 1, 1992--June 30, 1992]

Convective heat transfer and hydrodynamic scaling experiments using glass and plastic particles in scaled beds using a simplified set of scaling parameters have been completed. In these tests the particle diameter to bed length scaling parameter was combined with the Reynolds number based on particle diameter and solid density to define a new dimensionless parameter which is essentially the ratio of superficial velocity to minimum fluidization velocity as defined in the Ergun equation. Further theoretical development of the scaling laws has indicated that a set of scaling laws using the ratio of superficial to minimum fluidization velocity in place of the particle Reynolds number and ratio of particle diameter to bed length may be valid over a wider range of conditions than the viscous limit scaling parameters previously defined. A more complete explanation of the proposed simplified scaling parameters, and their regions of validity is included as Attachment A. Results of the hydrodynamic scaling experiments show good agreement when using this simplified set of scaling laws and strongly suggest that this new set of parameters is acceptable over the range of conditions tested (fast-fluidization regime).

Tags: kmd
Production of mild gasification coproducts project. Quarterly technical progress report, [July 1, 1993--September 30, 1993]

The work of producing the coproduct samples and delivering the samples of each feedstock coal, the Coal Derived Liquid (CDL) and the Simulated Process Derived Fuel (PDF) has been accomplished under Option: Item 2 of this contract. The feedstock coals were taken from four mines which are defined below. Table 1 depicts the history of the coals from the taking of samples at the mine to delivery of all samples to the designated laboratories for test, analysis and reporting.

Tags: kmd
Analysis of deep seismic reflection and other data from the southern Washington Cascades

Limited possibilities exist for new hydrocarbon exploration regimes in the Pacific Northwest. Extensive geophysical studies have been used to outline a proposed sedimentary basin hidden beneath volcanic rocks of the Cascades region of southwestern Washington (Stanley et. al, 1992, AAPG Bull. 76, 1569--1585). Electrical geophysical imaging using the magnetotelluric (MT) method first detected thick, electrically conductive sequences believed to represent late Cretaceous to Oligocene marine sedimentary rocks. The conductive section occurs at depths from about 1 km to 10 km in the area west of a line between Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, extending westward to a line between Mt. St. Helens and just west of Morton, WA. The conductive rocks reaches thicknesses as great as 10 km. The anomalous rocks appear to be very near the surface in the axis of anticanes that bring Eocene marine shales to shallow depths. Careful consideration of physical properties and the correspondence of the morphology of the units to known fold sets suggests that the high conductivities are related to lithologic/stratigraphic units rather than to variations in physical properties. Our preference for the lithology of the anomalous section, based upon a study of regional geology and structure, is one dominated by marine shales of Eocene and older age. Other possible lithologies that have been evaluated for the conductive section include nonmarine sedimentary units of Tertiary age, highly altered volcanic flows, and pre-Tertiary memsedimentary rocks with large percentages of graphite. We refer to this anomalously conductive region as the southern Washington Cascades conductor (SWCC).

Tags: kmd
Development of an advanced, continuous mild gasification process for the production of co-products. Quarterly technical progress report, April--June 1988

The Department of Energy is investigating a process concept called Mild Gasification in which rapid devolatilization of coal under mild conditions of temperature and pressure would yield three product slates: a low- or medium-BTU gas, a valuable hydrocarbon condensate, and a reactive char. The ongoing objective of this program is to develop a continuous mild gasification process which will produce a product mix that optimizes process economics. In order to provide the incentive for private industry to commercialize the process, it is necessary to demonstrate yields and qualities in a versatile continuous process development unit (PDU). This unit must be capable of assessing both coal- and process-specific effects in a cost-effective and timely manner. Based on literature reviews and experimental verification, a data base will be developed correlating coal and process parameters with product characteristics. This will provide process developers with the information necessary to derive site-specific economics which will be crucial for the commercialization of the mild gasification process. The literature review and market assessment has been completed under Task 1 of the program. Under Task 2, coal-specific tests are being conducted on three AMAX coals: Chinook, an Indiana {number_sign}3 bituminous coal; Delta, an Illinois {number_sign}6 bituminous coal; and Eagle Butte, a Wyodak subbituminous coal. Various methods of char upgrading are being conducted by AMAX R&D of Golden, Colorado. The upgraded char is then combined with iron ore and tested for pig iron production under an AMAX subcontract to Pellet Technology Corporation of Marquette, Michigan. In addition to the test program, process development and scaleup information is being developed for a 1 ton/hr pilot plant unit. Plans for Tasks 2 and 3, equipment modifications, and report. Results include: char analysis, condensable analysis, waste water analysis, and gas analysis.

