AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Surface adhesion of low-rank coal ash: Quarterly report, January 1, 1987 to March 31, 1987

The objective is to investigate adherent ash deposits and slag initiation as related to utility boilers for selected low-rank coals. Martin Lake and Wildcat lignites (Texas) were ion-exchanged with ammonium acetate. The amount of ASTM ash (dry basis) was reduced from 12.9 to 8.6 wt % for Martin Lake and from 11.1 to 7.2 wt % for Wildcat lignite. The amount of exchangeable sodium and calcium were found to be 97% and 65%, respectively for Martin Lake and 68% and 72% for Wildcat lignite. The gas-fired drop tube furnace was used to produce ash deposits with untreated and ion-exchanged Martin Lake and Wildcat lignites at conditions similar to those of a boiler radiant section (slagging). The hot zone temperature was held at 1500/sup 0/C and the constrictor temperature was held at 1300/sup 0/C for these tests. The estimated particle residence time in the hot zone of the furnace was less than two seconds. Both Martin Lake and Wildcat lignites showed high slagging potential in the test furnace. For a 20 minute test period, the ash sticking fractions were 0.61 and 0.71 for Martin Lake and Wildcat, respectively. The deposits from each of the lignites were highly fused and had maximum strengths (at the top) in excess of 5 M Pa. The ion-exchanged lignites had ash sticking fractions which were similar to those of the untreated lignites. However, removal of Ca, Na and Mg lowered the maximum strengths of the Martin Lake and Wildcat deposits to 1.4 M Pa and 1.2 M Pa, respectively.

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Use of solid collectors for control of emissions in advanced coal conversion processes: Final report

In a study of methods for removing trace contaminants from hot products of coal combustion, a combustor was constructed to provide a closely controlled environment for a small pulverized fuel flame. Various materials selected as candidates for contaminant collection were mixed with a pulverized North Dakota lignite used as the fuel. Residence times of the particles were estimated to vary from 1.5 to 3 seconds in an atmosphere that ranged from -32% to  265% excess air with temperatures of 650/sup 0/C to 900/sup 0/C. The ash and collectors removed from the flue gases were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and EDS/WDS microprobe analysis. It was found that activated alumina adsorbed significant amounts of sodium from the flame. Other materials, such as emathlite, adsorbed similar amounts of sodium. A correlation between excess air and Na adsorption on the activated alumina showed that a sharp increase in adsorption occurred with increasing excess air up to a maximum near 100% excess air. This maximum was approximately 2200 ppM by weight  -30%. A porous silica glass exhibited a narrower adsorption range over a wide range of temperature and excess air, with an average of about 60 ppM adsorption and a maximum of 90 ppM. Calculations combining the measured sodium adsorption with published citations of sodium concentrations in flue gases and turbine requirements suggested that around 5 weight percent of activated alumina in coal could provide the necessary reduction of sodium content for a gas turbine feed. 20 refs., 28 figs., 11 tabs.

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Effectiveness of hydraulic-fracturing treatments in the Devonian Shale

For more than 2-1/2 years, the Morgantown Energy Research Center's Eastern Gas Shales Project has actively pursued a program in stimulation technology to advance the state of the art for the Devonian Shale. This paper compares the effectiveness of 46 hydraulic fracturing treatments to conventional borehole shooting, using production history as a basis. The wells are compared on a regional basis to enhance the comparison. Included in the discussion are some of the most recent efforts under the Eastern Gas Shales Project to determine the effectiveness of cryogenic and foam fracturing techniques and the results to date. 7 tables.

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Baseline discharge inventory and control technology review for coal-gasification systems

Environmental Research and Technology, Inc. is conducting investigations and research for the purpose of contributing to the comprehensive health and environmental data base currently being developed for surface coal gasification. One of the key elements of the work is concerned with the development of a fundamental understanding of pollutant formation and distribution with gasification process and assessment of environmental control technologies for the control of these pollutants. This report focuses on the results and findings of initial efforts conducted to define baseline gasification plant configurations; the production, fate and distribution of hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen-bearing compounds within the configurations; and baseline plant discharge inventories and control technology evaluations. For this study, the definition of baseline plants included the matrix of three principal process types (fixed bed, fluidized bed and entrained flow) and major product and uses categories (low/medium Btu gas, synthetic natural gas (SNG) and liquid products). An integral part of this baseline plant definition included an inventory of unit operations and sources of uncontrolled discharges. Within each of the gasification process types, the production of hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen-bearing species/pollutants is characterized. Subsequently, the fate and distribution during downstream gas processing is also described. Preliminary analyses of control technologies for management of air, water and solid waste discharges for the baseline plant configurations have been initiated and are presented herein. 22 figures, 1 table.

