AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
A novel instrumented heat transfer tube for fluidization research. Topical report, January 1991--June 1992

A novel heat transfer probe capable of measuring simultaneously the time varying heat transfer coefficient around the surface of a heat transfer tube and the time varying static pressure fluctuations in the vicinity of the tube surface was built and tested. The probe consisted of a 2`` OD -- 1 inch ID stainless steel tube with a surface mounted thermocouple and pressure taps above and below the thermocouple flush with the surface of the tube. Simultaneous surface temperature data and local static pressure fluctuations were measured at different fluidizing conditions in beds of fine, 250 micron, sand. Time varying heat transfer coefficients were obtained by solving the unsteady conduction equation in the wall of the tube using the surface temperature measurements as the time varying boundary condition. Heat transfer coefficients obtained by this technique were of similar magnitude to those measured in similar beds at similar conditions. The time varying static pressure fluctuations obtained from the two pressure taps mounted in the tube wall contained considerable noise which made comparison, using Fourier Transform Techniques, of the temperature and pressure data impossible. However, visual observations of the two sets of data suggest that a correlation may exist but would require the filtering or elimination of noise from the pressure transducer.

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Modeling of hydrologic conditions and solute movement in processed oil shale waste embankments under simulated climatic conditions. Annual report, October 1991--September 1992

The scope of the original research program and of its continuation is to study interacting hydrologic, geotechnical, and chemical factors affecting the behavior and disposal of combusted processed oil shale. The research combines bench-scale testing with large-scale testing sufficient to describe commercial-scale embankment behavior. The large-scale testing was accomplished by constructing five lysimeters, each 7.3{times}3.0{times}3.0 m deep, filled with processed oil shale that has been retorted and combusted by the Lurgi-Ruhrgas (Lurgi) process (Schmalfield 1975). Approximately 400 tons of Lurgi processed oil shale waste was provided by Rio Blanco Oil Shale Co., Inc. to carry out this study. Three of the lysimeters were established at the RBOSC Tract C-a in the Piceance Basin near Rifle, Colorado. Two lysimeters were established in the Environmental Simulation Laboratory (ESL) at UW. The ESL was specifically designed and constructed so that a large range of climatic conditions could be physically applied to the processed oil shale which was placed in the lysimeter cells. This report discusses and summarizes results from scientific efforts conducted between October 1991 and September 1992 for Fiscal Year 1992.

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Engineering models for the gas-solid motion and interaction in the return loop of circulating fluidized beds. Topical report, January 1992--June 1992

It is reported on development, testing and verification of engineering models for predicting the pressure drop, the solids flow rate, and the downcoming gas flow rate through an L-valve for a given aeration flow rate. The models are, in particular, applicable for studying the one-dimensional gas-solids motion through the return loop of a circulating fluidized bed. A literature review is presented in a comparative manner. One-dimensional transient equations governing the dense two-phase flows are derived. Those equations are then used to deduce relevant characteristic dimensionless parameters. Experimental data from literature have been analyzed and empirical correlations are suggested. A calculation procedure is proposed for predicting relevant gas and solid flow parameters. The model is based on integrated conservation equations for mass and momentum for both phases. Some experiments of our own have been performed and the data have been analyzed. The model is calibrated against experimental data.

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Sampling and analyses report, postburn sampling for RM1 Site, Hanna, Wyoming

Between September 6, 1988 and September 14, 1988, Western Research Institute (WRI) completed the third quarterly Rocky Mountain 1 (RM1) groundwater monitoring for the year 1988. Background material and the sampling and analytical procedures associated with this task are described in the {open_quotes}Rocky Mountain 1 Postburn Groundwater-Monitoring Quality-Assurance Plan,{close_quotes} prepared by Western Research Institute for the Gas Research Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy.

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Advanced gas turbine systems research. Quarterly report, January--March, 1994

The Department of Energy is sponsoring a series of studies related to advanced gas turbine systems. Ten universities participated in the first round studies, and an additional 13 studies have been funded this year. The five areas being covered are heat transfer, aerodynamics, materials, combustion, and dynamics. Summaries are given for the 6-month progress on the 1993 subcontract studies and on the planned research for the new subcontract studies.

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Development of hollow fiber catalytic membrane reactors for high temperature gas cleanup. Final report, September 1989--March 1994

The objective of this project was to develop economically and technically viable catalytic membrane reactors for high temperature, high pressure gaseous contaminant control in Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) systems. These catalytic membrane reactors decompose H{sub 2}S and separate the reaction products. The reactors were designed to operate in the hostile process environment of the IGCC systems, and at temperatures ranging from 500 to 1000{degrees}C. Severe conditions encountered in the IGCC process (e.g., 900{degrees}C, containing of H{sub 2}S, CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O) make it impossible to use polymeric membranes in the process. A list of inorganic membranes that can be employed in the membrane reactor includes Pd metallic membranes, molecular-sieve glass membranes (PPG Industries), porous Vycor glass membranes and porous sol-gel derived membranes such as alumina, zirconia. Alumina and zirconia membranes, however, cannot withstand for a long time at high temperatures in the presence of water vapors. Palladium membranes are a very promising class of inorganic membranes for gas separations that is currently under development. In this project two different types of membranes were used in the design of the membrane reactor -- molecular-sieve glass membrane and Vycor glass porous membrane.

