AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
UNDERGROUND GASIFICATION OF COAL: PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE UTILIZING ELECTROLINKING-CARBONIZATION AS A METHOD OF CONNECTING INLETS AND OUTLETS

It is the purpose at this time to prepare a preliminary coast estimate based on the experimental work done at Corgas between July, 1951 and the present date. This experimental work includes the use of the electro-linking of bore-holes at the level of the coal bed followed by electro-carbonization in order to develop a reaction zone in the coal bed having suitable porosity to permit the passage of gas-ranking fluid through the coal bed. The electro linking carbonization of coal was first tried by the Missouri School of Mines, working in cooperation with the Sinclair Coal Company.

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THE EFFECTS OF CYLINDRICAL AND SPHERICAL GEOMETRY ON THE STABILITY OF REVERSE COMBUSTION IN UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION

This chapter provides a general background concerning underground coal gasification (UCG) and the need for the work undertaken in this thesis. The material is presented in four sections. In section A, the significance of UCG is considered. Section B describes different techniques available for linking. Linking, which is an essential step in a successful UCG process, is the creation of a highly permeable path between two wells. In section C, the need for a stability theory of reverse combustion is explained, and the importance of the geometry of the combustion front is considered. Finally in section D, the history and background of UCG is presented as well as a brief description of important studies of combustion instabilities in porous media.

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THE MEASUREMENT OF THE FLOW PROPERTIES AND CAPILLARY PRESSURE RELATIONSHIPS OF CERTAIN COALS PERTAINING TO UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION

"Various measurements relating to the Darcian flow of liquids and gases through coal have been performed on a relatively large number of samples of bituminous and sub-bituminous coals. The former comprises the Pricetown (Pittsburgh Seam) coal and the latter include surface samples from the Hanna and Gillette, Wyoming coals and subsurface samples from the Hanna IV site.  The measurements include absolute permeabilities to gas and porosities as functions of overburden pressure. Numerous relative permeabilities to gas as functions of water saturation were obtained for all coals at a simulated overburden pressure of about 200 psig. Each of the three coals display distinctive, characteristic curves. The rate of the increase of permeability to gas, the absolute permeability, the porosity, and the shrinkage are all inverse functions of rank.  A much smaller number of effective and relative permeabilities to water as functions of water saturation were obtained for the Pricetown and Hanna coals. We were unable to initiate water flows in the Gillette Coals even though these exhibit the highest absolute permeabilities to gas."

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COMPUTER SIMULATION AND ECONOMIC OPTIMIZATION OF UNDERGROUND GASIFICATION OF COAL

In order that this process is economically and technically feasible, the following requirements should be fulfilled: 1. The process must lend itself to large scale operations. 2. The process must be controllable so that large quantities of coal should not be unintentionally bypassed and the desired levels of heating value in the produced gases may be attained. 3. The mechanical aspects of the system must be such as to eliminate groundwater inflow, as well as venting of injected and produced gases through the cap rock. 4. The system design must be flexible enough to permit the injection of bulk materials into the voided spaces to eliminate surface subsidence and possible underground roof collapse. 5. The process should not require any underground labor.

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PROPOSAL: DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION IN NEW MEXICO

"A six-year project to develop in situ coal gasification is presented in this proposal. In planed steps, the project will lead to the development, evaluation, and future commercial use of in situ coal gasification in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico. The project was initiated with funding from the Public Service Company of New Mexico and the State of New Mexico. In this proposal supplemental Department of Energy funds are requested to complete the Phase I-A preliminary field and laboratory studies. In addition to an explanation of Phase I-A, the entire program is briefly discussed, to show the depth of commitment of the parties involved in the project.  A distinguished consortium of participants has been organized to execute the various phases and tasks in this project. Pounding participants are: 1. The University of New Mexico 2. Public Service Company of New Mexico 3. Western Coal Company 4. The State of New Mexico 5. Scientific Applications, Inc. 6. Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory.  These six organizations are all committed to developing and assessing the potential of underground coal gasification in the State of New Mexico.  The multi-year project outlined in this proposal provides a clear path to the commercialization of underground coal gasification in New Mexico. Phase I-A for which completion funding is requested is described in detail and its contribution to the overall project is illustrated. The entire program is assumed to be funded by government and industry on a cost-sharing basis."

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A ROUGH DRAFT OF ENERGY AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE PARAMETERS OF SEVERAL UNDERGROUND GASIFICATION PROCESSES

The potentialities of a process that would recover the fuel energy from a coal bed without conventional mining procedures have captured the minds of imaginative men in many countries. This process is called underground gasification. The objective is to manufacture a gaseous product that may be utilized as a fuel and at a BTU cost competitive with other available fuels.