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Effect of high heating rate on the pyrolysis kinetics of eastern and western oil shale

An entrained reactor system (LFER) has been used to study the rapid pyrolysis kinetics for both eastern (New Albany) and western (Colorado) oil shales. Under the condition of high heating rate, a fundamental understanding of the product quality/composition was obtained. Flow visualization and temperature characterization in the LFER were conduced to provide a critical laminar flow and isothermal reaction zone. Calibration curves depicting the flow regimes confirmed that the existing inlet and reactor design can be operated without particle dispersion caused by turbulence. Rapid pyrolysis was carried out in nitrogen at 700{degree}, 750{degree}, 800{degree}, and 850{degree}C. For each temperature, the sampling probe was set at five or six different positions along the length of the reactor tube to obtain different particle residence times. The weight loss (or cumulative yield) was determined by using the ash tracer technique and the organic conversion rate was modified from dry ash free basis to dry mineral matter free basis. A single particle model was developed to evaluate the particle velocity/temperature-time profile and a pyrolysis kinetic model based on the first-order Arrhenius Law was developed to calculate the kinetic parameters. The global kinetic parameters for both oil shales were determined and some main factors affecting on the process were determined. 43 refs., 86 figs., 10 tabs.

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NO/sub x/ emission from combustors:  a state-of-the-art review

The state-of-the-art of the theory and control of NO/sub x/ emissions from combustors is reviewed including the mechanisms and kinetics of the formation of thermal and fuel NO/sub x/, its destruction by reactions with char and reducing gases, and NO/sub x/ emissions control technology and mathematical modeling of fluidized-bed combustors. Practical conclusions are drawn, some unsolved problems are described, and recommendations are made as to various topics which require further study.

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Containment control in four advanced coal conversion power generation systems: Technical issues and R and D needs: Final report

The objective of this study is to identify technical issues regarding gas stream contaminants and to develop suggested R and D programs to deal with the technicl issues in the following four advanced coal conversion systems for electric power generation: fixed-bed gasifier integrated combined-cycle system; fluidized-bed gasifier integrated combined-cycle system; direct coal fired turbine system; and pressurized fluidized-bed combustion/turbine system. All systems are pressurized and air-blown, use gas turbines with steam bottoming cycles, and use hot gas clean-up systems to achieve contaminant levels low enough to meet equipment protection considerations and environmental regulations. The contaminants included in this study fall into the following categories: sulfur compounds; nitrogen compounds; trace elements; particulates/solids; organic compounds, and alkali metals/halides. Although the focus of the study is principally on gas-stream contaminants, impact of contaminants on solid waste streams is considered to identify potential waste disposal issues. A total of 53 technical issues were identified, and an R an D need was developed for each issue. The issues were prioritized based on the impact on commercialization. Those issues representing significant impediments to commercialization were assigned high priority. It is recommended that current research activities be investigated in detail to determine if high priority technical issues are being addressed.

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Development of a solid absorption model and improved sorbent for solid supported molten salt hot gas cleanup process: Final report

Previous work at Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) demonstrated that solid supported molten salt (SSMS) can remove H/sub 2/S, COS and HCl to less than 1 ppM from gasified coal to meet molten carbonate fuel cell feed specifications while allowing recovery of elemental sulfur. Stable performance through at least 16 absorption and regeneration cycles was also demonstrated. Although PNL's previous work demonstrated technical advantages of SSMS, low equilibrium capacity and mass transfer limitations made cost effectiveness questionable and difficult to evaluate. The objective of this project was to develop the basis for accurate evaluation of the potential system design advantages of SSMS cleanup and test the effect of increased surface area on performance. The scope of work included computer modeling and laboratory experimentation. A model of the SSMS absorption-regeneration process was developed in BASIC computer language and experiments performed to test the model and to demonstrate potential reductions in costs projected for commercial power plants. The computer model, based on two-film mass transfer theory, was verified by comparison with an analytical solution of a simplified case. It can accurately model results of previous experiments for H/sub 2/S and COS absorption and regeneration while predicting the behavior of HCl and metal chlorides in the absorber. High surface area sorbent was fabricated and tested in experiments which also tested a pressure-swing regeneration concept. Pressure-swing regeneration should allow reductions in sorbent requirements as well as equipment costs and energy consumption. The high surface concept and pressure-swing regeneration both proved effective. A 24% improvement in effective capacity over previously tested SSMS was demonstrated with a high surface area sorbent fabricated to PNL specifications by Katalco Corporation. 8 refs., 25 figs., 3 tabs.