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Site selection, drilling, and completion of two horizontal wells in the Devonian Shales of West Virginia. Final report

This report presents a summary of the geologic site selection studies, planning, drilling, completing, stimulating, and testing of two horizontal wells drilled in the Devonian Shales of the Appalachian Basin in West Virginia. Each horizontal well was designed and managed by BDM as the prime contractor to the Department of Energy. The first well was drilled with industry partner Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation in Putnam County, West Virginia. The second well was drilled with Consolidated Natural Gas Company in Calhoun County, West Virginia. This report summarizes four reports prepared by BDM which detail the site selection rationale and the drilling and completion operations of each well. Each horizontal well is currently producing commercial quantities of hydrocarbons. The successful application of horizontal well technology represent continued development of the technology for application to tight and unconventional natural gas resources of the United States. Continued technology development is expected to ultimately result in commercial horizontal well drilling activity by industry in the Appalachian Basin.

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Assessment of Research Needs for Oil Recovery from Heavy-Oil Sources and Tar Sands (FERWG-IIIA)

The Fossil Energy Research Working Group (FERWG), at the request of J.W. Mares (Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy) and A.W. Trivelpiece (Director, Office of Energy Research), has reviewed and evaluated the U.S. programs on oil recovery from heavy oil sources and tar sands. These studies were performed in order to provide an independent assessment of research areas that affect the prospects for oil recovery from these sources. This report summarizes the findings and research recommendations of FERWG.

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Hot-gas injection in Asphalt Ridge tar sand

Bench-scale experiments were conducted in a one-dimensional reactor to evaluate the potential of hot-gas injection for the in situ recovery of oil from tar sand. The use of hot gas was examined both as a preheating technique before a steamflood and as an alternative oil recovery process utilizing bitumen pyrolysis. Process results were compared with results from previous thermal recovery experiments utilizing steam displacement and reverse combustion. Hot-gas injection can be successfully used to preheat tar sand provided a reasonably slow heating rate is maintained. Preheat temperatures up to 500/sup 0/F (260/sup 0/C) can be achieved producing a viscous oil bank, which could form a liquid blockage and plug the tar sand matrix. The oil recovery from the subsequent steamflood experiment approached 42 wt. % of the initial bitumen, which is identical to the oil recovery from previous electrically preheated steamflood tests and indicates that the bitumen was not adversely affected by extended preheating periods at low heating rates. Oil yields from hot-gas injection improved with increasing temperatures, ranging from 9 to 73 wt. % of the initial bitumen as process temperatures were increased from 520/sup 0/F (270/sup 0/C) to 1040/sup 0/F (560/sup 0/C). Since bitumen pyrolysis was not observed at temperatures below about 600/sup 0/F (315/sup 0/C), the oil yield below the pyrolysis temperature was probably caused by the viscosity reduction and thermal expansion of the bitumen. Steamflooding appears to be the least efficient thermal process evaluated for the recovery of oil from Asphalt Ridge tar sand, whereas reverse combustion and hot-gas pyrolysis yield greater net gains in energy production. 12 refs., 2 figs., 5 tabs.

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Field-scale experiment in underground gasification of coal at Pricetown, West Virginia

In October 1979, U. S. Department of Energy successfully completed an underground coal gasification field test in eastern bituminous coal near Pricetown, WV. The primary objective of this project was to determine the viability of linked vertical well technology to recover the energy from an unminable high rank bituminous coal in place and to recover the product gas. A 900-foot deep, 6-foot thick seam of eastern coal was selected for the field test. The field test consisted of three major phases: reverse combustion linkage, link enhancement, and gasification. A methane rich gas with an average heating value of approximately 237 BTU/scf was produced at low air injection flowrates during the reverse combustion linkage phase. Heating value of approximately 237 BTU/scf was produced at low air injection flowrates during the reverse combustion linkage phase. Heating value of the has produced during the link enhancement phase was 209 BTU/scf. The actual heating value of the gas would be somewhat higher due to small concentrations of higher hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, etc., present in the gas which were not accounted for in calculation of BTU of the gas. The high methane concentration was attributed to various sources, including free methane in the coal seam, pyrolysis, hydrocracking of oils and tars, and methanation of CO and H2. During the gasification phase, gas with an average heating value of 121 BTU/scf was produced, which resulted in an average energy production of 346 MM BTU/day.

