AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Bureau of Mines Energy Program 1971:  information circular

Research was continued in 1971 to help meet the challenge of satisfying increasing fuel and electric power demands without destroying the natural environment and jeopardizing future resource requirements. Covered in the first half is a review of accomplishments for a variety of projects related to the environmental aspects of extraction, processing, and utilization of coal, oil and gas, followed by accounts of research on coal mine safety, coal storage, preparation, and transportation; electric power generation from coal; coal, char, and chemicals from coal carbonization; fluid fuels and chemicals from coal by synthesis processes; new coal products and uses; chemical and physical properties of coal and related materials; analytical and test procedures; and inspection, sampling, and analysis. The rest of the publication covers research on petroleum, natural gas, and oil shale, including 15 sections as follows petroleum reservoir geochemistry; reservoir properties; petroleum exploration and production; stimulative production methods; oil recovery from tar sands; energy systems model for technology planning; petroleum composition; thermodynamics; petroleum-product properties; environmental activities, in situ processing; control and management of oil-shale wastes; occurrence, properties, and characteristics of oil shales; characteristics of shale oils; modification of shale oils.

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West Sak and Ugnu sands: low-gravity oil zones of the Kuparuk River area, North Slope, Alaska

Low-gravity oil in Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary shallow marine and deltaic sands of the North Slope have been known since 1969. The majority of the oil occurs in two intervals informally named the West Sak sands (Maestrichtian) and the overlying Ugnu sands Maestrichtian-Paleocene). These zones are oil-bearing primarily in the Kuparuk River and Milne Point units where they occur at depths ranging from 2000 to 4500 fr (610 to 1370 m) subsea. The West Sak consists of very fine-grained, unconsolidated sands with interbedded siltstone and mudstone that were deposited in an inner-shelf to delta-front environment. The oil in the West Sak is a less heavy to intermediate crude with gravities ranging 16/sup 0/-22/sup 0/ API. The Ugnu consists of fine to medium-grained, unconsolidated sands with interbedded siltstone, mudstone, and coal that were deposited in fluvial and delta-plain environments. The oil in the Ugnu sands is bitumen and extra heavy crude with gravities between 8/sup 0/ and 12/sup 0/ API. The total oil in place in the West Sak and Ugnu sands is estimated to be as large as 40 billion bbl. Geochemical work on these oils indicates that they have the same source as the oils in the deeper Kuparuk and Sadlerochit reservoirs but have been biodegraded.

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Carbon-13 NMR studies of coals by cross polarization and magic-angle spinning

/sup 13/C NMR measurements were made on a Texas lignite, Wyoming subbituminous coals, Illinois bituminous, Indiana bituminous, and eastern bituminous coals, and an anthracite. The main structural distinction that could be made using magic-angle spinning with cross-polarization was between aliphatic and aromatic carbons. In progressing from a lignite to a bituminous coal to an anthracite, the percent organic carbon of the material increases, which tends to increase the heating value. Oxygen-containing species tend to decrease the heating value of a coal. 5 figures.

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Possible future environmental issues for fossil fuel technologies. Final report

The work reported here was carried out for the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy to identify and assess 15 to 20 major environmental issues likely to affect the implementation of fossil energy technologies between 1985 and 2000. The energy technologies specifically addressed are: oil recovery and processing; gas recovery and processing; coal liquefaction; coal gasification (surface,9403 ); in situ coal gasification; direct coal combustion; advanced power systems; magnetohydrodynamics; surface oil shale retorting; and true and modified in situ oil shale retorting. Environmental analysis of these technologies included, in addition to the main processing steps, the complete fuel cycle from resource extraction to end use. The 16 environmental issues identified as those most likely for future regulatory actions and the main features of, and the possible regulatory actions associated with, each are as follows: disposal of solid waste from coal conversion and combustion technologies; water consumption by coal and oil shale conversion technologies; siting of coal conversion facilities; the carbon dioxide greenhouse effect; emission of polycyclic organic matter (POM,9403 ); impacts of outer continental shelf (OCS) oil development; emission of trace elements; groundwater contamination; liquefied natural gas (LNG), safety and environmental factors; underground coal mining - health and safety; fugitive emissions from coal gasification and liquefaction - health and safety; boomtown effects; emission of fine particulates from coal, oil and oil shale technologies; emission of radioactivity from the mining and conversion of coal; emission of nitrogn oxides; and land disturbance from surface mining. (LTN)

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Summary of raw- and spent-shale characterization studies from the Occidental Oil Shale, Inc. , Logan Wash site and implications for water quality

