AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting in-situ recovery of hydrocarbons from oil shale

Batch thermal solution of Hell's Hole Canyon oil shale in hydrocarbon solvents has been studied at temperatures of from 274/sup 0/ to 410/sup 0/C. Three solvents were used: cyclohexane; 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene; and creosote oil. In 24-hour, constant-temperature runs under autogenous pressure, each solvent was found to be capable of removing over 90% of the original organic material at extraction temperatures of from 360 to 375/sup 0/C. Cyclohexane extraction resulted in somewhat greater yields than tetralin extraction in runs below 365/sup 0/C but approximately the same yields as tetralin at higher extraction temperatures. With one oil shale sample, virtually identical yields were observed in both cyclohexane and tetralin extractions. This finding suggests that mass-transfer restrictions within some oil shales may restrict the yield regardless of the solvent used. Carbon-13 NMR analyses of the spent shales showed that the aromaticity of the residual organic material in tetralin-extracted shale increased slightly from the raw shale value of 0.27 and remained essentially constant at a value of 0.31  increased. In constant temperature runs of 24-hour duration, the aromaticity of an oil shle sample increased from the raw oil shale value of 0.17 to 0.28 after cyclohexane extraction at 326/sup 0/C, while a tetralin-extracted sample of the same oil shale had an aromaticity of only 0.20 after extraction at 321/sup 0/C. The nitrogen content of the cyclohexane extracts, which ranged from 1.58 to 2.24%, was comparable to that of values reported in the literature for shale oils. The tetralin extracts had somewhat lower nitrogen content, ranging from 0.58 to 1.95%. Extract nitrogen content generally increased with extraction temperature. 55 references, 58 figures, 22 tables.

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Environmental effects of cementation process on spent shale leachates

A methodology was developed wherein the increase in compressive strength, mineralogical changes and pore water composition were all studied simultaneously as a function of moisturized spent shale curing time. From these results the relationship between the nature of cementation process and the composition of pore water was established. Heavy metals were entrapped in the cementing constituents and the pore water became mainly a solution of alkaline sulfates. While the specific data are applicable only to the material studied, the methodology and general conclusions are useful for evaluating the environmental factors in spent shale disposal and expected leachates composition.

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Application of TG concepts to in-situ combustion processes. [Analysis of post operation core samples by thermal gravimetric analysis]

Analysis of post operation core samples from in-situ combustion projects can be aided by the use of thermal gravimetric analysis (TG) techniques. Identification of specific processes and chemical reactions is possible by use of a combined TG and modeling of isothermal reactions. Samples taken from both original formation material and extracted oil at locations in front of, at, and behind the combustion front in a combustion-tube experiment are first investigated using TG. From the thermograph peaks, specific reactions are identified. Weight-loss curves at isothermal conditions corresponding to these peaks are analyzed to identify the reaction mechanism. Thermographs from post-operation core samples are then used to indicate which combustion processes occurred within the core. 31 figures, 6 tables.

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Critical review of the mutagenic and other genotoxic effects of direct coal liquefaction

The purpose of this document is to review critically the information on the mutagenicity and other genotoxic effects of the developing direct coal liquefaction technology. The goal is to evaluate the potential health effects on humans and to make recommendations for action that might be taken to minimize them. The main conclusions are that the materials produced by direct coal liquefaction often contain a higher level of genotoxic compounds than comparable materials from other liquid fossil fuel technologies, that combined chemical and biological assay has made possible considerable progress in identifying the chemical substances responsible for this difference, and that there are ways to modify the technology that might eliminate many if not all of these genotoxic compounds. The review consists of six chapters. The first three are essentially introductions to genotoxicity testing and to the theories back of it, to the technology of direct coal liquefaction, and to the chemistry involved in analyzing and preparing for biological testing of the materials from the technology. The fourth chapter concerns tests for genotoxicity of the compounds and compound classes that have been identified by chemical analysis as present in such materials. The fifth chapter concerns tests for genotoxicity of the materials from the technology. The final chapter summarizes the conclusions that can be drawn from these tests and makes recommendations concerning future research and other activities to define better and to minimize the potential genotoxic effects of the technology.

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Accelerated oil shale in situ program of the U. S. government. [Summary description of r and d activities]

Efforts to develop the nation's vast oil shale resources have largely focused on mining oil shale and retorting it in surface vessels. An alternative approach in situ(or in-place) retorting, has not been as actively pursued. Yet, development of a viable in situ technology offers the potential of both significant environmental advantages and an increase in the amount of recoverable resources.