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Microwave drying of fine coal. Report of Investigations/1986

The objective of this research by the Bureau of Mines was to determine the technical feasibility and associated pilot data for drying minus 1/4-in coal with microwave energy at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The drying data were obtained experimentally on three coal types: bituminous, sub bituminous, and lignite. The experiments were performed with a custom designed conveyorized microwave oven having a continuous power capability of 12 KW. Drying efficiencies near the theoretical maximum of 1.54 kg of water per kilowatt hour of energy input were achieved for two coals and two sizes; overall drying efficiencies averaged 77 pct.

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Estimated costs of gasifying coal in place:  study based on electrolinking and hydraulic fracturing experiments of Bureau of Mines. [Major factors in operating costs are height of overburden, power costs, and thermal efficiency]

An economic analysis of underground gasification of coal, based on experimental results obtained by the Bureau of Mines, indicates that a gas suitable for use in a power plant might be produced for approximately $.62 to $.77 per million British thermal units. This estimate does not included cost of land purchase. The gasification experiments were conducted in a 3-ft. seam of high volatile A bituminous coal.

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Physical-chemical treatment of tar sand processing wastewater:  Task No. 3. Dewatering of foamate residuals; Task No. 4. Leaching potential of sludges; and Task No. 5. Summary of economic considerations. Final report

The dewatering properties of residuals generated by flotation/foam fractionation treatment of TS-1S wastewater were evaluated. The leachate potential was studied for both chemical coagulation and flotation/foam fractionation sludges. A preliminary economic analysis was made comparing selected sludge disposal options and summarizing previously reported economic analysis of the chemical treatment alternatives.

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Atmospheric tracer investigation of fugitive-emissions transport in the Colorado oil shale region

Atmospheric tracer experiments were conducted in July 1981 to investigate transport and dispersion of fugitive emissions in the complex terrain near the federal oil shale lease Tract C-e in Colorado. In anticipation that spent-shale disposal areas could become prime fugitive emissions sources, the atmospheric tracer gas SF/sub 6/ was released from a proposed spent shale disposal area. The SF/sub 6/ tracer gas release rate was 26 kg/h. The tracer release height was near respiration height (about 1.5 m). Airborne SF/sub 6/ tracer gas concentrations were sampled at 32 radio-controlled bag-sampling stations (15 minute sampling times) and along roads with syringe grab-samplers. Sampling sites were from 0.6 to 13-km from the tracer-gas release site. There were four experimental time periods for releasing and sampling tracer gas, two evening and two morning time periods. Results include information on the following: a time-history of pollutant concentration changes upwind and in gulches before, during, and after sunrise; identification of major transport flow paths in the evening and morning; and pollutant mixing and channeling in valleys and downwind of valley confluences.

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Lithium niobate free-field stress measuring system for the Rock Springs, Wyoming, oil shale in situ retorting experiment of the U. S. Bureau of Mines

High explosive rubblizing of oil shale in situ for retort preparation was studied in a Bureau of Mines experiment in May 1974. Sandia Laboratories collaborated in that experiment on stress wave and other measurements to document the fracturing process and its result. Nine specially designed piezoelectric free field stress gages using lithium niobate crystals were installed in an array to monitor the propagating stress wave. This report describes the design and characteristics of the sensors and related signal conditioning equipment used in the field experiment.

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Permeability changes and compaction of broken oil shale during retorting. [Effects of overburden pressure, temperature, time, and shale grade on permeability and compaction of broken shale bed]

The Bureau of Mines conducted laboratory experiments to determine the change during retorting in the apparent permeability and the degree of compaction of beds of broken oil shale. Grades of oil shale studied ranged from 20.6 to 46.7 gallons of oil per ton, and the simulated overburden pressures applied to the shale were from 300 to 900 psi. Linear regression analysis of the data produced equations describing the response of the oil shale. Oil shales of approximately 20 gpt experience only minor apparent permeability reductions under test conditions, but richer shales lose essentially all permeability. The permeability reductions were accompained by corresponding decreases in bed height that ranged up to 37 percent of the original bed height.

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Gas combustion retorting of oil shale under Anvil Points Lease Agreement, Stage II

This report presents results of the research and development work and operations performed during stage II of the gas combustion retorting research program conducted by the Colorado School of Mines Anvil Points Research Facilities.  The experimental program, including retort modifications and air-gas distribution development, effects of shale quality and particle size distribution, and other variables on the process, is discussed.  Although operating problems are not fully resolved, it appears that the gas combustion retorting process can be successfully applied to achieve oil yields in excess of 85 per cent of Fischer assay at mass shale feed rates of 500 pounds per hour per square foot of cross-sectional bed area, approximately twice the rate previously demonstrated to be reasonably practicable.