This report summarizes the research efforts of Los Alamos National Laboratory in characterizing raw and spent shale samples from the Occidental Oil Shale, Inc., Logan Wash site in the Piceance Creek Basin of Colorado. Our activities have focused on the interaction of the raw material and the process variables and their influence on the ultimate identify and behavior of the spent shale, the resultant leachates, and the chemistry of other aqueous effluents. Both the raw shale material and the retorting process parameters influence the behavior of spent shale solids. The process parameters define the mineral reactions that occur in the spent shale, and the major and trace element residences and mobilities from the raw shale determine how extensively these elements are incorporated in the spent shale matrix and ultimately the composition of the leachate generated by the spent shale/water interaction. The leachate and the solid waste are dependent variables, and the raw shale and process parameters are independent variables. In this report, we summarize our experimental results, including the mineralogy trace element concentrations in solids, and leaching characteristics of the raw and spent shales. We also discuss implications for water quality, which may be affected by aquifer bridging and leaching of spent shales. A major purpose of our research has been to explore new environmental control strategies and to provide information to supplement other research efforts. 6 tables.

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Monitoring groundwater quality: the impact of in-situ oil shale retorting

This report presents the initial phase of a research program which will develop a planning methodology for the design and implementation of cost-effective groundwater quality monitoring programs for modified in-situ (MIS) oil shale retorting. This initial phase includes (1) a review of MIS development with regard to potential impacts and a review of current MIS monitoring programs, and (2) identification of key issues, uncertainties, and unknowns with regard to design and implementation of monitoring programs.

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Pollution control technical manual: modified 'in situ'oil shale retorting combined with Lurgi surface retorting. Final report

The oil shale PCTM for Modified In Situ Oil Shale Retorting combined with Lurgi Surface Retorting addresses the application of this combination of technologies to the development of oil shale resources in the western United States. This manual describes the combined plant using Lurgi surface retorting technology (developed by Lurgi Kohle and Mineralotechnik GmbH, West Germany) and the Modified In Situ process (developed by Occidental Oil Shale, Inc.) proposed by Occidental Oil Shale, Inc. and Tenneco Shale Oil Company for use in the development of their Federal oil shale lease Tract C-b in western Colorado. Since details regarding waste streams and control technologies for the Lurgi process are presented in a separate PCTM, this document focuses principally on the Modified In Situ process.

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Electromagnetic burnfront mapping during A. R. Co. 's 1978 in situ coal gasification project. [Rocky Hill, Wyoming project]

High-frequency electromagnetic (HFEM) probing was used to map the position of the burnfront in an underground coal gasification experiment conducted by the Atlantic Richfield Company at Rocky Hill, Wyoming. The coal seam in this experiment was 110 ft thick and approximately 700 ft deep, thicker and deeper than the seam probed during a previous gasification experiment at Hoe Creek, Wyoming. Also, the gasification was over a wider area than at Hoe Creek. These different conditions allowed new techniques of HFEM probing to be tried. The authors used lower frequencies to reduce signal attenuations that resulted from the longer cables needed to reach the seam depth and from the longer probing distances. In spite of the low frequencies, the probing results showed good spatial resolution. The greater thickness of the seam allowed a better test of the HFEM lateral-position determination, and this determination also showed good spatial resolution. Other observations of the HFEM technique were consistent with findings from the Hoe Creek experiment.

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Integrated compliance and control technology research activities for in situ fossil fuel processing experiments

There are federal and state regulations on surface and subsurface water pollution. Emerging in situ fossil fuel technologies must be cognizant of these and develop process water control measures to insure compliance. Compliance with regulations must also be met at federally operated field facilities conducting in situ process development research. At the same time, such field facilities offer prime opportunities for researching, developing, and demonstrating process water control technology applicable to an emerging industry. This paper has illustrated the approach in effect at the Laramie Energy Technology Center to use in house field activities for advancement of process water control technology while insuring compliance with regulations.

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Comparison of isothermal kerogen decomposition results using reactors with different heat-up rates

Three types of isothermal reactors have been tested for possible use in shale retorting studies. In each reactor the pyrolysis reaction has been quenched after variable time periods in order to analyze the reaction intermediates and products. Although the reactors have had widely different features and capabilities, all three have been given the same pyrolysis rates when the effect of heat-up rate on reaction time was considered. A sand bath-heated reactor was developed in this work which is capable of heating 20-gram shale samples to reaction temperature in about three minutes. Quantitative recovery of liquid, gaseous and solid products (100.0  - 0.1%w basis shale) has been achieved. This system will be used in future isothermal kinetic studies. 14 refs., 11 figs., 5 tabs.

