AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Coal slurry combustion optimization on single cylinder engine

Under the sponsorship of the US Department of Energy, Morgantown Energy Technology Center, GE Transportation System has been conducting a proof of concept program to use coal water slurry (CWS) fuel to power a diesel engine locomotive since 1988. As reported earlier [1], a high pressure electronically controlled accumulator injector using a diamond compact insert nozzle was developed for this project. The improved reliability and durability of this new FIE allowed for an improved and more thorough study of combustion of CWS fuel in a diesel engine. It was decided to include a diesel pilot fuel injector in the combustion system mainly due to engine start and low load operation needs. BKM, Inc. of San Diego, CA was contracted to develop the electronic diesel fuel pilot/starting FIE for the research engine. As a result, the experimental combustion study was very much facilitated due to the ability of changing pilot/CWS injection timings and quantities without having to stop the engine. Other parameters studied included combustion chamber configuration (by changing CWS fuel injector nozzle hole number/shape/angle), as well as injection pressure. The initial phase of this combustion study is now complete. The results have been adopted into the design of a 12 cylinder engine FIE, to be tested in 1992. This paper summarizes the main findings of this study.

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The particle-particle drag term in a multiparticle model of fluidization

The multiparticle model being developed at the US Department of Energy's Morgantown Energy Technology Center simulates fluidization phenomena such as segregation, elutriation, and solids mixing by describing the different types of solid particles as distinct particulate phases. To account for the momentum transfer between the particulate phases due to collisions, the model requires constitutive relations known as particle-particle drag terms. In dilute systems, such as pneumatic conveyors, the particle-particle drag has been measured and empirical correlations have been developed. But similar measurements are not possible in dense systems, such as fluidized beds. Hence, an expression for the particle-particle drag term was derived based on the kinetic theory of dense gases. To test the accuracy of that expression, the predictions of the model were compared to experimental data. Yang and Keairns (1982) fluidized uniform mixtures of dolomite and acrylic particles for various times and measured the rate of separation of the dolomite particles. The dolomite particles, being heavier and larger than the acrylic particles, were found to settle rapidly. The experimental data suggest that the rate of settling is strongly dependent upon the particle-particle drag and, hence, the simulation of these experiments is useful for determining the accuracy of the particle-particle drag term. Computer simulations have shown that the model predicts the initial rate of separation reasonably well. The predicted equilibrium concentrations of dolomite particles in the upper layer of acrylic particles, however, do not agree with the experimental data. This is thought to be because of the absence of granular stress from the model. Further refinement of the particle-particle drag term will be sought only after including granular stress in the model. 17 refs.

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Analysis of potential used oil recovery from individuals. Final report

To assist the Department of Energy in its investigation of methods for recycling used motor oil, Market Facts conducted a telephone survey of individuals who change their own motor oil. The study examined the amount of oil used, oil change practices, oil disposal methods, and perceptions and attitudes toward used motor oil disposal and oil recycling. The results of this survey are presented in this report. The findings of this study confirm the generally held view that about half the vehicle households in the United States now do their own oil changes and additions. These do-it-yourselfers (DIY) households account for almost two-thirds of the motor oil consumed by all US households and produce about one-third of one billion gallons of used motor oil annually. At least half of this used motor oil, more than 170 million gallons, is returned to the environment in a form that pollutes the ground and endangers the water supply. Measures such as requiring information about proper disposal and the need for recycling used oil to be printed on motor oil containers have been taken in many states. The need for reminder advertising and reinforcement education and information and practical measures to ease the burden of compliance is suggested. These results suggest that careful consideration be given to the logistics of these measures. The most appealing of the measures would appear to be making a special container available to DIY oil changers. Employing civic groups as collection agents would also seem to be attractive.

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Advanced studies of the biological conversion of coal synthesis gas to methane

The purpose of this report is to present information obtained from experimental studies and computer-generated simulation studies aimed at demonstrating the overall technical and economic feasibility of converting the components of synthesis gas to methane using a biological processes. Many routes to methane from synthesis gas are examined, along with a variety of organisms and reactor types. The effects of important variables in the biological process are examined, including high pressure, substrate and product inhibition and sulfur gas toxicity. Mass transfer and kinetic relationships are shown for the biological systems and the overall process is then demonstrated in a bench-scale trickle bed reactor. Finally, process design and economic evaluations for various reaction schemes and reactor types are presented and discussed. 126 refs., 216 figs., 54 tabs.