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Meteorological and climatological investigation:  review of January-June 1980 investigative period

Since January 1979, a meteorological and climatological investigation for the purpose of establishing a microclimatic baseline has been continuously conducted at the Geokinetics oil shale research facility in Eastern Utah. This report, however, presents the findings for only a six month segment (January 1-June 30, 1980) of that ongoing investigation. This appendix to the meteorological and climatological investigation contains the WestAq data printouts.

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Wet-air oxidation of TS-1S wastewater

Tar sand wastewater has been treated using a bench-scale wet air oxidation process. The wastewater, designated TS-1S, was generated during in situ recovery of bitumen from Utah tar sand. After wet-air oxidation at 485/sup 0/F (252/sup 0/C) in the presence of air, the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), and total suspended solids (TSS) of the wastewater were reduced from 12,800, 3200, and 3860 mg/L to 285, 104, and 2 mg/L, respectively. Smaller reductions in COD, TOC, and TSS were achieved when the wastewater was wet oxidized at 422/sup 0/F (217/sup 0/C) and 466/sup 0/F (230/sup 0/C). The quantity of oxygen charged into the wet-air oxidation reactor was in excess of the amount required for oxidation and hence did not limit the rate of oxidation. The wet-air oxidation system recently developed at WRI was demonstrated to be effective in the destruction of organics at high temperatures and pressures. However, the equipment has limitations for kinetic studies of a low heating rate. A gas leak also occurred around the reactor packing seal. It is recommended that a complete thermal analysis of the reactor be made to identify modifications that will result in efficient heating of the reactor vessel. Improved temperature control will enhance the investigation of wastewater oxidation kinetics. 8 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.

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Synfuels and the energy transition

The growth of synfuels capacity will be slow; and these fuels will complement, not replace, other sources of energy. The real transition, which is still just beginning in the US, is from natural fluid fuels to solid fuels and to renewable energy sources. Electrification, which can encompass both nuclear and renewable resources as well as centralized and dispersed technologies, is the key to this transition. Increased scarcity and expense of oil and gas accelerates the shift to electricity. The time has come to scale up oil-shale technology to commercial size so we can evaluate its technology, economics, and potential impact on the environment. Analysis indicates that integrated gasification - combined-cycle power plants are also ready for commercialization. Major capital commitments from industry are needed to supplement the government-funded Synthetic Fuels Corporation.

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Chemical and engineering properties of Eastern oil shale. Final report

During the past few years mineral and oil companies have acquired mineral rights to oil shale in Kentucky. Research has also been initiated into the development of processes, such as the HYTORT technology and modifications of the Paraho retort, which will process these shales in an optimal fashion. A recent study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy concluded that an oil shale industry in Kentucky was feasible. These factors have contributed to growing interest by the public sector in the problems and potential of a Kentucky oil shale industry. This research is in part a response to this interest and is an outgrowth of discussions between personnel of the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the Kentucky Department of Energy, and the University of Kentucky Institute for Mining and Minerals Research. This project is designed to provide preliminary information into environmental areas, where data was lacking or insufficient. These areas included the water pollution potential, agricultural characteristics, and strength and compaction characteristics of raw and processed oil shales, overburdens, and associated soils.

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Mechanical problems in the design of a fixed-bed, slagging gasifier

Pressurized, fixed-bed gasification of coal with steam and oxygen is now a well-established commercial technology. It appears commercially feasible to operate a gasifier at three to five times the capacity per vessel cross section that is presently possible with the conventional, dry-ash gasifiers, with a corresponding decrease in steam consumption and wastewater disposal. This requires that partial oxidation and steam-char reactions be carried out at temperatures locally exceeding the melting point of the coal's mineral components, which leave the reaction vessel as a molten slag. The reaction zone must be controlled to avoid excessive thermal, chemical and abrasive destruction of refractory walls, while keeping the slag fluid until it can fall clear of a taphole, heated by external burners, and into a quench bath. Higher in the fuel bed, where drying and devolatilization take place, the coal's settling behavior and tendency to form stable bridges are determined by its chemical and less thorougly studied structural properties. This paper covers operating experiences with such a slagging, fixed-bed pilot gasifier and establishes some design criteria for mechanical components. 27 figures, 5 tables.

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Study of oil shale, hydrocarbon, and tar sand mining. Task 1. Ventilation, oil shale mining. Final technical report

This report is concerned with some of the potential problems that may be encountered in ventilating underground oil shale mines. The two mining schemes that are used to illustrate some of the problems have been chosen because they represent industry thinking. The methods are room and pillar mining where the oil shale is retorted on the surface, and modified in situ where sublevel mining methods are used to create a column of broken shale that can be retorted in place through controlled burning. The room and pillar method involves ventilating large stopes on a single level, and the modified in situ method involves ventilating many smaller stopes on a multilevel pattern. The basic ventilation problems concerning these methods and some of the inherent ventilation problems such as methane, diesel exhaust, blasting fumes and dust that probably will be encountered in underground oil shale mining are discussed. Specific mining schemes are developed for both general methods and ventilation plans are then established. A simulation is developed from the ventilation plans and this is analyzed with a computer network program. Recommendations for further work are made from the results of the information obtained in the research. 15 references, 18 figures.

