AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Gilsonite as a source of synthetic fuels

Gilsonite (uintaite) is found chiefly in the Uinta Basin of the United States, in a belt about 65 miles long extending from Rio Blanco County, Colorado, through Uintah County, Utah, into Duchesene County;  most of the important deposits are in Utah (3,4,10).  It occurs in vertical veins that vary in width from a few inches up to 22 feet, average 4 to 6 feet, and range in depth from 100 feet near the White River, on the eastern end of the belt, to about 2000 feet near Myton, Utah, on the western end, where it has been mined to a depth of 1500 feet (2). The veins contain almost no inorganic matter but  are sandwiched between sheer sandstone walls and outcrop at ;the surface, where they may be traced for several miles in a general direction from southeast to northwest (1,10).  About the turn of the century, it was estimated that these deposits contained nearly 50,000,000 tons, but more recent appraisal indicates approximately 30,000,000 tons, of which about 16,000,000 tons is considered suitable for commercial development (2).  Figure 1 shows the location and direction of the veins (11).

Tags: kmd
Geochemical survey of the western energy regions (formerly Geochemical Survey of the western coal regions). Third annual progress report, July 1976. [Geochemical survey of coal deposits, oil shales, and uranium deposits in western USA]

Data are presented from a broad scale geochemical survey of landscape materials in the major coal, uranium, and oil shale-bearing lands in the western United States. Data are included on the chemical composition of samples of rocks, soils, surface water, and plants collected in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming during 1976.

Tags: kmd
Preliminary results of five oil shale conversion experiments at Laramie Energy Research Center

Preliminary results of five oil shale conversion experiments being conducted at the Laramie Energy Research Center are presented. These include some early results from the Rock Springs, site 9, in-situ retorting experiment; concurrent gasification and retorting studies that have produced gas, exiting from the retort varying in heating value from 50 to 1300 Btu/ft/sup 3/; retorting tests with the controlled state retort using air instead of nitrogen, resulting in some variation in the obtained results; retorting oil shale under pressure which indicated only slight decreases in oil recovery when using a nitrogen atmosphere, while large increases in oil recovery were observed when using hydrogen atmosphere, and conversion of kerogen to usable products, using carbon monoxide water reaction, resulting in higher kerogen conversion at lower temperatures.

Tags: kmd
Laboratory apparatus for controlled time/temperature retorting of oil shale

An oil shale assay apparatus was developed that can be used to simulate conditions encountered during in-situ retorting. The apparatus is of simple, rugged design and can be used in experiments lasting up to a month. It can provide 100  - 0.1 percent material balance on total shale and 100  - 1 percent material balance on collected products. It can be automated easily for routine analyses, but it is also capable of single retorting experiments requiring various gas environments, flow rates, and heating conditions. When operated at the time/temperature conditions used in the Fischer assay, it gives results indistinguishable from those of the Fischer assay.

Tags: kmd
Characteristics of American coals in relation to their conversion into clean energy fuels. Quarterly technical progress report, July--September 1977. [Coal-fuel oil-water slurries]

The Penn State/ERDA Coal Sample Bank was expanded to include 201 new coal samples. A total of 68 characterized coal samples and 115 selected printouts of coal data were supplied upon request to the coal research community. Selected chemical and petrographic properties were statistically analyzed for 119 coal channel samples chosen from the Penn State/ERDA Coal Data Base. Installation of the pressurized laminar flow isotherml reactor has begun. Experiments have continued on the combustion pot; the study of the reactivity of a Koppers Company coke is now complete. Studies show that weight changes associated with preoxidation can be precisely meausred using a TGA apparatus. Water densities determined on 19 coals were lower when measured in the presence of a wetting agent. Study of the effect of reaction temperature on gasification of Saran carbon in air shows one percent platinum loading on Saran carbon increases gasification rates over the entire range of carbon burn-off. Study of the theoretical aspects of combustion of low volatile fuels was resumed. The computer model was expanded to include the effects of heat loss through the furnace walls and its effect on flame temperature profiles. Investigation of the combustion characteristics of coal-oil-water-air fuel mixtures was continued. Only through the use of non-equilibrium experiments can certain important combustion characteristics be studied, and computerized data acquisition is being developed to fully implement such methods.

Tags: kmd
Integrated environmental control technology approach to oil shale commercialization

A literature search was conducted to evaluate information about the chemistry, behavior, and distribution of environmentally hazardous water contaminants produced during extraction (above and below ground) and upgrading of shale oil, and to assess research in oil shale environmental control technology. This report details the literature pertinent to environmental control technology research. Air quality, water quality, potential surface disruption, and potential problem areas are assessed, research needs are identified, and where applicable, environmental control technologies and future research areas are indicated.

