AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Analysis of transient temperature distribution in oil shale due to heat source propagating in retort

The initial-boundary-value problem for the transient temperature fields in oil shale, which is heated by a propagating combustion flame in an in situ retort chimney, is formulated and solved analytically. The heat source of the flame is represented by a Gaussian distribution, which models the average statistical variations in radial and axial flame extensions, and is assumed to build up to maximum strength in accordance with a temporal relaxation process. The transient temperature fields in the oil shale surrounding the retort are calculated and discussed with respect to their spatial variations and dependence on the flame relaxation time. The theoretical temperature distributions are shown to be consistent with those observed experimentally. The high-temperature core extends less than a retort radius into the surrounding shale bed. This result has implications for (1) the in situ retort design and (2) the environmental impact of in situ retorts. It appears that the spacing between neighboring retorts can be reduced and that the thermal effects of retorts on the environment are less severe than previously anticipated. 12 references.

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Effect of pressure, time and composition on oil-water-surfactant systems for tertiary oil recovery. Final report

The scope and objectives of this work are as follows: (1) To determine the effect of pressure on interfacial tension in systems that are relevant to tertiary oil recovery. (2) To investigate the effect of pressure on the phase behavior of such systems. Both of these questions have a connection with mass transfer and dynamic liquid-liquid interfacial tension. (3) To investigate the nature of the microemulsion phase, and the occurrence, properties and behavior of microemulsions in general. (4) One objective that was not originally stated for the work was to elucidate an anomalous sedimentation effect that was discovered in the course of the study. This report is submitted in two subdivisions. These comprise, first (Part III of the report) 4 abstracts of the work of Dr. M.V. Ostrovsky, on microemulsions per se and the effect of pressure and time on interfacial tension. The second subdivision (Part IV of the report) consists of the work of Mr. Chan, Miss Chen and Miss Broers, on the effect of pressure on phase equilibria, and on the discovery of an anomalously rapid rate of sedimentation in microemulsions. Abstracts of their theses are presented. In addition, abstracts of two papers on anomalous sedimentation in systems containing microemulsions are presented.

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Adequacy of conventional world oil resources into the next century

This review focuses on world developments of the past five years that will influence the supply of crude oil into the next century. The current oil surplus on world markets is misleading since it is due to both conservation and fuel switching, and not improved discovery rates. Similarly, the shift in sources of imported oil to the US from the Middle East to producers such as Mexico, Canada, and the UK, although reassuring, may be short-lived. Discoveries such as Hibernia, Canada, offshore Ivory Coast, and Canada's Beaufort Sea have proved substantial, but hostile environments and challenging technical problems promise to make development slow and costly. Discoveries that are yet to be evaluated, such as the South China Sea, Campos basin, Brazil, Corte Norte, and Colombia, appear to be giant finds, but by themselves cannot compensate for production declines anticipated in the North Sea, Mexico, and elsewhere outside of the Middle East. In the US, offshore areas in the Gulf of Mexico, California, and Alaska show great promise, but only the Gulf and California holds hope for counterbalancing in a timely fashion the declining production in traditional onshore areas. It is unlikely that reserves plus oil yet to be discovered will be able to meet world demand much beyond the first quarter of the next century. The enormous amounts of oil in the form of tar sands and oil shale will eventually be developed; however, they cannot completely compensate for declining production of conventional curde oil. In response to shrinking volumes of oil on world markets, temporary shortages and supply interruptions are to be expected before the total amount of recoverable oil is depleted. 62 refs., 14 figs., 5 tabs.

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Compendium reports on oil shale technology

This document considers the various production processes (mining, retorting, and oil upgrading) and key environmental factors (organic and inorganic characterization, environmental control, and limitations) related to oil shale development. This state-of-the-art survey supports a study designing a groundwater quality monitoring program for oil shale operations such as that proposed for Federal Oil Shale Lease Tracts U-a and U-b located in northeastern Utah. Hence, the reports emphasize technologies applicable to this development while also providing a general overview of oil shale technology.

