AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Slag viscosity determination. Final report, January 1-December 31, 1983

This report discusses the results of sixteen high-temperature viscosity tests on slags derived from low-rank coals. The results of these slag viscosity tests led to the following conclusions: (1) the expected effect of alkali metal oxides in lowering slag viscosity may not in fact occur, and is probably dependent on the relative concentration of the alkali metal. (2) There can be significant differences in the compositions and viscosities of the ashes from two different low-rank coal samples taken from the same seam. (3) The effect of oxidation potential on slag viscosity is primarily related to the temperature at which the transition from the fluid to the plastic state takes place. The transition occurs at higher temperatures as the oxidation potential increases. The magnitude of this effect appears to be at least qualitatively related to the iron content of the ash, although the data from these studies were not sufficient to establish a quantitative correlation. (4) Overnight equilibration of a slag at temperatures at which it was in the plastic state failed to produce the expected decreases in viscosity. Instead, viscosity increases were observed, which were tentatively assumed to be due to gradual assimilation of solid material formed at the slag surface. Material balance calculations indicated that weight losses on the order of 7 to 13% of the initial ash weight occurred during ash melting. The extent of weight loss was primarily a function of ash sulfur content. Mineralogical analysis of the slags revealed plagioclase (anorthite) as the predominant major phase and pyroxene-group minerals (e.g., augite and enstatite) as common minor constituents. 6 references, 10 figures, 7 tables.

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Interpretation of geophysical well logs in permafrost. Final report

This report is a collection of information on the interpretation of well logs and borehole geophysical surveys in permafrost. The body of the report is preceded by an executive summary that gives the highlights of the report in condensed form. The introductory chapter contains background information that is fundamental to the understanding of well log applications in permafrost, including definitions and descriptions of well logs, permafrost, and related terms, and illustrations showing the extent of permafrost in Alaska. Chapter 2 presents information on physical properties of permafrost that relate to well log interpretation, including porosity and pore-filling media (water, ice and air), and their effects on thermal properties, electrical properties and acoustic properties. Chapters 3-8 describe the following types of well logs in detail, including measurement principles and methods, procedures for calibration and interpretation, and identification of special problems relatd to permafrost: thermal logs, electric logs, sonic logs, nuclear logs, magnetic logs, and miscellaneous (caliper and drilling) logs. Chapter 9 gives information on three types of borehole geophysical surveys, electrical resistivity, seismic velocity, and borehole gravity, with emphasis on the increased depth of investigation afforded by these surveys as compared with well logs. Chapter 10 describes a number of specific applications. A concluding chapter summariezes the information contained in the body of the report and includes a table that gives an overview of the relative value of various borehole geophysical measurements that can be used for delineating and characterizing permafrost. Conclusions of the report are that a number of standard borehole measurement techniques have been tried and proven in permafrost and can be used effectively to delineate and characterize earth material penetrated by the borehole. 19 figs., 8 tabs.

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Experimental and theoretical investigation into sulfate formation in the regeneration of zinc ferrite sorbents. Final report

The high temperature desulfurization of coal gas for use in molten carbonate fuel cells requires a regenerable sorbent such as zinc ferrite. In this program the regeneration of spent zinc ferrite sorbent using air-steam gas mixtures in the temperature range of 550/sup 0/ to 900/sup 0/C was studied. Thermodynamic calculations show and experimental measurements confirm that zinc sulfate is formed in the regeneration process. The formation of the sulfate requires the simultaneous presence of SO/sub 2/ and O/sub 2/. Hence, it reaches a maximum level under conditions when the sulfides in the spent sorbent have been nearly oxidized. Sulfate formation is enhanced by lower temperatures and higher oxygen pressures in the feed gas. The formation of sulfate is promoted by the presence of iron oxide in the zinc ferrite and also by added chromium oxide. The analyses of residual sulfate present in sorbents regenerated in a laboratory scale fixed-bed reactor were used to derive a linear equation that predicts the sulfate level as a function of process variables. During subsequent desulfurization, the zinc sulfate present in the regenerated sorbent releases SO/sub 2/ and SO/sub 3/ into the hot coal gas stream. These undesirable contaminants can be removed by another bed of zinc ferrite, provided that a sufficient concentration of hydrogen is available in the coal gas stream. 20 refs., 35 figs., 19 tabs.