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Chronic effects of ammonia-stripped oil shale retort water on fishes, birds, and mammals

Commercial oil shale development of the Green River Formation in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming will probably take place within the next decade. Equal volumes of oil and retort water are expected to be produced using in situ oil shale processing. Research has been done on the acute toxicity of retort water to fish and mammals. The acute effect on fish is gill hyperplasia, primarily from the irritating effect of ammonia. Retort water did not appear toxic to dogs, rats, or guinea pigs under the acute test conditions imposed. No research has been done on the long-term chronic effect of retort water on any of these animals. A variety of schemes has been proposed for the treatment of retort water, most of which involve the removal of ammonia. This study was an attempt to find the effects of chronic low-level exposure of fish and wildlife to partially treated oil shale retort water.

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Indirect in-situ retorting of oil shale using the TREE /SUP sm/  process

Total Resource Energy Extraction (TREE /SUP sm/ ) uses the heat generated from underground coal conversion processes to extract hydrocarbon fuel from in-situ resources such as oil shale. Hot inert flue gases produced from the underground coal conversion processes indirectly retort in-situ oil shale rubble. Rubblization is accomplished using conventional in-situ techniques of surface uplift, hydraulic fracturing and horizontal modified in-situ. Large resources applicable to the TREE /SUP sm/  process have been identified in southern Wyoming and large potential resources also occur in Colorado, Utah and a number of eastern states. Preliminary mathematical modeling based on the Wyoming resource indicates higher yields rates with the TREE /SUP sm/  process than with conventional in-situ combustion retorting. Forty percent higher oil yields can be experienced with TREE /SUP sm/  over conventional in-situ retorting. With the higher efficiency of the TREE /SUP sm/  process, per barrel production costs can be reduced by over 20%. A screening test was conducted in the Western Research Institute's low void retort to identify potential technological advantages and problems of the process. Preliminary investigation reveals that substantial amounts of sulfur dioxide in the injection gas are removed by the retorted shale.

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Oil shale Retort Run summary, Run C-4

Retort Run C-4 comprised four combustion run segments in a continuous aboveground retort conducted June 23 through June 27, 1980. The shale was -2.5   1.3 cm (-1   1/2 in.) from Anvil Points. The retorting rates were 40 to 65 m/d (130 and 220 ft/d), and the feed gases were 30 and 40% air in steam for each of the retorting rates. The LLNL mathematical model of modified in-situ and aboveground retorting is capable of predicting the overall behavior of a settling bed retort even when operated at high linear shale rates. Settling-bed oil shale retorts can be operated on a small scale without internal equipment (such as air distributors) provided that there is sufficient instrumentation to determine what is happening in the retort and sufficient controls to adjust the various flow rates. Variation of retorting rate from 38 to 73 m/d had little effect upon the oil yield or properties.

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IOCC monograph series:  tar sands

This is a collection of important papers published on tar sand resources and technologies. It includes nineteen previously published significant technical reports which describe tar sand resources and related technologies. The reports are primarily descriptions of the United States resource and efforts to develop that resource; however, several reports describing Canadian tar sand activities are included because they are the only available publications dealing with the respective technology areas. The republished reports represent the following categories: World Resource Overview; US Resource Overview (Utah, California, Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma,9461 ); Extraction Technologies (including in-situ and mining-and-plant-extraction,9461 ); Field Trials and Commercialization; and Environmental Assessment. (DP)

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Creation and characterization of horizontal hydraulic fractures in oil shale

Sandia Laboratories, in support of the Department of Energy Laramie Energy Technology Center's in-situ oil shale programs, conducted a true in-situ oil shale experiment to evaluate the porosity and permeability produced by detonating a slurry explosive in one or more previously formed hydraulic fractures. The experiment involved the creation and characterization of three closely spaced horizontal hydraulic fractures, followed by the insertion and detonation of a slurry explosive in two of these fractures. Initial site evaluation, explosive evaluation tests, and numerical analyses provided guidance to the hydrofracturing procedure. Numerous diagnostic and evaluation measurements were made before, during, and after the hydrofracturing process for evaluation of the fractures. The results showed that three closely spaced fractures satisfactory for subsequent explosive fracturing had been created in essentially horizontal planes.