Tags: kmd
Tabular method for obtaining empirical formulas from high resolution mass spectral data

Processing of high-resolution mass spectral data produces a large number of exact masses of ions for which empirical formulas must be determined. Various methods to obtain empirical formulas from the exact masses are in use, but all methods either require extensive data processing and manipulation or lengthy tables to determine possible formulas. By considering organic ions that contain up to three heteroatoms (N, O, /sup 32/S, /sup 34/S) using the Kendrick mass scale (CH/sub 2/ = 14.0000 mass units), a minimum number of tables, based only on the decimal portion of the mass, were formed. With these tables and the exact mass of the ion, the atomic composition of an ion (C/sub n/H/sub 2n x/N/sub a/O/sub b//sup 32/S/sub c//sup 34/S/sub d/) can be determined.

Tags: kmd
Tar sand pyrolysis with product oil recycling: Progress report

Eight tests were conducted using Asphalt Ridge tar sand to determine the effects of pyrolysis temperature and residence time on oil yield and product distribution and to produce samples for the evaluation of product oil characteristics. A 48-hour test was conducted to measure the operating time required to reach a steady state with respect to the composition of product gas and the elemental compositions of light product oil and heavy recycle oil. A 30-hour test was conducted using Sunnyside tar sand to obtain preliminary data. The product oil samples were analyzed to determine the distribution of hydrocarbon types and to relate this distribution to that typical of various fuel types. No major operational difficulties were experienced with the 2-inch screw pyrolysis reactor system. Experimental results obtained from the Asphalt Ridge and Sunnyside tar sands indicate that oil yields from the ROPE/copyright/ process could be greater than yields from conventional pyrolysis processes. 3 refs., 10 figs., 41 tabs.

Tags: kmd
Comparison of flow nonuniformities in oil shale pilot retorts with those predicted by numerical flow simulations

The primary obstacle to commercial recovery of shale oil is the presence of flow nonuniformities in in situ oil shale retorts. In an effort to evaluate the causes of these nonuniformities, we have compared flow data from an experimental retort with computer flow simulations. We found that in areas where the large-scale sweep efficiency was adequate, local nonuniform flow was caused by (a) channeling in regions of high permeability (i.e., along the retort wall and around larger blocks), (b) accelerations in flow around cross-section blockages, and (c) exothermic chemical reactions that change the gas viscosity.

Tags: kmd
Identification of geotechnical parameters for the physical modeling of retorted oil shale piles. Final report

Apparent energy crises in recent years have created the need for alternative energy sources. Energy extraction from oil shale represents one such alternative, but a mature oil shale industry would produce vast amounts of oil shale wastes which must be disposed in a geotechnically stable, environmentally safe manner. Since retorted oil shale is a new man-made material with unknown constitutive and behavioral properties, there is the need to explore the behavior of retorted oil shale structures since such structures are anticipated to be up to 2000 ft high and miles in areal extent. From this perspective, the object of this investigation is to explore pertinent geotechnical parameters, anticipate critical geotechnical conditions, and to describe analytical and physical modeling techniques which may be used to gain insight into the behavior of retorted oil shale piles. Slope stability is identified as the condition expected to be most critical, and geotechnical parameters and conditions which will affect slope stability are identified. Centrifuge modeling is justified as a physical modeling technique which may be used to effectively investigate the behavior of retorted shale piles especially when used in conjunction with finite element analysis. Finally, specific research recommendations are made to investigate the offsets of aging in retorted oil shale material properties and the behavior of retorted oil shale structures. 51 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.

Tags: kmd
Study of the crude oil produced in the Salt Creek Field, Wyoming

"This paper presents the results of a distillation study of a typical crude oil carried out on a scale over one hundred times as large as a typical laboratory analysis. The crude oil selected for this study was produced under Government supervision in the Salt Creek field, Wyoming.    Although the method of study used differs in some details from present-day refinery practice, it is believed that in general the products obtained resemble those made commercially. It is hoped, therefore, that this paper will be a connecting link between laboratory analyses and plant practice and thus be of service in interpreting each in terms of the other."

Tags: kmd
Refining of light petroleum distillates

"The first part of this report deals with the principal methods of refining light petroleum products, the equipment used, and the effects of the different refining agents. It is beyond the scope of this report to give details for the application of all refining agents and the effects obtained by different modes of application.    The second part of the report deals with a study of the value of fractionation as an aid to the refining of pressure distillates. The results of fractionating pressure distillates in an experimental bubble tower, dividing the gasoline into two or more fractions, are given; and the value of fractionation in facilitating the refining of the gasoline fractions is discussed."