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Enhanced gas recovery program. Third annual report, October 1977--September 1978

Massive hydraulic fracture mapping field experiments continued in FY 78 with the major activity being an improvement program for the surface electrical system. The potential measurement boxes were modified to accept two different radial inputs and to be continuously calibrated. Hydraulic and explosive fracturing experiments have been conducted adjacent to an existing tunnel complex at DOE's Nevada Test Site and have been directly observed by subsequent mineback activities. Evaluation of a proppant distribution experiment has revealed a complex fracture system created in a complex geologic region with numerous faults and sharp variations in in-situ stress. Evaluation of an experiment to examine hydraulic fracture behavior at a geologic formation interface is underway. Initial mineback has revealed that a fracture initiated in an ashfall tuff formation broke upwards into an overlying welded tuff formation with significantly different properties, most notably an order of magnitude higher modulus; coring is underway to further delineate the fracture systems. The question of fracture propagation at an interface is being addressed by analytical, numerical and experimental techniques. Small volume hydraulic fracturing is being developed as a diagnostic tool to measure in-situ stresses and to evaluate expected fracture behavior. In conjunction with a nuclear containment program, it has been confirmed that confined explosive detonations produce containment cages of high residual stress around the cavity which severely inhibit the formation of radial fractures in communication with the cavity. In conjunction with a development program, it was shown that a tailored impulse from a propellant can create multiple fractures from a wellbore; twelve fractures (0.6 to 8 ft) were produced from a 20 lb propellant charge which gave pressure loading rate of 20 psi/sec and a peak pressure of 13,800 psi and no evidence of wellbore enlargement or crushing.

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Basic studies in the displacement of residual oil by chemical flooding. Annual report

During the past year, surface shear viscosity measurements on oil - commercial surfactant systems have been conducted on the deep channel instrument. In agreement with the results of the drop deformation test, these data showed that the highest surface shear viscosity values were near the optimal salinity. A new method for measuring surface shear viscosity was developed. It involved the measurement of the angular displacement of tracer at the fluids interface following cessation of rotation of a cylindrical cup. A detailed analysis of the method has been completed. Coalescence studies using an inclined spinning drop instrument were initiated. Preliminary results showed disagreement with that predicted by the Barber and Hartland model. The discrepancy was in the observation that the system which has the highest surface shear viscosity showed the shortest coalescence time, instead of being the longest. An improved oil ganglia mobilization criterion has been proposed. This improvement eliminated the bias due to the exaggeration of the role of capillarity in the upstream interface of the oil-ganglia. The improved version showed reduction in the probability of ganglia breakup. However, the conclusion drawn previously regarding the importance of coalescence was still correct.

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Organometallic catalysts for primary phosphoric acid fuel cells: Final report, 1981-1985

Cathode improvement, both in performance and cost, available through the use of a class of organometallic cathode catalysts, the tetraazaannulenes (TAAs), was investigated. A new mixed catalyst was identified which provides improved cathode performance without the need for the use of a noble metal. This mixed catalyst was tested under load for 1000 h in full cell at 160 to 200C in phosphoric acid (H3PO4), and was shown to provide stable performance.

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Chemistry of potassium and sulfur in extrained flow gasifiers. [Coupled to molten carbonate fuel cell; removal of H/sub 2/S]

During this period, the thermochemistry and chemical kinetic information for potassium and potassium--sulfur species have been extended by the estimation of thermochemical properties and reaction rate constants. These values, when incorporated in the equilibrium and nonequilibrium chemistry codes, indicate no fundamental hurdle to the possibility of removal of sulfur species to levels of the order of a part per million from typical entrained flow gasifier outputs by addition of potassium to the high-temperature region of the flow followed by removal of condensed phase of potassium sulfides at the cooler downstream section. The major technical questions remaining are the condensation rates of the species and the rate of the condensed phase reaction for the formation of potassium carbonate. 9 figures, 8 tables.

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Fluidized bed retorting of eastern oil shale

This topical report summarizes the conceptual design of an integrated oil shale processing plant based on fluidized bed retorting of eastern New Albany oil shale. This is the fourth design study conducted by Foster Wheeler; previous design cases employed the following technologies: Fluidized bed rotating/combustion of Colorado Mahogany zone shale. An FCC concept of fluidized bed retorting/combustion of Colorado Mahogany zone shale. Directly heated moving vertical-bed process using Colorado Mahogany zone shale. The conceptual design encompasses a grassroots facility which processes run-of-mine oil shale into a syncrude oil product and dispose of the spent shale solids. The plant has a nominal capacity of 50,000 barrels per day of syncrude product, produced from oil shale feed having a Fischer Assay of 15 gallons per ton. Design of the processing units was based on non-confidential published information and supplemental data from process licensors. Maximum use of process and cost information developed in the previous Foster Wheeler studies was employed. The integrated plant design is described in terms of the individual process units and plant support systems. The estimated total plant investment is detailed by plant section and estimates of the annual operating requirements and costs are provided. In addition, process design assumptions and uncertainties are documented and recommendations for process alternatives, which could improve the overall plant economics, are discussed. 12 refs., 17 figs., 52 tabs.