Tags: kmd
Field verification of CO{sub 2}-foam. [Quarterly report], July 1--September 30, 1993

The objectives of this cooperative industry-university-government project are to (1) transfer promising laboratory research to a field demonstration test, (2) provide research support to design and implement the test, and (3) evaluate the use of foam for mobility control and fluid diversion in a field CO{sub 2} flood. The favorable production responses resulting from the first foam injection test are described in our previous progress reports. Based on that favorable response, a second foam test was initiated during the last quarter in the same injection well used for the first foam test. However, at some period after the initiation of the second foam test on May 21, 1993, a facilities problem was discovered at the field site. Normal in . action operations involved the blending of about one-third produced gas (containing 70--75% CO{sub 2})with about two-thirds purchased CO{sub 2}. Because of the high temperatures observed in June to July, and the corresponding higher injection pressures, a greater than normal volume of produced gas was being injected. This condition resulted in a lower hydrostatic gradient and a somewhat higher surface injection pressure. Because it would be difficult to distinguish the pressure response due to the foam injection from the pressure increases caused by the change in injected gas composition, the decision was reached to abort the second foam test until a stabilized baseline could be re-established.

Tags: kmd
The development of an integrated multistage fluid bed retorting process. Quarterly technical report, April 1, 1993--June 30, 1993

This report summarizes the progress made on the development of an integrated multistage fluidized bed retorting process (KENTORT II) during the period of April 1, 1993 through June 30, 1993 under Cooperative Agreement No. DE-FC21-90MC27286 with the Morgantown Energy Technology Center, U.S. Department of Energy. The KENTORT II process includes integral fluidized bed zones for pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of the oil shale. The purpose of this program is to design and test the KENTORT II process at the 50-lb/hr scale. The major activities for this quarter included: system leak proofing, cold flow testing, shake down of the data acquisition system, instrumentation verification, and preparation for hot operation. Once the tasks necessary for heat up are completed, shake down and operation of the Process Demonstration Unit will begin.

Tags: kmd
An experimental study of the hydrodynamics and cluster formation in a circulating fluidized-bed riser. Semi-annual report, July 1, 1992--December 31, 1992

A novel gas-solid flow measuring technique is being developed and tested for studying the hydrodynamics inside the riser of a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB). First of the two aims of the overall program, namely, design, development and testing of the technique to characterize the particle and gas velocities in two-phase flows was accomplished in the past year. The second objective, that of making detailed measurements of gas and solid phases in the rises of a cold CFB model to investigate the phenomena of clusters and streamers for different bed operating parameters is being accomplished in the current year. The differential pressure fluctuations were in order to study the solids cluster formation. Of the several factors which lead to differential pressure fluctuations, the solids cluster formation in CFB riser is by far the most important of all. Simultaneously, theoretical formulation of the two-phase flow in the CFB riser was initiated. The concept of entropy maximization is being applied to explain the hydrodynamics inside the riser. The results from this study will present a unique detailed description of the complex gas-solid behavior in the CFB riser.

Tags: kmd
Technology assessment of vertical and horizontal air drilling potential in the United States. Final report

The objective of the research was to assess the potential for vertical, directional and horizontal air drilling in the United States and to evaluate the current technology used in air drilling. To accomplish the task, the continental United States was divided into drilling regions and provinces. The map in Appendix A shows the divisions. Air drilling data were accumulated for as many provinces as possible. The data were used to define the potential problems associated with air drilling, to determine the limitations of air drilling and to analyze the relative economics of drilling with air versus drilling mud. While gathering the drilling data, operators, drilling contractors, air drilling contractors, and service companies were contacted. Their opinion as to the advantages and limitations of air drilling were discussed. Each was specifically asked if they thought air drilling could be expanded within the continental United States and where that expansion could take place. The well data were collected and placed in a data base. Over 165 records were collected. Once in the data base, the information was analyzed to determine the economics of air drilling and to determine the limiting factors associated with air drilling.

Tags: kmd
Proceedings of Opportunity `95 -- Environmental technology through small business

The Opportunity `95--Environmental Technology Through Small Business conference was held November 16--17, 1994, at the Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC) in Morgantown, West Virginia. The overall objective of this conference was to review the latest environmental and waste management technologies being developed under the sponsorship of the Environmental Management--Office of Technology Development (EM-OTD) Program at METC. The focus of this conference was also to address the accomplishments and barriers affecting small businesses, and lay the groundwork for future technology development initiatives and opportunities. Twenty papers were presented in three EM-OTD focus areas: mixed waste characterization, treatment and disposal (6 papers,8128 ); contaminant plume containment and remediation (6 papers,8128 ); and facility transitioning, decommissioning and final disposition (8 papers). In addition to the presentations, nine posters of environmental management areas were displayed. A panel discussion was also held on technology development assistance to small businesses. Selected papers are indexed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database.