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DRILLING UCG/SDB MODULE TWO PROCESS WELLS - A TOPICAL REPORT ON THE FIELD OPERATIONS AT RAWLINS DURING THE FALL, 1980 PROGRAM

Gulf Research and Development Company is implementing a DOE-sponsored Underground Coal Gasification project in Steeply Dipping Coal Beds (UCG/SDB) in order to assess the economic and technical viability of UCG in SDB and to project estimated costs for a pilot plant.

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DETERMINATION OF UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION BURN TEMPERATURES USING THERMAL METAMORPHISM OF COAL MACERALS AS A GEOTHERMOMETER

Samples of coal were obtained from the Hanna No. 1 coal at DOE’s Hanna underground site. Each sample was heated in a helium atmosphere for one hour, with alteration temperatures beginning at about 23 degrees Centigrade, and increasing at 50 degree increments between 50 degrees and 600 degrees Centigrade. The process is believed to have duplicated conditions at certain locations within an underground coal gasification reactor. A method of determining gasification reaction temperatures by relating visible changes in coal macerals with known temperatures of alteration was developed. Macerals were identified using white and blue-ultra violet incident light. A semi-mobile fluorescing maceral, exudatinite, was found to be unusually abundant in all samples and displayed a steadily decreasing abundance as heating progressed. Significant changes began between 250-300 degrees Centigrade when reaction vesicles developed due to exudatinite and exinite destruction. Above that temperature, increased cracking and vesicularization of the coal matrix was accompanied by extinction of fluorescence at 400 degrees Centigrade. The devolatization of exudatinite and other Liptinites is among the earliest of conversing reactions. Vitrinite reflectivity increased as temperatures increased.

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HANNA IV OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTIES--AN EVALUATION

"Hanna IV, the fourth in a series of underground coal gasification experiments fielded and conducted by the Laramie Energy Technology Center, was originally designed as a three-well linear module. A major process objective was to confirm the ability to relay the reverse combustion linking and forward gasification techniques from one pair of process wells to another. Operational difficulties between the first pair of process wells forced an extended interruption of the experiment and precluded the relaying of the process as originally conceived. The initial phase of Hanna IV is referred to as Hanna Iva; the continuation of the experiment is referred to as Hanna IVb.  Gasification of Hanna Iva was terminated in June 1978. An evaluation was made of the well completions and of the coal seam conditions on Hanna IVb. After the decision was made to continue the experiment, two new process wells and six new instrument wells were drilled into Hanna IVb. Open-hole logging in the instrument wells indicated three major permeable zones exist within the coal seam; one low, and two high in the seam. The major flow pathway across the original Hanna IV well pattern was determined to be through the overlying aquifer, a permeable zone approximately 80 feet (24 m) above the coal seam. This situation was caused by poor well completions. After well 3 was recompleted by a perforation and cement squeeze above the coal seam and a double casing in the coal seam, the surface piping system was reinstalled and Hanna IVb was started."

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DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF COST EFFECTIVE UCG PROJECTS

Past knowledge of the UCC process should guide us to a set of projects focusing on the significance of relevant parameters. A linear parametric model is developed to calculate the parametric coefficients of the process variables that can be evaluated, based on a selected confidence interval. A tracking vector is generated and, together with a set of differential equations, can be used to determine the point at which the production unit is not economically attractive. This go, no-go test clearly defines the operating limits of the process.

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COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A COMMERCIAL IN SITU COAL GASIFICATION FACILITY

Engineering design and costing of a situ coal gasification plant have been completed and analyzed for economic viability. The plant is relatively small (1,832 ton/day) compared to surface-based coal conversion facilities resulting in significantly reduced capital expenditures. Based on the results of the economic analysis presented, financing for such a facility appears both feasible and warranted in spite of the current industry retreat from commercial synthetic fuels plants. The facility is designed to produce a synthesis gas for further upgrading to methanol, SMG, or Fischer-Tropsch liquids as well as to recover important byproducts such as carbon dioxide. The overall plant design is discussed and economic analyses are presented. The economic analyses presented are based on a total gross revenue approach with a choice of product combinations and selling prices to yield necessary revenues. This approach allows potential equity sponsors to analyze the economic results based on their individual expertise with particular product values and markets.

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ASSESSMENT OF IN-SITU COAL GASIFICATION

Since 1973, SRDA and its predecessor agencies have been conducting field experiments, laboratory investigations and analytical studies on in site coal gasification. While the U.S. development of this technology is still in an early stage, a significant amount of information is becoming available by which to assess the technical feasibility, economic viability and environmental impact of this approach to coal resource utilization. This paper will discuss, based on available information, such factors as resource applicability, resource utilization, process products and economics, environmental impact, and health, safety and societal aspects. The overall conclusion is that current results are extremely encouraging and an accelerated development of this technology is warranted.