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Analysis of the environmental control technology for tar sand development

The environmental technology for control of air pollution, water pollution, and for the disposal, stabilization, and vegetation of the waste tar sand were thoroughly investigated. Although some difficulties may be encountered in any of these undertakings, it seems clear that the air and water pollution problems can be solved to meet any applicable standard. Currently there are two large-scale plants producing liquid fuels from tar sands in Alberta, Canada which use similar technology involving surface mining, hot water extraction, and surface disposal of waste sand. These projects all meet the Canadian environmental control regulations in force at the time they began. The largest US deposits of tar sands are much smaller than the Canadian; 95 percent are located in the state of Utah. Their economics do not appear as attractive as the Canadian deposits. The environmental control costs are not large enough to make an otherwise economic project uneconomic. The most serious environmental conflict likely to occur over the recovery of liquid fuels from the US deposits of tar sands is that caused by the proximity of the deposits to national parks, national monuments, and a national recreation area in Utah. These areas have very stringent air pollution requirements; and even if the air pollution control requirements can be met, there may still be adequate opposition to large-scale mining ventures in these areas to prevent their commercial exploitation. Another environmental constraint may be water rights availability.Essentially all of the water running in the Colorado river basin is now legally allocated. Barring new interpretations of the legality of water rights purchase, Utah tar sands developments should be able to obtain water by purchasing existing irrigation water rights.

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Data base of all known, published data on trace elements in oil shale and its products

A computerized bibliographic data base has been developed by Western Research Institute (WRI) for storage and retrieval of literature references pertinent to trace elements in oil shale and its products. This data base is a Compendium of Oil Shale Trace Metals literature (COSTM). It provides assistance for researchers in obtaining oil shale trace element literature references in their specific area of interest. Over 500 references were obtained and evaluated. Three hundred and seventy-five of these references were suitable for entry in the data base. Retrieval can be made by several specific data parameters. 4 figs.

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Environmental chemistry of oil shale development. Interim technical progress report, January 1-August 1, 1983

The research discussed encompasses several projects on the release, transport and effects of contamination related to oil shale production and with the development of strategies for mitigation such as waste water treatment. The projects include studies on: (1) pollutant release mechanisms; (2) the interaction of oil shale-related leachates; (3) microbial trace metal mobilization in plant-soil-spent shale systems; and (4) effects of retort water and co-disposal on air and water quality.

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Pressure drops during low void volume combustion retorting of oil shale

Stacks of cut oil shale bricks were combustion retorted in a batch, pilot scale sized retort at low void volumes (overall voids ranged from 8.4% to 18.4%). Retort pressure drops increased during retorting at least one order of magnitude. The Ergun equation and Darcy's law have been used by several researchers and organizations as diagnostic tools on oil shale retorts. These equations were tested on the uniformly packed retort reported in this paper to evaluate how well the equations represented the experimental conditions. Use of the Ergun equation to estimate the average particle size from retort pressure drops gave answers that were only approximately correct. Calculation of retort pressure drops from Darcy's law during retorting at low void volumes will probably give answers that are several times too small. Thermal expansion of the shale during retorting decreases retort permeability greatly and calculation of the decreased permeability is not possible at the present level of technology.

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Model of hydrocarbon generation from Type I kerogen: application to Uinta basin, Utah

The authors have developed a computer model that can predict when and how much oil and gas are generated from a source rock during its burial and later uplift. Kinetic parameters for the oil and gas generation reactions are obtained from high-pressure pyrolysis experiments carried out over a wide range of heating rates and temperatures. In their kinetic model, which applies only to Green River shale, they use a single activation energy of 52.4 kcal/mole and different pre-exponential factors for different products of primary pyrolysis, which allows them to extrapolate laboratory-derived kinetics to geologic heating rates. This model is in contrast to the wide distributions of activation energies or artificially low apparent activation energies used in some models of petroleum formation. When extrapolated to geologic heating rates on the order of 10/sup 0/C/m.y., their kinetics show that the temperature of the maximum rate of oil generation (T/sub p/) changes by about 15/sup 0/C when the heating rate is changed by an order of magnitude. Changes in pressure have relatively minor effects on the kinetics of oil generation but are important for gas generation reactions. They used geophysical data from oil fields in the Uinta basin of Utah to develop a thermal history model of Green River Formation source rocks. This time-temperature history was used to predict the maturation level of the kerogen at a given depth and to predict changes in the compositional characteristics of the oil. The shape of calculated oil generation rate curves, as a function of depth in the basin, mimics the shape of the overpressure curves; this similarity suggests that oil-gas generation may be an important cause of overpressuring. Maturation levels and compositional characteristics of the oil predicted by their model agree very well with characteristics of the oil recovered from the basin. 18 figures, 6 tables.