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Combustion of western coal in a fluidized bed

Subbituminous coals amount to over 25% of the National's coal reserves and are located in dry areas. Fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) offers a clean stack gas without additional water requirement. A western subituminous coal from the Rosebud mine in Montana was burned in the 18-inch diameter FBC unit at the Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC) to investigate its potential as an FBC fuel. In this study, bed temperature ranged from about 1450 to 1670/sup 0/F and fluidizing air velocity ranged from 2.6 to 4 t per second. The investigation included operating characteristics, SO/sub 2/ emission with and without added limestone, distribution of solids and solid components throughout the system; other pertinent data are reported. Sulfur retention was greatest at lower bed temperatures (1450/sup 0/F). It was concluded that: sulfur dioxide emission can be kept below the EPA limit of 1.2 lb/10/sup 6/ Btu without any added sorbent for bed temperatures below 1500/sup 0/F; more stringent limits may require the addition of limestone. The NO/sub x/ emission limit of 0.6 lb NO/sub 2//10/sup 6/ Btu is met with excess air up to 25% and bed temperatures to 1670/sup 0/F. Alumina (Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/) builds up in the fluidized bed during operation increasing from about 18% in the coal ash to over 65% in the final bed of these runs. At bed temperatures over 1500/sup 0/F, some of the CaSO/sub 4/ particles formed are very fine and are rapidly carried out of the bed. Emissions from the 18-inch fluidized-bed combustor, including toxic trace elements and mutagenic activity, were comparable to or lower than those from conventional power plants.

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A novel approach to hydrogen recovery, storage and transport: Final technical report

The obtaining of high purity hydrogen from the coal gasification process is a series of chemical reactions, several of which require preparation/purification. At any point in the process, it would be useful to have a chemical separation system which can purify the product hydrogen and store it in convenient form. The purpose of this research program is to evaluate one such candidate system, the catalytically reversible hydrogenation of an aromatic hydrocarbon, toluene, to its corresponding cyclical paraffin, methylcyclohexane. In this reaction scheme, the hydrogen present in the product flow from, in principle, any reaction in the coal gasification process is extracted from the flow by reaction with toluene, a readily transportable liquid at ambient temperatures, to form methylcyclohexane, MCH, which is also a liquid at ambient conditions. The hydrogen stored in the organic hydride could therefore be transported and released when desired in the reverse reaction to give recoverable toluene and the desired hydrogen. 13 refs., 30 figs., 22 tabs.

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Basic estimated capital investment and operating costs for subbituminous and lignite coal strip mines. Mines with annual production of 3, 4, and 5 MMtpy ROM coal. [Northern Great Plains]

This study, prepared by the Process Evaluation Office, Division of Systems Engineering, Fossil Energy, estimates typical capital investments, operating costs, and the required selling prices for coal produced from hypothetical subbituminous and lignite strip mines in the Northern Great Plains province. Annual production for the subbituminous mine is 4 million tons; for the lignite mines, it is 3 and 5 million tons. Wage and union welfare rates are those that went into effect under the Western Coal Wage Agreement of 1977. Costs of materials and equipment are based on first-quarter 1979 indexes. It is assumed that the mines have a 20-year life. Two selling prices for coal were determined for each mine - one based on 12-, 15-, and 20-percent returns on equity, and the other based on the same returns with a debt-equity split of 1:2 with 9 percent interest paid on debt dollars. Investments for the mines are summarized in a table.

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Proceedings of the eleventh annual underground coal gasification symposium

The Eleventh Annual Underground Coal Gasification Symposium was sponsored by the Laramie Project Office of the Morgantown Energy Technology Center, US Department of Energy, and hosted by the Western Research Institute, University of Wyoming research Corporation, in Denver, Colorado, on August 11 to 14, 1985. The five-session symposium included 37 presentations describing research on underground coal gasification (UCG) being performed throughout the world. Eleven of the presentations were from foreign countries developing UCG technology for their coal resources. The papers printed in the proceedings have been reproduced from camera-ready manuscripts furnished by the authors. The papers have not been refereed, nor have they been edited extensively. All papers have been processed for inclusion in the Energy Data Base.

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Instrumentation development for the METC 42-inch stirred, fixed-bed coal gasifier: Final technical report

After a brief description of the METC 42-inch stirred, fixed-bed gasifier (SFBG), this report describes an automated lockhopper coal feed system, a bed-level measurement and control system, a bed- temperature measurement system, an ash-level measurement and control system, improved air and oxygen flow controls, a humidifier control system, and a special test of a DOE-developed coal feeder. 8 refs., 31 figs.