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HANNA GROUNDWATER DATA (STARTED IN THE SPRING OF 1980)

During the spring of 1980, a field program was begun to evaluate the hydrogeology of the LETC underground coal gasification site near Hanna, Wyoming. Four holes were cored and twenty-two hydrology wells were drilled in the Hanna No. 1 coal seam and in the overlying strata. A comprehensive set of geophysical logs were run. The Hanna No. 1 coal seam and two separate strata in the overburden were identified as water bearing. A series of slug tests and injection tests were run to determine hydrologic characteristics of the aquifers. Values of transmissivity for the Hanna No. 1 coal aquifer were found to range from .14 gpd/ft to 27.5 gpd/ft with an average of 7.44 gpd/ft. Submersible pumps were installed in thirty-one wells. A water sampling program was initiated to establish “apparent” baseline water quality and to determine the water quality at existing burn sites. Water levels are measured quarterly and potentiometric maps prepared to determine groundwater flow and burn site water level recovery. An average groundwater velocity of 11.9 ft/yr in a N16.59 degrees W directions was found for the Hanna No. 1 coal seam. The results of the field program to date in addition to some previously collected data are presented.

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ANALYSIS OF HANNA II IN-SITU COAL GASIFICATION EXPERIMENTS

"The Laramie Energy Research Center (LERC) has conducted several gasification experiments in recent years, at its Hanna, Wyoming test site.  Herein is an attempt to quantify field test results using material balance calculations consistent with those reported for Hoe Creek. The results of this study are compared with published results for Hanna II Phase I and Phase II and with recent Hoe Creek II results."

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POST-BURN HIGH RESOLUTION SEISMIC EVLUATION OF CENTRALIA, WASHINGTON, UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION SITE

"This report presents the results of the post-burn evaluation of an underground coal gasification site near Centralia, Washington. This site was the location of CRIP UCG experiment.  Two identical high resolution seismic surveys were performed. The first survey was performed in March, 1983, and gathered the data necessary to lay the ground work for later definition of the burn cavity. The second survey, performed following the burn, was done in February, 1984. The high resolution seismic data gathered was processed, and interpreted both to man the extent and depth f the coal, and to determine the shape and size of the underground burn cavity."

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HIGH RESOLTUION SEISMIC SURVEY OF CENTRALIA, WASHINGTON, UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION SITE

"This report presents the results of the pre-burn evaluation of an underground coal gasification site near Centralia, Washington. This site is designated as the location of a CRIP UCG experiment.  The first high resolution seismic survey, which is reported here, was performed in March, 1983. The survey gathered the data necessary to lay the ground work for later definition of the burn cavity. High resolution seismic data was gathered, processed, and interpreted to map the extent and depth of the coal in which the burn will take place.  After the burn is complete, a second, identical survey will be performed. Data from both surveys will then be interpreted to determine the shape and size of the underground burn cavity."

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PERMEABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF COAL

"Values of absolute permeability to nitrogen and carbon dioxide are presented for Pricetown bituminous, Hanna and Gillette sub-bituminous and Texas lignite coals. These values as well as those for porosity and shrinkage are found to be inversely proportional to rank . Effective and relative permeability's to gas as functions of water  saturation, overburden pressure and gas type are measured under pseudo steady-state low Reynolds Number flow. The effect of carbon dioxide is modest as regards decreases in permeability. The effect of overburden pressure is quite pronounced for the effective permeability's to gas. Relative permeability's are insensitive to both gas-type and overburden pressure but are quite distinct with regard to coal type. Critical gas saturation values cover a wide range for the various coals but do not correlate with rank."

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REMOTE ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSING OF UNDERGROUND COAL BURNS--QUARTERLY TECHNICAL PROGRESS REPORT (SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 1976) AND INTERIM ANNAL REPORT

"The main objective of this research project is to develop and field test an induction system and estimator algorithm for remote determination of the shape and size of underground coal burn voids. During the first quarter the newly configured induction system was field tested on several traverses at Hanna. A computer program was written and tested for generation of induction responses of buried conducting boxes. During the second quarter field tests were continued . Hanna II, Phase 1 was completely characterized with 4 traverses. Hanna II, Phases 2 and 3, Traverse I was rerun to spot-check for changes that might have occurred in 1 1/2 months since the original traverse wns run. Only slight changes in response were ted. Field data for this later  site was processed on the new Fourier Analyzer System and 3-dimcnsional response maps were plotted via the central computing system in both time and frequency domains. The magnitude frequency response exhibited a  ]00-to-1 anomaly at 25 kHz as the system was moved across this site. Two Bayes estimator algorithms were derived for the radius of an infinitely long cylinder. A Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that the numerical algorithm performed nearly identical to the analytic algorithm at various signal-to-noise ratios. Optional conducting wells were added to the computer program for  responses of buried conducting boxes. However, this modeling docs not produce significant response anomalies commensurate with those obtained by field measurements. Consequently the air/earth interface effect will  be included next."