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High temperature mineral alteration of oil shale from an in-situ retorting experiment. Final report, September 1, 1981-May 15, 1983

This project was undertaken to determine the effects of in-situ processing on oil shale minerals. The ''burn''from which the samples were obtained was carried out by Geokinetics Inc. at a site 112 km south of Vernal, Utah. Selected samples of a core which was drilled near the center of the burn were examined by Fourier transform spectroscopy. A sample of the hottest section of the ''burn''core was also examined by scanning electron microscopy. For comparison core samples from a control hole drilled about 30 m outside the retorted zone were used in a series of laboratory retorting experiments from 600 to 1000/sup 0/C. The products from the latter were examined by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microsopy. Data from the above exploratory experiments led to tentative conclusions about the temperature distribution in the ''burn''core. 1 ref., 14 figs.

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Aerosol sampling and characterization in the developing US oil-shale industry

Aerosol sampling and characterization studies of workplace air were conducted at four demonstration-scale oil shale facilities located in northwestern Colorado and northeastern Utah. These facilities consisted of an underground mining/aboveground retorting facility, two modified in situ retorting facilities with associated underground mining, and a true in situ retorting facility. Emphasis was placed on study of the retorting phase of operation at these facilities. Aerosol samples were collected on filter media by high volume air samplers, low volume portable sampling pumps with or without cyclone pre-separators, and cascade impactors. Samples were analyzed to determine total and respirable dust concentrations, particle size distributions, free silica content, total benzene or cyclohexane extractables, and selected polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Total and respirable dust were observed to range from very low to very high concentrations, with significant free silica content. Measurable levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons were also observed at each of the facilities.

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Kinetic study of NO/sub x/ formation and removal processes in combustion streams. Fourth quarterly technical progress report, March 1, 1983-May 31, 1983

The production of nitric oxide from combustion of hydrocarbon fuels with air has been recognized to be a serious potential health hazard. In dirtier fuels such as coal and oil shale, a major source of nitric oxide occurs due to the reactions of small hydrocarbon fragments with the nitrogen in the air. These reactions take place in the rich part of the combustion flame and are termed the Prompt-NO mechanism. However, the detailed reaction sequence and rates of these reactions are not well known. The purpose of this work is to directly measure key reaction rates of the CH radical and subsequent HCN reactions which form the basis for Prompt-NO production. During this quarter, efforts have been focussed on development of a better source for CH radicals. Work continues to progress on a chemical model to elucidate the key reaction mechanisms affecting the formation of nitric oxide in the rich part of the flame.

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Nitric oxide (NO) emissions from combustion of retorted oil shale

Emissions of nitric oxide (NO) from combustion of retorted Colorado oil shale are of concern, because they are approximately equal to limits allowed for coal combustion when compared on an equivalent energy basis. The fraction of nitrogen (N) in retorted shale released as NO increases with combustion temperature and is as high as 20% at 550 to 700/sup 0/C. All NO comes from shale, not from N/sub 2/ in air, at these temperatures. Another factor increasing NO emissions is the N content of the fuel, which in turn is affected by the presence of oxidized shale (used as a heat carrier in some processes) during retorting of raw shale. During recycle-type retorting processes, when raw shale is retorted by being mixed with hot, oxidized shale, coke is deposited on the oxidized shale. This coke becomes a fuel in subsequent combustion, and the NO/CO/sub 2/ ratio from the combustion of the coke is approximately the same as from the combustion of retorted shale. Finally, release of most of the NO during combustion follows the release of most of the CO/sub 2/ and H/sub 2/O. Thus, emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO/sub x/) from retorted-shale combustors may be substantially reduced by limiting the extent of char combustion. 23 refs., 12 figs., 4 tabs.

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Method for in situ coal gasification operations

An in situ coal gasification process adapted for large scale commercial projects is provided. Techniques are provided to insure establishment of a gasification front over the full seam thickness as each successive injection well in the array is brought on line. This is accomplished by  controlling the oxidant introduction in a prescribed manner during the early stages of injection after pneumatic communication between well pairs has been established. Also provided are techniques and standards for avoiding or controlling subsidence and for conducting gasification operations in free water laden seams and in coal seams subject to spontaneous combustion.

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Wastewater treatment systems for synthetic fuels plants based on peat and oil shale

This paper briefly describes the wastewater treatment systems being used or proposed for use in synthetic fuel projects which are based on peat and oil shale and which were under consideration by the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation (SFC) as of January 1984. The spectrum of projects under consideration by the SFC at today's date is, as expected, somewhat different. The wastewater technologies utilized are functions of three major factors: Nature of the fossil fuel raw material; Nature of the fuel conversion process; Site-specific considerations, i.e., zero discharge of wastewater. As a result of the above factors, plus the individual project choices for wastewater technology, one finds little commonality in approach. Source material for this paper, unless otherwise noted, was derived from internal files and from information submitted to the SFC in project proposals. All material was reviewed with sponsors prior to this presentation.