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Development of improved design criteria for hydraulic fracturing operations

This dissertation describes analytical simulations of the structural and fluid responses associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Operations (HFO). The work includes finite element model characterization of the mechanisms for re-orientation of formation in situ stresses, representation of hydraulically induced stress fields, fracture width, fracture containment, and fracture area determinations. The effects of layering conditions, in situ stress variation in geological strata and reservoir properties on hydraulic fracture geometry are investigated. Fracture areas, fluid leak-offs, flow velocities, and pressure distribution in the crack and formation are computed by using Bernoulli's Equation and Darcy's Law. A computer program for simulating fracturing fluid flow response is detailed. Based on structural and fluid flow simulations, general plots are presented for design of hydraulic fracturing operations for different fracturing fluid properties. Predictive design examples are also provided to demonstrate the application of these design plots. It is concluded that the structural and fluid mechanics investigations presented here provide new interpretive and quantitative insight on HFO process mechanisms and control of parameters. This research demonstrates that the structural and fluid responses need to be appropriately coupled for hydraulic fracture geometry evaluation and eventual optimization.

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Fundamental study on transient bubble (Slug) behavior by characterizing solid particle forces prevailing in fluidized beds

Bubble behavior in fluidized beds is being studies. The objectives of this work are: (1) to develop a measurement method for the maximum peaks of prevailing force which randomly and transiently occur in fluidized beds, and synchronize these data with the bubbling image analysis data obtained by the capacitance method at METC, and (2) to obtain the above defined forces under various operating conditions in conjunction with the bubble image analysis data generated by the capacitance method at METC. Preliminary experimental data of the prevailing forces were obtained in an identical size fluidized bed as used at METC (6 inch I.D) by using three different measurement methods, e.g. piezoelectric, fracture-sensitive and gas pressure fluctuation methods. 19 refs., 7 figs.

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Study of deposition control using transpiration. Technical progress report

The purpose of this project is to determine the conditions under which transpiration may be actually used to avoid the deposition of small particles. The application of this work is the control of the deposition of small particles over a surface kept at a temperature below the melting point of compounds likely to exist in the combustion products. A combined experimental and theoretical research program will be carried out to evaluate the concept of transpiration as a deposition control strategy. A first order theory will be refined by introducing an appropriate turbulence model. The experimental program is designed to evaluate and refine the theoretical model under conditions which provide the correct Reynolds and Stokes numbers. The experimental setup consists of a wind tunnel with a test section containing a flat porous transpired section. The measurements will determine the distribution of velocity and of particle concentration in the boundary layer. The experiments will be conducted for different particle sizes under conditions simulating gas turbine conditions.

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Stimulation research on Appalachian tight formations. Final report

The objective of this program was to compare the effectiveness of massive stimulation techniques with other novel candidate hydraulic treatments on gas wells drilled in the Appalachian area. Water and foam treatments were tested in the sandstones and cryogenic treatments were tested in the Devonian Shales. the program consisted of stimulating 13 wells with 18 treatments. Two wells were retreatments and one well was a dual completion. Sixteen of the 18 treatments developed gas production. One treatment developed no gas. One treatment fractured out of the target formation into a water bearing formation and drowned the well. Several extra tests other than those for normal operation were made for the program. These included special reservoir tests. Cores were obtained from one well in each area except the Clinton Sand. Core data were obtained from all area. The cores were distributed among Columbia, DOE and several other test laboratories. These cores were analyzed for gas content, total organic content, rock mechanic and physical properties, and chemical and mineralogical composition. The final report of these special tests which were subcontracted by Columbia and any others which add to the discussions in this report are included as appendices. The reports, with the minor exceptions mentioned above, from the organizations subcontracted by DOE are not included with this report since they have been submitted directly to DOE.