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REMOTE ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSING OF UNDERGROUND COAL BURNS

"The principal objective of this research project is to develop and field test an induction system and estimator algorithm for remote determination (at the surface) of  the location, shape and size of underground coal burns. In order of brevity only field measurements are reported on here. Field measurements were conducted with a wideband loop-loop induction system at the Hanna Underground Coal Gasification Site of the LERC during, July, August and October 1976. Soundings were made on five traverses at two different locations . Field data were  processed on a Fourier Analyzer System and 3- dimensional response maps were plotted via the central computing system in both time and frequency domains. Strong anomalies at 5 kHz were observed on traverses over both burns at Hanna II. Induction soundings at 5 kHz (corresponding to a depth of penetration comparable  to the coal burn depth) taken at Hanna II. Phase 1 indicate that the burn may have protruded 5m farther to the West than originally estimated by the LERC.  Induction soundings at the Hanna II. Phase 2 and 3 show that the low frequency response acquired a second peak with aging . However, the high frequency response changed dramatically, probably due to removal of the horizontal pipes interconnecting the wells. These results would support the conclusion that there is a possibility of monitoring the burn front and delineation of the burn is not dependent on the cavity filling with saline ground water but invasion of the burn region by ground water may possibly be detected."

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THERMAL STABILITY OF COAL CAVITIES

"Temperature and thermal and moisture stress calculations are reported for different cavity shapes in which the walls are subjected to short time perturbations  of surface thermal boundary conditions. The stress field found by adding these perturbation stresses to the overburden stresses are then uses to estimate the  probability of surface cracks penetrating into the cavity walls, leading to surface spalling and cavity growth. The paper discusses some preliminary results for tensile failure due to heat sources located on the cavity floor or in a  central plume. Directions of future studies are also described."

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PARAMETRIC STUDY OF A SIMPLIFIED MODEL OF COAL FACE SPALLING

"The spalling of sidewalls or roofs in underground coal gasification is modeled by assuming that it occurs due to strength reductions caused by heating, drying, or  crack formation. The temporal or spatial variations of these effects are determined by the properties which control internal convection, diffusion, and conduction in  the coal, liquid, vapor, or gas flows. This paper examines the effects of changing these properties to determine the sensitivity of the regression process. It is found that the drying process is primarily sensitive to the coal thermal  conductivity, internal diffusion of vapor and the surface heat transfer coefficient while the regression is dominated by the surface heat transfer coefficient and only slightly affected by the surface resistance to vapor flow."

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DATA ACQUISITION AND PROCESS CONTROL INSTRUMENTATION FOR IN SITU COAL GASIFICATION

The computer based instrumentation system described herein provides a very effective means of monitoring and controlling an in-situ coal gasification installation.  The benefits of such a system have been proven by several in-situ coal gasification field experiments.  Past and present process data such as flow rates, pressures temperatures and gas combustion are immediately available.  Computer automatic control maintains air injection rates with great precision and can be used to automatically change air injection rates in response to changes in other process parameters.  In addition, many routine duties are no longer required to be performed by the operators.

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APPLICATIONS OF CROSS POLARIZATION MAGIC-ANGLE SPINNING CARBON-13 NMR TO IN SITU COAL GASIFICATION

"Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance with cross  polarization and magic-angle spinning is a state of-  the-art nuclear magnetic resonance technique that can provide detailed structural information about the carbon distribution in solid materials . For complex organic  materials, such as coals, the cross polarization magic-angle spinning techniques provide a direct, nondestructive measurement of an important coal parameter--the carbon aromaticity . Cross polarization on magic-angle spinning techniques have been applied to a series of coal samples obtained from the Department of Energy's Underground Coal Gasification site near Hanna Wyoming. Aromaticities thus obtained have been used to assess the nature of the carbon distribution in the Hanna No. 1 coal seam, to assist with the location of process wells for in  situ experiments, and to determine whether changes in the aromaticity of coals that have been, heated can be used to assess the extent and temperatures of carbonization achieved during underground coal gasification  processing, These applications and the nature of the cross polarization magic-angle spinning experiment are described in the paper."

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GAS LEAKAGE AND WATER INFLUX FROM IN SITU COAL GASIFICATION

"The general conditions under which water influx and gas  leakage occur as a result of subsidence and the associated  fracturing of the overlying confining layer are examined.  The effects of fracture width, fracture density and permeability of the confining layer on water influx are determined. An expression is developed for the time (Tc) required for critical saturation of the coal seam. Numerical values of T c are presented for a wide range of permeabilities and coal seam thicknesses."

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