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Geologic interrelations relative to gas hydrates within the North Slope of Alaska: Task No. 6, Final report

The five primary objectives of the US Geological Survey North Slope Gas Hydrate Project were to: (1) Determine possible geologic controls on the occurrence of gas hydrate; (2) locate and evaluate possible gas-hydrate-bearing reservoirs; (3) estimate the volume of gas within the hydrates; (4) develop a model for gas-hydrate formation; and (5) select a coring site for gas-hydrate sampling and analysis. Our studies of the North Slope of Alaska suggest that the zone in which gas hydrates are stable is controlled primarily by subsurface temperatures and gas chemistry. Other factors, such as pore-pressure variations, pore-fluid salinity, and reservior-rock grain size, appear to have little effect on gas hydrate stability on the North Slope. Data necessary to determine the limits of gas hydrate stability field are difficult to obtain. On the basis of mud-log gas chromatography, core data, and cuttings data, methane is the dominant species of gas in the near-surface (0--1500 m) sediment. Gas hydrates were identified in 34 wells utilizing well-log responses calibrated to the response of an interval in one well where gas hydrates were actually recovered in a core by an oil company. A possible scenario describing the origin of the interred gas hydrates on the North Slope involves the migration of thermogenic solution- and free-gas from deeper reservoirs upward along faults into the overlying sedimentary rocks. We have identified two (dedicated) core-hole sites, the Eileen and the South-End core-holes, at which there is a high probability of recovering a sample of gas hydrate. At the Eileen core-hole site, at least three stratigraphic units may contain gas hydrate. The South-End core-hole site provides an opportunity to study one specific rock unit that appears to contain both gas hydrate and oil. 100 refs., 72 figs., 24 tabs.

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Processing of Arroyo Grande tar sand using the Recycle Oil Pyrolysis and Extraction (ROPE copyright ) process

The objectives of this study are to (1) evaluate the applications of the ROPE{copyright} process to a California tar sand using the screw pyrolysis reactor-process development unit (SPR-PDU) reactor, (2) produce kinetics data for the recycle product oil-spent sand interaction, and (3) produce oil for end-use evaluation. 6 refs., 1 fig., 23 tabs.

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A review of granular stress constitutive relations

Hydrodynamic modeling of fluidization uses a framework in which the fluid and the particles are modeled as interpenetrating continua. For the application of the theory to specific problems, several constitutive equations that describe the material responses are required. Among these, the constitutive equation for the granular stress tensor, however, has not yet been formulated satisfactorily. In earlier studies, a Newtonian viscosity model was used to describe granular stresses. Such models are questionable, since the rheological behavior of granular media is quite different from that of Newtonian fluids. A good source of more suitable granular stress models is literature on granular flow/soil mechanics. The objective of this report is to review this literature and to identify a granular stress model that can be used in hydrodynamic models of fluidization. A brief review of the viscosity values reported for fluidized beds indicates that the granular stresses in a fluidized bed are important, and therefore, there is a need for a good granular stress model. However, in the absence of a good general theory for computational purposes, it is best to adopt the theory by Lun and others (1984) for rapid flow, since the collision effects in a fluidized bed are more important under most circumstances than frictional effets. 45 refs.

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Proceedings of the third annual oil shale, tar sand, and mild gasification contractors review meeting

The purposes of this meeting were to review the current status and recent accomplishments in oil shale, tar sand and mild gasification of coal, to encourage interchange of ideas and information, and to enable the Department of Energy to plan for future work. The meeting provided a forum for the direct interaction of industry and the Department of Energy to ensure that the research and development efforts be beneficial to all interested parties. Individual projects are processed separately for the data bases.

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Denitrification and desulfurization of combustion gases. Quarterly technical progress report No. 1, September 18-December 17, 1980

The major effort during the first quarter was on the design, construction and debugging of the apparatus. This effort has been completed ahead of the original schedule. Adequate samples have been procured. Some preliminary experiments were performed on denitrification. A complete thermogravimetric (TG) reactor and a packed-bed (PB) reactor were built. The PB reactor was used to gather some preliminary results on the two-step NO decomposition process, using an iron oxide-fly ash sintered sorbent. The results were compared with the direct NO decomposition on the same sorbent (as a catalyst in this case). The yield of N/sub 2/ in the two-step process was about 10 times higher than that by direct catalyzed splitting. The results are preliminary and further studies are in progress. 3 references, 4 figures.

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