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Distribution of mercury during simulated in situ oil shale retorting

This paper reports the first continuous, real-time measurements of Hg in process gases. Mercury in offgases from a steam/air/N/sub 2/ run of a 20-kg laboratory in situ retort was monitored for 78 h by using Zeeman atomic absorption spectroscopy. A good mass balance was obtained, and 95% of the Hg (1391 ..mu..g) was recovered; 76% was present in the gases, 13% in the spent shale, 9% in the shale oil, and 3% in the retort water. The offgas Hg was nonuniformly emitted in a series of pulses during the final one-third of the run. Studies of four other incomplete runs revealed that Hg accumulates in unretorted shale ahead of the reaction zone. This Hg travels down the shale bed in advance of the reaction zone and is released into the gases when the temperature at the bottom of the bed reaches about 300/sup 0/C.

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Environment, safety, and health annual report, fiscal year 1982

During FY82, Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC) was DOE's lead center for coal gasification, fluidized-bed combustion, unconventional gas recovery, gas stream cleanup, components, combined cycle component integration, and instrumentation and control technologies. Part of METC's overall research effort is the responsibility for monitoring and managing the environmental, safety, and health concerns of each project it supports. This report describes these efforts during FY82. The Environmental Protection Management Program includes monitoring for compliance to standards for air emissions, water/wastewater, and solids/hazardous wastes. In addition, technical assistance in these areas is provided to both on- and off-site projects. During 1982, significant strides were made in implementation of the Wastewater Management Plan. The plan proposed a facility that will serve the environmental needs of METC for the future. The safety program at METC has been expanded from the original safety office to meet the needs of a growing number of projects and personnel and to provide broad safety analysis as test equipment and controls become more complicated. A Process Safety and Environment Committee and a Field Safety Committee are utilized to work with the safety office in responding to on- and off-site safety needs. In response of an increased emphasis on health hazards, the industrial hygiene program has expanded. A comprehensive program includes workplace health management, periodic inspections, exposure evaluations, chemical inventories, and respiratory protection. There was an increased emphasis on employee on-the-job training and general interest training. 7 figures, 1 table.

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Integral Monitored Retrievable Storage (MRS) Facility conceptual basis for design

The purpose of the Conceptual Basis for Design is to provide a control document that establishes the basis for executing the conceptual design of the Integral Monitored Retrievable Storage (MRS) Facility. This conceptual design shall provide the basis for preparation of a proposal to Congress by the DOE for construction of one or more MRS Facilities for the storage of spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive waste, and transuranic (TRU) waste.

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NMR and GC/MS investigation of the saturate and distillate fractions from the Cerro Negro heavy petroleum crude

Six fractions of the Cerro Negro heavy petroleum crude have been evaluated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The fractions include four saturated hydrocarbon distillate fractions distilling above 200/sup 0/C (200 to 425/sup 0/C (392 to 797/sup 0/F), 425 to 550/sup 0/C (797 to 1022/sup 0/F), 550 to 700/sup 0/C (1022 to 1292/sup 0/F), and >700/sup 0/C (>1292/sup 0/F)) and two distillate subfractions designated as <200/sup 0/C and >200/sup 0/C. The >700/sup 0/C and 550 to 700/sup 0/C saturated hydrocarbon fractions are not suited for analyses by combined GC/MS because their distillation ranges are higher than the upper limit of material that will elute from the gas chromatographic column. The /sup 1/H and /sup 13/C NMR spectral data for the 550 to 700/sup 0/C and >700/sup 0/C fractions indicate that normal and branched alkanes with an average carbon chainlength of C/sub 10/ are present but must be bonded to a larger molecular moiety based upon mass spectral evidence and boiling point considerations. Normal and branched alkanes were not detected in either 200 to 425/sup 0/C or 425 to 550/sup 0/C samples at concentrations of 0.01% by weight. NMR data for the 200 to 425/sup 0/C fraction give no indication of normal alkanes with C chainlengths >9. Branched alkanes possibly of the isoprenoid-like structure are present. The average molecular structural representation is an alkyl-substituted dicyclic alkane. Average molecular structural representation for the 425 to 550/sup 0/C fraction is also an alkyl-substituted dicyclic alkane. However, at least one of the alkyl substituents has a chainlength >10. Both normal and branched alkanes of C/sub 7-12/ were detected in the <200/sup 0/C subfraction. Alkanes of C/sub 12-31/ were in the >200/sup 0/C sample. /sup 1/H and /sup 13/C spectra for both subfractions indicate similar chemical composition. 12 refs., 6 figs., 8 tabs.

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