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Numerical-model developments for stimulation technologies in the Eastern Gas Shales Project

These efforts were directed towards the development of a numerical tensile failure model that could be used to make a parameter sensitivity study of the EGSP wellbore stimulation methods for gas recovery in Devonain shales, calculations were performed using the NTS Multi-Frac Mineback Experiments as the geometry, boundary conditions and material properties of the models. Several major accomplishments were achieved during this task. These include: development of a Crack and Void Strain (CAVS) tensile failure model for one-dimensional fracture analysis using the one-dimensional geometries available in SAI's STEALTH 1-D finite-difference code; modification of the original CAVS tensile failure criteria to improve its representation of multiple fracture development by introducing a logic that adjusts the material's tensile strength (both for crack initiation and crack propagation) according to the degree of cracking that has occurred; adding a submodel to CAVS to allow for cracking propping when a crack is reclosed and to require energy to be expanded during this process; adding a submodel to CAVS to allow for crack pressurization when a crack void strain is in communication with the fluid pressure of the borehole; and performing a parameter sensitivity analysis to determine the effect that the material properties of the rock has on crack development, to include the effects of yielding and compaction. Using the CAVS model and its submodels, a series of STEALTH calculations were then performed to estimate the response of the NTS unaugmented Dynafrac experiment. Pressure, acceleration and stress time histories and snapshot data were obtained and should aid in the evaluation of these experiments. Crack patterns around the borehole were also calculated and should be valuable in a comparison with the fracture patterns observed during mineback.

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Development of Alaskan fossil energy resources: Part 1, Development of effective gas solvents including CO/sub 2/ for the improved recovery of West Sak oil: Second annual report, October 1, 1987--September 30, 1988

Research on miscible displacement of West Sak oil is described. The following tasks were performed: Task 1, laboratory measurement of phase behavior and physical properties of West Sak oil/endash/solvent mixtures. Task 2, measurement of minimum miscbility pressure for enriched gas solvents/endash/West Sak crude mixtures. Task 3, prediction of phase behavior and miscibility conditions for West Sak crude/endash/solvent mixtures. Task 4, displacement experiments on steam/endash/solvent process for West Sak oil. Task 5, displacement studies on steam/endash/solvent injection for heavy oil recovery and application to West Sak reservoir: development of a heat transfer model. 14 figs., 5 tabs.

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Integrated low emissions cleanup system for direct coal fired turbines

Solid oxide electrochemical systems were evaluated for the reduction of NO{sub x} and SO{sub x} in a coal-fired turbine exhaust. Yttria stabilized ceria and zirconia were studied as electrolytes over the temperature range 1,600---2,500{degrees}F. Yttria stabilized zirconia was the most useful electrolyte and two high surface area geometries were developed. Platinum was the electrode material; less noble metals were investigated, as well as conductive minerals, but replacement of the platinum was unsuccessful. Transition metal oxides were applied as electrocatalysts. With vanadium and tungsten coatings, sulfur dioxide concentrations were reduced 20 to 50% using an initial SO{sub 2} concentration of approximately 2,500 ppm. Electrical efficiencies for the decomposition of SO{sub 2} in the oxygen containing environment (1--4%) were approximately 5%. Though electrocatalysts did allow for the destruction of NO ({approximately}400 ppM) in an oxygen containing atmosphere, the efficiencies were only 1%. Limited investigation of perovskites demonstrated their potential as electrocatalysts in these extreme conditions. 3 refs., 26 figs., 12 tabs.

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

Research continued on continuous mild gasification for the production of co-products. Work performed during the quarter included the refractory cure of the carbonizer, and then shakedown of the carbonizer, water quench system, and char removal system. Construction continued on the tar/oil quench system. Sulfur capture tests carried out at AMAX included iron oxide sorbent scouting studies. 3 tabs.

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Measurement and modeling of advanced coal conversion processes

The overall objective of this program is the development of predictive capability for the design, scale up, simulation, control and feedstock evaluation in advanced coal conversion devices. This technology is important to reduce the technical and economic risks inherent in utilizing coal, a feedstock whose variable and often unexpected behavior presents a significant challenge. This program will merge significant advances made at Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. (AFR) in measuring and quantitatively describing the mechanisms in coal conversion behavior, with technology being developed at Brigham Young University (BYU) in comprehensive computer codes for mechanistic modeling of entrained-bed gasification. Additional capabilities in predicting pollutant formation will be implemented and the technology will be expanded to fixed-bed reactors. The foundation to describe coal-specific conversion behavior is AFR's Functional Group (FG) and Devolatilization, Vaporization, and Crosslinking (DVC) models, developed under previous and on-going METC sponsored programs. These models have demonstrated the capability to describe the time dependent evolution of individual gas species, and the amount and characteristics of tar and char. The combined FG-DVC model will be integrated with BYU's comprehensive two-dimensional reactor model, PCGC-2, which is currently the most widely used reactor simulation for combustion or gasification. Success in this program will be a major step in improving in predictive capabilities for coal conversion processes including: demonstrated accuracy and reliability and a generalized   first principles''treatment of coals based on readily obtained composition data. The progress during the fifteenth quarterly of the program is presented. 56 refs., 41 figs., 5 tabs.