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Intercomparison and correlation of steady-state operating data from the Paraho semiworks retort. Volume 2. Final report

A major series of aboveground oil shale retorting experiments was conducted by Paraho Development, Inc., in its Semiworks and Pilot Plant retorts at Anvil Points, Colorado. The retorts contain a packed bed of 0.1- to 3.0-inch shale particles which is usually heated in direct mode by combustion of upward-flowing recycle gas and air; however, indirect mode heating by preheated gas is possible. This production is one of the largest among US oil shale projects. Operational data were analyzed to extract the maximum of useful information. One hundred seventy-six periods of steady-state operation (runs) were selected for study and subjected to automated analysis for internal and external consistency. Each run was subjected to a set of quality criteria intended to maximize confidence in the subsequent correlations. One hundred thirty-six runs ultimately met these criteria. Volume 1 of this final report describes the results of data analysis and validation. This volume discusses the development of a stoichiometric model of Paraho process chemistry and the control-oriented correlations based on that model. Thirteen chemical reactions have been identified which account for products of the Paraho process. Stoichiometric coefficients for kerogen decomposition and oil pyrolysis have been estimated from literature data using a confidence-weighted least-squares criterion constrained by conservation of five elements. For each Paraho run, fluxes of the 13 reactions have been estimated from the net fluxes of 20 species as transformed by the array of stoichiometric coefficients. Most performance parameters are simple algebraic functions of the reaction fluxes. Correlations suitable for on-line process control have been developed to predict reaction fluxes from real-time instrument readings.

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Oil shale resources of the United States

The United States has learned to depend heavily on petroleum and its associate, natural gas, for energy and for raw materials. This dependence is less flexible than has been postulated. In spite of grandiose federal discussions about the energy mixes, progress toward replacing oil with other things is limited. It doesn’t appear feasible to make dramatic changes in the United States consumption patterns before our natural oil is depleted. Currently, we need oil to survive. Of cause, oil can be purchased from foreign sources but the worlds oil supply is finite. In addition, natural petroleum has become a potent political weapon to which the United States is increasingly vulnerable, and we're depleting our domestic supply.

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High resolution seismic survey of the Hanna, Wyoming underground coal gasification area

"In June 1983 a high resolution seismic survey was conducted at the DOE, LETC's underground coal gasification test site near Hanna, Wyoming. The objectives of the survey were to locate and characterize underground burn zones and to identify shallow geologic faults at the test site. Seismic data acquisition and processing parameters were based upon prior work in the area, and were specifically designed to emphasize reflections at the shallow. Data were obtained on two north-south lines along the test site boundary in addition to a three-dimensional grid over the Hanna IV experiment area. Processing included time varying filters, deconvolution, trace composition, and three-dimensional areal stacking of the data in order to identify burn zone anomalies.  Anomalies were discernable resulting from the rubble-collapse void above the burn zones in the vicinity of the injection wells at the Hanna IV experiment area. The fault studies disclosed faults at the Hanna IV experiment rea which may be responsible for the unexpected problems experienced in the early in-site gasification tests. for the test site the fault system was found to be generally arcuate east-west trending graben complex with numerous antithetic faults."

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Underground gasification for steeply dipping coal beds

This report describes activities that were performed under the underground coal conversion program of the DOE. The goal of this program is to develop a technical understanding of underground coal gasification processes and these factors affecting the process technology. In 1977, a major contract entitled "Underground Gasification for Steeply Dipping Coal Beds" was awarded to Gulf Research and Development Co. This contract represented a government/industry cooperative project to address the technology of gasification in steeply dipping beds.

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Status of the fourth underground coal gasification experiment at Hanna, Wyoming

"The fourth underground coal gasification experiment conducted by the Laramie Energy Technology Center is currently underway at a site near Hanna, Wyoming. The Hanna IV experiment, as originally conceived, was significantly larger than the three previous experiments. The experiment was designed to nest the following objectives: determination of the interrelationships of well spacing, air injection rate, and areal sweep efficiency; demonstration of the ability to conduct reverse combustion linkage over distances up to 45.7 m; determination of pressure and gas composition gradients within the coal seams during process operation; determination of gasification zone progress as a function of time; and demonstration of relaying the process down a row of process wells.  A portion of the technology development has involved environmental assessment of the process. This assessment included characterization of the effulents from the process as well as initiation of the biological effects studies and determination of the fate of pollutants from the process. Major concerns associated with the process are impacts on air and ground water quality and the effects of subsidence.  This paper describes the initial phase of the Hanna IV experiment in which difficulties were encountered and a sustained gasification process could not be maintained. An override situation acress the 30.5 m well spacing resulted in a premature shutdown of the experiment, Preparations are being made to continue the experiment and recover from the override situtions."