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Integral Monitored Retrievable Storage (MRS) Facility conceptual design report

In April 1985, the Department of Energy (DOE) selected the Clinch River site as its preferred site for the construction and operation of the monitored retrievable storage (MRS) facility (USDOE, 1985). In support of the DOE MRS conceptual design activity, available data describing the site have been gathered and analyzed. A composite geotechnical description of the Clinch River site has been developed and is presented herein. This report presents Clinch River site description data in the following sections: general site description, surface hydrologic characteristics, groundwater characteristics, geologic characteristics, vibratory ground motion, surface faulting, stability of subsurface materials, slope stability, and references. 48 refs., 35 figs., 6 tabs.

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Integral Monitored Retrievable Storage (MRS) Facility conceptual design report

This document, Volume 6 Book 2, contains design studies for a Monitored Retrievable Storage (MRS) Facility. Topics discussed include: materials handling; processing; support systems; support utilities; spent fuel; high-level radioactive wastes and storage; field drywell storage; ALARA consideration; safety considerations; and design approach. (KJD)

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Advanced development of a pressurized ash agglomerating fluidized-bed coal gasification system. Environmental, health, and safety studies associated with the technology development program, FY 1982

Westinghouse Electric Corporation is engaged in the development of a pressurized, fluidized-bed gasification process at its Waltz Mill Site in Madison, Pennsylvania. With the sponsorship of the Department of Energy, its precursor agencies, and the Gas Research Institute, Westinghouse has conducted this development from 1975 to March 1980 under Contract EF-77-C-01-1514, from March 1980 to January 1982 under contract AC21-80-ET14752, and from January 1982 to May 1983 under Contract AC21-82MC19122. The overall objective of the program is to demonstrate the viability of the Westinghouse process for the environmentally acceptable production of low- and medium-Btu fuel gas from a variety of fossilized carbonaceous feedstocks for electrical power generation, synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks, and industrial fuels. This report presents the results of environmental, health and safety studies conducted during the technology development to 1982. Relatively few environmental studies were conducted from 1975 to 1980, with the exception of solid wastes, since technology develoment was the primary impetus. Similarly the health and safety studies performed were primarily to ensure a safe working environment. During the 1980 to 1982 period, however, work was specifically initiated to expand the environmental data base supporting Westinghouse gasification technology and to continue health and safety work. The results, with their implications, are contained herein. 23 figs., 114 tabs.

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Underground coal gasification:  the leading technology for lower-priced gas from coal

The synthetic fuel field is in trouble today. Under the combined weight of large capital costs and uncertain fuel prices, the major projects have been failing at a fast rate. While this has been happening, underground coal gasification (UCG) has been proceeding forward to an extent not generally appreciated. Its capital costs are low; its price forecasts are very attractive. Underground coal gasification is described as the leading third generation contender as a source of low cost, clean fuel and synthesis gas.

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Case study of an application of computer mapping in oil-shale resource mapping

The Laramie Energy Technology Center, U.S. Department of Energy, is responsible for evaluating the resources of potential oil and the deposit characteristics of oil shales of the Green River Formation in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. While the total oil shale resource represents perhaps 2 trillion barrels of oil, only parts of this total are suitable for any particular development process. To evaluate the resource according to deposit characteristics, a computer system for making resource calculations and geological maps has been established. The system generates resource tables where the calculations have been performed over user-defined geological intervals. The system also has the capability of making area calculations and generating resource maps of geological quality. The graphics package that generates the maps uses corehole assay data and digitized map data. The generated maps may include the following features: selected drainages, towns, political boundaries, township and section surveys, and corehole locations. The maps are then generated according to user-defined scales.

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Heavy oil from Kentucky tar sands via a wet combustion process

While the world resource base of tar sands, bitumen or heavy oil is extremely large, improved technology is needed to effectively develop this resource base as a source of petroleum products. The development of an improved in situ wet combustion process for the production of heavy oil from tar sands in the Big Clifty formation of Western Kentucky is discussed. A one acre inverted 7-spot pattern was constructed in the summer and fall of 1981, and through March of 1983 6005 barrels of 10 API oil were produced, representing 22.5% of the oil-in-place on the one acre pattern. Very satisfactory production rates and air/oil ratios were achieved. Ultimate recovery using this improved wet combustion technology is estimated at approximately 50% of oil-in-place. Heavy oil production costs, including investment amortization and interest, of $13-$17/barrel are projected for production of heavy oil from the Kentucky tar sands using this approach. The technical approach used on this project should have significant potential for application to other heavy oil or bitumen deposits.

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