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Sonic and electrical properties of partially saturated tight-gas sands. Final report

This study was aimed at relating the seismic and the electrical properties of tight-gas rocks to their pore-space geometry, permeability, and level of water saturation. Here we report results of a laboratory experimental study of wave propagation in Cotton Valley and Spirit River Sandstones as a function of partial water saturation (SW) and wave frequency. We find that wave velocities and the velocity ratio are sensitive to the presence of gas. Furthermore, wave attenuation is sensitive to the amount of gas in the pore space. Ultrasonic measurements in tight-gas sands tend to yield higher velocity values, due to the inability of the pore fluid pressure to homogenize during the passage of waves. Laboratory measurements were made also of the complex electrical response of selected tight rocks, and compared with normal permeability Berea Sandstone. The results show that the dielectric property of tight-gas sands is very sensitive to partial water saturation, and may give not only insight into the nature of the pore space, but also provide a practical measure of S/sub w/ in situ. 35 figures, 2 tables.

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Lock hopper valves for coal gasification. Final report

The design, fabrication, and testing of two configurations of Lock Hopper Valves is described. These two configurations are intended to meet the requirements for four typical types of service in coal gasification plants. Operating pressures for either configuration is 1600 psi. One configuration is designed for use at temperatures up to 2000/sup 0/F, and the other for temperatures up to 850/sup 0/F. Several unique construction features are employed, including the extensive use of dense alumina ceramic, especially in the high-temperature valve. The description includes details of construction, and problems encountered during fabrication and testing, and proposed solutions to those problems.

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Evaluation of biological conversion of coal-derived synthesis gas

Foster Wheeler USA Corporation conducted an evaluation study on the biological conversion of synthesis gas to methane which is under development at the University of Arkansas. A conceptual design of an integrated coal-based SNG plant, employing the bioconversion process route, was developed together with the corresponding capital and operating costs. The economics were compared to those for a coal-based SNG plant design using the conventional catalytic route for shift and methanation. 5 refs., 10 figs., 22 tabs.

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Modeling of Devonian shale gas reservoirs. Task 16. Mathematical modeling of shale gas production (2D model). Final report

The Department of Energy (DOE), Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC) has been supporting the development of flow models for Devonian shale gas reservoirs. The broad objectives of this modeling program are to: (1) develop and validate a mathematical model which describes gas flow through Devonian shales; (2) determine the sensitive parameters that affect deliverability and recovery of gas from Devonian shales; (3) recommend laboratory and field measurements for determination of those parameters critical to the productivity and timely recovery of gas from the Devonian shales; (4) analyze pressure and rate transient data from observation and production gas wells to determine reservoir parameters and well performance; and (5) study and determine the overall performance of Devonian shale reservoirs in terms of well stimulation, well spacing, and resource recovery as a function of gross reservoir properties such as anisotropy, porosity and thickness variations, and boundary effects. During the previous annual period, a mathematical model describing gas flow through Devonian shales and the software for a radial one-dimensional numerical model for single well performance were completed and placed into operation. Although the radial flow model is a powerful tool for studying single well behavior, it is inadequate for determining the effects of well spacing, stimulation treatments, and variation in reservoir properties. Hence, it has been necessary to extend the model to two-dimensions, maintaining full capability regarding Klinkerberg effects, desorption, and shale matrix parameters. During the current annual period, the radial flow model has been successfully extended to provide the two-dimensional capability necessary for the attainment of overall program objectives, as described above.

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Correlation of surficial geologic anomalies with gas production, Cottageville Field, West Virginia

Surface geomorphic features such as linear stream segments, linear ridge segments, opposed drainages were mapped, measured, and plotted for the Cottageville and Mount Alto topographic 7.5-minute quadrangles of West Virginia. The above anomalies were then compared for the Cottageville gas field area (production from Devonian shales), and for areas outside the gas field. While differences in orientation and density of these anomalies are present over the quadrangle areas, the differences did not seem to be related to the presence of the gas field. Because this study was limited in scope, further analysis of the surface anomalies could be useful. Use of aerial photos, including multispectral photos, and computer analysis techniques should be emphasized.

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