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Oil shale:  its status and problems

"Both private industry and Government are actively engaged in numerous activities that will lead to the development of our vast oil- shale resources. This paper reviews the status and problems in each of  the major activity areas, which have been broadly classified as surface and in situ retorting research,  characterization studies, and Government policy. The scope and progress of each of these activities  indicate that we may have an oil-shale industry within the next decade."

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SAFE (Synergetic Acoustic Fracturing Effect)

"In this theoretical study a phased system for fracturing rock in situ is shown to be economically feasible. By application of synergetic effects, acoustic waves from several sources can combine so as to develop sufficient energy to break rock. It appears feasible to generate stress pulses from magnetic devices in bore holes and phase them in such a way as to create large amplitude waves capable of producing controlled tensile-fractures.  The costs for creating permeability by this method have been theoretically estimated a. 44 cents/tonne. It may be possible to create from 4 to 40 /-1m 2 (4 to 40 darcys) permeability in this manner without removal of any material. By mining five percent of the in- place material, permeability's on the order of a million /-1m2 (darcys) are possible. While the effects of acoustic attenuation are important, these effects diminish strongly  with increasing deposit-depth. Field and laboratory experiments are discussed to determine the feasibility of the concept."

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Assessment and control of water contamination associated with shale oil extraction and processing. Progress report, October 1, 1978-September 30, 1979

An integrated assessment of environmental control technologies applicable to shale oil development is reported. Air quality, water quality, potential surface disruption, potential problem areas, and research needs have been assessed, and finally environmental control technologies have been indicated. The experimental program attempts to identify mechanisms and kinetics of trace element release from raw and spent shale's, the effects of these releases on water quality, and methods for control of potential contaminants. Our study emphasizes the nature, extent, transport and fate of contaminants occurring as waste and as an effect of retort parameters. Our experiments confirmed that concentrations of soluble species in product waters, laboratory generated leachates, and natural water systems are controlled by the variables mentioned.

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Assessment and control of water contamination associated with shale oil extraction and processing. Work plan, October 1, 1980-September 30, 1981

The work plan for the Los Alamos National Laboratory's research on assessment and control of water contamination associated with shale oil extraction and processing is updated. There are two technical tasks in the program: thee assessment of potential water contamination problems and the identification of alternative control strategies for controlling contaminant release into the surface and underground water systems from various oil-shale-related sources. Emphasis is currently place on problem definition with future activities to stress the control of potential problems. Assessment activities include the physical and chemical characterization of solid and liquid process effluents and their potential for contaminant release, while current control technology researches are focused on retort abandonment strategies.

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Mortality, morbidity and other NIOSH health related studies of oil shale workers

A cohort of 713 workers employed at the Anvil Points Oil Shale Facility near Rifle; Colorado, between 1948 and 1969, were examined in a retrospective mortality study. Base don the Standardized mortality Ratios Obtained using Colorado Utah white males as controls, this sample was found to have significantly increased numbers of deaths due to malignant neoplasm's of the respiratory system and colon. A case control study confirmed risks associated with smoking and radioactive exposure in persons dying of malignancies.

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Occupational health, waste management, and environmental research program of the Health Division 1981. Progress report

The primary responsibility of the Health Division at the Los Alamos National Laboratory is to provide effective programs in health, safety, waste processing, and environmental protection for the Laboratory. These activities are designed to protect the workers, the public, and the environment. Many disciplines are required to meet these responsibilities, including health physics, industrial hygiene, safety, occupational medicine, environmental science, epidemiology, and waste management. The diverse research and development activities of the Laboratory provide new and challenging health and safety problems. Research programs in the Health Division often stem from these applied needs. These program continue but are being extended also as need to meet specific problems for the U. S. Department of Energy in its development of various energy technologies.

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Pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance studies of oil shales:  estimation of potential oil yields

Previous studies at the Bureau of Mines have shown that broad-line nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques have potential applications for rapid evaluation of oil-shale deposits. In a continuation of this study the techniques of pulsed NMR have been applied in a similar manner. The basis for the pulsed NMR oil-shale assay method lies in the assumption that the free induction decay (FID) amplitude following a 90/sup 0/ pulse is proportional to the potential oil yield. This assumption was tested on two groups of oil-shale samples, numbering 141 and 263 samples, from two different oil-shale cores. For both groups of samples a small number were selected as calibration samples. Free induction decay amplitude measurements were made on the 141 and 263 samples. The best least-squares regression line was obtained for the calibration samples, and the oil yields of the remaining samples were calculated using the slopes and intercepts obtained in the regression analyses. The agreement between measured and calculated oil yields was good, the indexes of determination being 0.93 and 0.89 for the groups of 141 and 263 samples, respectively.

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