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Pulsating gasification of low rank coals: Quarterly technical progress report for the period October 1, 1986-December 31, 1986

Parametric studies were continued during this quarter to investigate gasifiers with inlet reservoir devolatilization and 100% oxygen feed for gasifier lengths of 50 cm, 100 cm, and 200 cm. The effect of pulsations on the mass flow rates of product gases leaving the gasifier was investigated. Pulsations of moderate amplitude increased significantly the production rates of the fuel gases CO and H/sub 2/. The first test runs of the experimental gasifier with methane fuel were successfully completed. Later experimental runs were conducted in which pulsations were generated spontaneously.

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Geologic History and Hydrocarbon Potential of Late Cretaceous- Age, Low-Permeability Reservoirs, Piceance Basin, Western Colorado

The Piceance basin of western Colorado contains large reserves of natural gas in low-permeability reservoirs of the Late Cretaceous-age Mesaverde Formation or Mesaverde Group. The gas accumulation can be divided into three general zones: a zone of surface-water invasion that extends inward a few miles from present outcrops; a gas-and-water-bearing zone that extends 10 to 20 miles inward from the water-bearing zone; and a central, predominantly gas-bearing zone. The Mesaverde low-permeability gas accumulation in the Piceance basin probably formed as a result of early loss of permeability due to intense regional diagenesis, followed by deep burial beneath lower Cenozoic sediments that resulted in large-scale thermal gas generation by the organic-rich intervals in the Mesaverde and in the underlying Mancos Shale. Although the early loss of permeability trapped much of the gas in the deep central areas of the basin, considerable amounts of gas also migrated updip into the shallower areas of the basin where the Mesaverde is thermally immature. This migration may have been enhanced by an extensive natural fracture system. Reconstruction of the geologic history of both the Piceance basin and the surrounding uplifts has helped define conditions under which the gas accumulation formed. This report integrates some of the detailed geologic studies from the Multiwell Experiment and the more regional geologic studies in an effort to improve our understanding of the geologic variables involved in the development of the Mesaverde low-permeability gas accumulation in the Piceance basin. This synthesis relies heavily on published studies, but much new information is also presented. 118 refs., 30 figs., 3 tabs.

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Western Research Institute: Annual technical progress report, April 1985-March 1986

The one-dimensional model of oil shale retorting has been modified to incorporate liquid-phase behavior of oil and water. The formation and deposition of oil mist, drainage of liquid oil, and gas pressure drop in rubble can be calculated using as many as 11 separate boiling fractions. Experiments on the decomposition of kerogen during pyrolysis have been done on two grades of western oil shale and on an eastern shale. Chemical and physical properties of the DOE interim reference oil shales have been measured using a variety of analytical methods. Parameters necessary to interpret the chemistry and physics occurring during in-situ thermal processing and those factors that influence the selection of tar sand resources for in-situ thermal processing were identified. Gas analyses by quadrupole mass spectrometry indicated that low temperature oxidation of bitumen occurs during the startup of the in situ combustion process. Saturate hydrocarbons isolated from recovered oils were characterized by mass spectrometry. Three underground coal gasification (UCG) tests in the block reactor have verified that gasification pressure does not affect methane production from horizontal coal seams. The test results indicate that methane production from coal pyrolysis is not enhanced by methanation. At higher gasification pressures, the steam char reaction is inhibited by equilibrium, and the char thickness increases at the cavity sidewall. Water vapor and pyrolysis products from the coal flow through the hot char zone into the cavity. At the high temperatures near the cavity surface, thermodynamic equilibrium favors demethanation rather than methanation.

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Failure mode analysis for lime/limestone FGD system. Volume III. Plant profiles. Part 1 of 3

This volume contains plant profiles for: Petersburg 3; Hawthorn 3, 4; La Cygne 1; Jeffry 1, 2; Lawrence 4, 5; Green River 1-3; Cane Run 4, 5; Mill Creek 1, 3; Paddy's Run 6; Clay Boswell 4; Milton R. Young 2; Pleasants 1, 2; and Colstrip 1, 2. (DLC)

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Pulverized-coal combustion. Final report

This report presents the results of a review of basic problems in use of pulverized coal, emphasizing basic engineering and scientific studies which have been published. The goal has been to provide a summary of the current knowledge of this field. Research laboratories at universities, non-profit technical institutions, government establishments, and industrial engineering centers have engaged in a program of investigations of pulverized-coal combustion and related problems under the cognizance of the Department of Energy's Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center. A review of this program has also been made and is a part of this report. In addition to an evaluation of the specific research studies in the program, its overall content and organization have been examined with respect to the problem areas identified in the general review of the field. The major subjects which have been covered include the properties of the fuel, its chemical composition, particle properties in the sizes involved (0 to 100 ..mu..m), and the pore structure of the solid. The combustion characteristics of the fine-particulate coal are discussed, as are heat transfer, the substances given off when coal is heated, and the reactions of combustion. Formation of pollutants, soot, and ash from combustion of coal is reviewed. These areas present continuing problems in the practical applications of pulverized coal. A comparison of the current status of problems in the field with the PETC program has been made. The PETC pulverized-coal research program has a diversity of individual investigations that fall in significant problem areas identified in the assessment of the current field. These investigations utilize advanced methods and are producing information applicable to major current problems. Recommendations, contingent on other program considerations, are made to include additional studies in selected areas of particular significance. 13 figures, 6 tables.