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Refining of crude shale oil produced by in-situ retorting

Crude shale oil produced in successful in situ combustion retorting experiments by the Bureau of Mines at Rock Springs, Wyoming has characteristics that are somewhat different from those of shale oil crudes produced in either N-T-U or gas combustion retorts. Its gravity, pour point, and viscosity are such that that it could be pipelined directly to a refinery without further processing. In addition to a lower specific gravity, viscosity, and pour point, this in situ crude oil contains more than twice as much naphtha and light distillate as gas combustion or N-T-U crudes produced by other processes. These properties indicate that in situ crude is similar to coker distillates from other crude shale oils.

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Some effects of pressure on the hydrocracking of crude shale oil. Cobalt molybdate catalyst. [Effects on removal of S and N, saturation and volume-percent yields of total liquid products]

Crude shale produced by gas combustion retorting of Green River oil shale was hydrocracked over a cobalt molybdate catalyst at operating pressures of 500, 1000, 1500, and 3000 psig, an operating temperature of 890 degrees F, and a liquid hourly space velocity of 1.0. Hydrogen feed rate was maintained at 6,000 scf/bbl. The volume-percent yields of total liquid product were directly proportional to the operating pressure. Weight-percent conversion and volume-percent yields of gasoline were directly proportional to the log of the operating pressure. Catalyst deposit percentages were inversely proportional to the log of the operating pressure. Nitrogen and sulfur removal rates as well as saturation of the liquid products increased as the operating pressure was increased.

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Oil yields and characteristics of Green River Formation oil shales at WOSCO EX-1, Uintah County, Utah. [Prospects for nuclear fracturing and in-situ retorting]

"Detailed oil yield, lithologic, and mineral distribution data are  presented for core and drill-cutting samples from the Western Oil Shale Corp. Project Utah EX-1 Corehole (WOSCO EX-1), drilled to sample a deep buried oil-shale sequence in the Green River Formation of Utah's Uinta Basin. Drilling of this corehole was part of the evaluation of this site for possible oil-shale development by nuclear explosion. Sections sufficiently thick for nuclear development average 15 gallons per ton or less and consist predominantly of low-grade shales. Some properties of low-grade shales may be advantageous to a nuclear experiment by facilitating breakage, fracture development, and in situ retorting. The formation correlates precisely with the well-studied oil shales 25 miles east near the Colorado border. A 235-foot mineralized section containing nahcolite, shortite, and searlesite whose  bottom lies 300 feet above the Mahogany zone is described."

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Energy from true in-situ processing of Antrim shale:  methane burner ignition system

A rugged yet simple burner that can be easily ignited and reignited is a necessity if in situ thermal methods of energy extraction are to be feasible. During extraction trials at the Dow Chemical Company's oil shale site at Peck, Michigan such a burner was utilized. The performance of the TOR Development burner and ignitor system proved to be reliable and practical under field conditions. However, some recently discovered measures are crucial in protecting the burner and associated downhole hardware. With such precautions burner life was extended by a factor of 15. In the first trial burner life was two days and in the second trial the burner remained intact at least thirty days. Also described is a system which monitored burner performance by continuously analyzing burner exhaust gases. A slip stream sampling technique utilized the high well pressure to transport, at nearly Mach I, a sample of burner exhaust gas to the analytical trailer. There the sample was analyzed for CO, CO/sub 2/, unburned hydrocarbons, and O/sub 2/ by a bank of high speed process gas analyzers. Burner flameouts could be detected in less than 2 minutes. Also the system allowed burner (air/fuel) ratios to be determined on a real time basis. These ratios were used for (1) setting the proper air-fuel mixtures for ignition and steady state operation, (2) leak detection, (3) estimation of burner deterioration after extended use, and (4) study of the burner's steady state and transient response characteristics.

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Paraho oil shale workers occupational health study

An occupational health and industrial hygiene study of the oil shale workers at the Department of Energy Anvil Points Oil Shale Mine and Retorting Facility near Rifle, Colorado, was conducted. This evaluation was to look specifically at the potential occupational health problems associated with the Paraho direct combustion retorting process. In addition, the mine, crushing plant, disposal, and auxiliary operations were also studied. Industrial hygiene data did not confirm any personal exposures in excess of industrial hygiene standards. However, area sampling did show that areas and operations would present significant exposures to some employees should such employees work full time in these areas. Commercial scale operations will require industrial hygiene control measures. The medical study performed on the Paraho employees indicates that there are no health problems or effects positively correlated with exposure to oil shale operations or its retorting products. The major health effect noted was from job-incurred injuries. Commercial scale operations will require periodic comprehensive medical evaluations as well as design of operations and equipment to avoid potential health and safety problems.

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