Tags: kmd
A systematic assessment of the state of hazardous waste clean-up technologies. Quarterly technical progress report, April 1--June 30, 1993

West Virginia University (WVU) and the US DOE Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC) entered into a Cooperative Agreement on August 29, 1992 entitled ``Decontamination Systems Information and Research Programs.`` Stipulated within the Agreement is the requirement that WVU submit to METC a series of Technical Progress Report for Year 1 of the Agreement. This report reflects the progress and/or efforts performed on the following nine technical projects encompassed by the Year 1 Agreement for the period of April 1 through June 30, 1993: Systematic assessment of the state of hazardous waste clean-up technologies; site remediation technologies -- drain-enhanced soil flushing (DESF) for organic contaminants removal; site remediation technologies -- in situ bioremediation of organic contaminants; excavation systems for hazardous waste sites; chemical destruction of polychlorinated biphenyls; development of organic sensors -- monolayer and multilayer self-assembled films for chemical sensors; Winfield lock and dam remediation; Assessments of Technologies for hazardous waste site remediation -- non-treatment technologies and pilot scale test facility implementation; and remediation of hazardous sites with stream reforming.

Tags: kmd
A model of the Capital Cost of a natural gas-fired fuel cell based Central Utilities Plant

This model defines the methods used to estimate the cost associated with acquisition and installation of capital equipment of the fuel cell systems defined by the central utility plant model. The capital cost model estimates the cost of acquiring and installing the fuel cell unit, and all auxiliary equipment such as a boiler, air conditioning, hot water storage, and pumps. The model provides a means to adjust initial cost estimates to consider learning associated with the projected level of production and installation of fuel cell systems. The capital cost estimate is an input to the cost of ownership analysis where it is combined with operating cost and revenue model estimates.

Tags: kmd
CE IGCC repowering project hot gas clean up system

With sponsorship from the Department of Energy (DOE), and the state of Illinois, Combustion Engineering, Inc. is currently developing a design for a 60 Mw IGCC (Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle) for City Water, Light & Power (CWL&P) in Springfield, Illinois. In addition, to DOE and the state of Illinois, Combustion Engineering, Inc. and CWL&P are contributing to the project. In order to obtain a high thermal efficiency, a hot gas cleanup system has been incorporated for product gas clean up. The cleanup system currently incorporated in the system design is one that is being developed by General Electric Environmental Services, Inc. (GEESI). This is a moving bed process which includes the regeneration of the sorbent material. Testing of the system is currently underway in GEESI`s pilot plant in Schenectady, New York. The hot gas clean up system will use a moving-bed of zinc titanate as an absorbent material to capture gaseous sulfur species in the gas. The cleanup system will be required to operate in a range of 850--1150{degree}F (454--621{degree}C) and under a pressure of 20 atmospheres. Results of the tests indicate that overall sulfur efficiency exceeds 95%, the zinc titanate can be regenerated, and produces an SO{sub 2}-rich tail gas suitable for conversion to sulfuric acid, elemental sulfur or disposable waste.

Tags: kmd
Interactive Computer-Enhanced Remote Viewing System (ICERVS)

The Integrated Computer-Enhanced Remote Viewing System (ICERVS) supports the robotic remediation of hazardous environments such as underground storage tanks, buried waste sites, and contaminated production facilities. The success of these remediation missions will depend on reliable geometric descriptions of the work environment in order to achieve effective task planning, path planning, and collision avoidance. ICERVS provides a means for deriving a reliable geometric description more effectively and efficiently than current systems by combining a number of technologies: Sensing of the environment to acquire dimensional and material property data; integration of acquired data into a common data structure (based on octree technology,8122 ); presentation of data to robotic task planners for analysis and visualization; interactive synthesis of geometric/surface models to denote features of interest in the environment and transfer of this information to robot control and collision avoidance systems. A key feature of ICERVS is that it will enable an operator to match xyz data from a sensor with surface models of the same region in space. This capability will help operators to better manage the complexities of task and path planning in three-dimensional (3D) space, thereby leading to safer and more effective remediation. The Phase 1 work performed by MTI has brought the ICERVS design to Maturity Level 3, Subscale Major Subsystem, and met the established success criteria.

Tags: kmd
Direct methane conversion to methanol. Annual report, October 1, 1992--September 30, 1993

We proposed to demonstrate the effectiveness of a catalytic membrane reactor (a ceramic membrane combined with a catalyst) to selectively produce methanol by partial oxidation of methane. Methanol is used as a chemical feedstock, gasoline additive, and turbine fuel. Methane partial oxidation using a catalytic membrane reactor has been determined as one of the promising approaches for methanol synthesis from methane. In the original proposal, the membrane was used to selectively remove methanol from the reaction zone before carbon oxides form, thus increasing the methanol yield. Methanol synthesis and separation in one step would also make methane more valuable for producing chemicals and fuels. The cooling tube inserted inside the membrane reactor has created a low temperature zone that rapidly quenches the product stream. This system has proved effective for increasing methanol selectivity during CH{sub 4} oxidation. The membranes broke during experiments, however, apparently because of the large radial thermal gradient and axial thermal expansion difference. Our efforts concentrated on improving the membrane lifetime by modifying this non-isothermal membrane reactor.

Tags: kmd