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Low-rank coal study:  national needs for resource development. Volume 6. Peat

The requirements and potential for development of US peat resources for energy use are reviewed. Factors analyzed include the occurrence and properties of major peat deposits; technologies for extraction, dewatering, preparation, combustion, and conversion of peat to solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels; environmental, regulatory, and market constraints; and research, development, and demonstration (RD and D) needs. Based on a review of existing research efforts, recommendations are made for a comprehensive national RD and D program to enhance the use of peat as an energy source.

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Survey of activity in the area of instrumentation for reservoir description for enhanced oil recovery. Final report. GURC Report No. 173

The state-of-the-art and recent progress in the types of instrumentation that can be applied to reservoir description are reviewed. The traditional sources of reservoir information are cores, wire line logs and well tests. There are, however, new techniques which involve geophysics, geochemistry and tracer testing. For the purposes of enhanced oil recovery, the instrumentation must be capable of measuring smaller scale effects with greater accuracy than was considered necessary in the past in oil exploration. The report concludes that considerable progress has been made in instrumentation but that greater precision in measurement is needed. Active encouragement of synergy between engineers and geologists is a main factor which is recommended so that modern instrumentation can provide information to be used to model rock-fluid systems, geologically and chemically. An important step is to recognize the significance of environment of deposition as a factor in interpreting areas between control wells. Computer simulation utilizing geological detail can then project the behavior of the EOR processes selected for the reservoir. An ongoing Enhanced Recovery Instrumentation Program could optimize further progress toward fully effective oil production.

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Enhanced oil recovery by CO/sub 2/ foam flooding. Quarterly report, July 1-September 30, 1984

Accomplishments for this quarter are presented for the following tasks: apparatus design and construction; foam generation and static stability; dynamic foam stability; foam stabilizer; miscible displacement; and computer simulation. Work on the project proceeded satisfactorily in all phases. A summary paper describing the results of the project has been accepted for presentation at the third European Congress on Enhanced Oil Recovery and the manuscript is in preparation. Interest and support from the petroleum industry remains high. During the past quarter samples of crude oil from current field operations were submitted by Phillips Petroleum Company and Conoco Inc. so that laboratory experiments can be extended to actual candidate oils now being flooded commercially. Both oils represent reservoirs in Southeastern New Mexico and will complement earlier studies already completed on California crude oils.

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Investigation of electrode structure and electrocatalyst surface areas

The first part of this program addresses the analytical techniques that can be used to characterise platinum on carbon supported electrocatalysts for use in hot phosphoric acid fuel cells. The uses of various adsorbing species are reviewed, and a choice was made to examine in more detail the adsorption of rhenate ions on the platinum crystalline surface, to diagnose the platinum surface area within the operating fuel cell. This information is needed to understand how that platinum surface is modified with time in the operating environment. The second part of this program develops an advanced computer model for the porous electrode structure to include all of the resistive and diffusive losses, both in the electrode structure itself, and within the carbon backing paper on which the electrocatalyst layer is supported. The two respective models were combined to show the influence of catalyst utilization between the electrodes to predict the optimum loading of the platinum catalyst within the fuel cell assembly so that the fuel cell performance is maximised. 72 refs., 59 figs., 22 tabs.

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Eastern gas shales subprogram. [Appalachia, Illinois and Michigan Basins]

The goal of the Eastern Gas Shales Subprogram (EGSS) is to develop scientific and engineering knowledge and to enable the recovery of natural gas from shale formations that underlie the Appalachian, Illinois, and Michigan Basins. To pursue this goal, the geology and chemistry of gas-bearing Devonian shales was characterized early during the subprogram. As information was gathered and knowledge of the shales increased, studies of well completion and stimulation methods were conducted in the laboratory as well as in the field. Recently, the synthesis of geologic and geochemical data marked the conclusion of the resource characterization effort. Upon the completion of the resource characterization, project emphasis was directed toward understanding the fractured shale reservoir and its gas storage and production characteristics. The Meigs County, Ohio, offset well test established the directional aspects of shale gas production, providing new insight into field development. In addition, a methodology for characterizing gas flow behavior allows for the development and application of novel extraction methods to increase the otherwise poor recovery efficiency of current extraction methods.

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