Tags: kmd
Spent fuel storage requirements. An update of DOE/RL-85-2

Utility projections of spent fuel storage capacities indicate that some commercial light water reactors have inadequate capacity to handle projected spent fuel discharges. This report presents estimates of potential near-term requirements for additional LWR spent fuel storage capacity, base on information supplied by utilities operating commercial nuclear power plants. These estimates provide information needed for panning the Department of Energy's activities to be carried out under the DOE's Commercial Spent Fuel Management Program, in conjunction with the requirements of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 182. This report is the latest in a series published by the DOE on LWR spent fuel storage requirements. Previous reports in this series are -

Tags: kmd
Monitored retrievable storage submission to Congress: Volume 3, Monitored retrievable storage program plan. [Contains glossary]

On January 7, 1983, President Reagan signed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, which establishes the federal policy for disposal of commercial spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The NWPA instructs the Secretary of Energy to start accepting spent fuel and high-level waste for disposal in a deep geologic repository by January 1998. The NWPA also states that storage of high-level radioactive waste or spent fuel in a monitored retrievable storage facility is an option for providing safe and reliable retrievable storage facility is an option for providing safe and reliable management of such waste or spent fuel.

Tags: kmd
Monitored retrievable storage submission to Congress: Volume 2, Environmental assessment for a monitored retrievable storage facility. [Contains glossary]

Since Volume 2, the Environmental Assessment to accompany Department's Monitored Retrievable Storage Proposal was printed in February, 1986, and its submission to Congress was delayed due to litigation, the Department's Program for Civilian Radioactive Waste Management has progressed and undergone various changes. These changes range from the programmatic changes and proposals outlined in the January 1987 draft Mission Plan Amendment to further refinements of the program's analytical data Amendment represents the Department's current plan for the Federal waste management system, it must be recognized that the plan could change in response to comments from affected parties or other events.

Tags: kmd
Internal Guidelines for interactions with communities and local governments

High-level nuclear waste and spent fuel disposal activities have the potential to create strong public concern. The health, environmental and political considerations associated with nuclear-related programs must be carefully considered. Because of the public concern about any nuclear-related facility, it is important to inform citizens of ongoing and planned activities, and encouraging their involvement and participation in those activities. Actively involved citizens, who are informed, and are aware of program requirements are better able to participate in the national nuclear waste disposal effort.

Tags: kmd
Waste Management Systems Requirements and Descriptions (SRD). [Contains glossary]

The Department of Energy, office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management is responsible for the development of a system for the management of high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel in accordance with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. The OCRWM waste management system must have the capabilities to accept solidified high-level waste and spent fuel from waste generators, to transport this waste from source locations to repositories, to prepare the waste for disposal, to emplace the waste in mined geologic repositories, and to permanently isolate the waste.

Tags: kmd
Use of hydraulic rupture of seams in underground gasification of solid fuels

In the first period of underground gasification the generators were prepared by the shaft method, conventional mining procedures being adopted for sinking boreholes and driving galleries. This method could not gain industrial application owing to its complicated arrangements, and high labor costs. At the present time shaftless methods are preferred: the blast providing and gas takeoff boreholes are drilled, the connecting ignition channels being arranged by either combustion linkage or electro-linkage.

Tags: kmd
Possibility of using ultrasonic logging as a precautionary measure in underground gasification of coal

At the present time an instrument for preventative monitoring is being developed simultaneously at the Institute of Automation and Remote Control of the USSR Academy of Sciences and at the All Union Scientific Research Institute of Underground Gasification of Coal. Attempts are being made to use microelectrologging for this purpose at the Institute of Automation and Remote Control, and to use radioactive logging at the All Union Scientific Research Institute of Underground Gasification of Coal.

Tags: kmd
Shale oil:  what is it. [Effects of source and retorting temperature]

Shale oil is a potential source of large quantities of liquid fuels.  This simple statement provokes a multitude of economic and technical questions.  The present article will discuss one of the most fundamental of these, what is shale oil?  The discussion will be based on the results of laboratory analyses at the Laramie Station of the Bureau of Mines on ten shale oils produced in the United States by different methods of retorting and on ten oils from commercial-scale  operations in six foreign countries.

Tags: kmd
Developments in oil-shale technology. [Emphasis on fracturing for in-situ retorting]

The existence of enormous oil-shale resources in the Green River Formation of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming (estimated to be equivalent to 2 to 3 trillion barrels of oil in place)., and the constantly expanding energy needs of the country have lead during the last several years to a high level of effort directed to the utilization of this resource.  This paper will discuss only the technological aspects of this effort.  Much information has been gained about the origin of the Green River Formation, the mineral present in it, the reactions of kerogen, and the composition of shale oil.  Two major developmental efforts have been underway using the sequence of mining, crushing and aboveground retorting to produce shale oil.  An attractive alternative in this sequence is in situ retorting. Various approaches to this method are being studied and some results have been published.

Tags: kmd
Oil yields and stratigraphy of the Green River Formation's Tipton Member at Bureau of Mines sites near Green River, Wyoming

Oil yields, lithology, and stratigraphy have been evaluated for 15 cored wells and two sampled wells representing 10 square miles of the Tipton Member of the Green River Formation near Green River, Wyo. The are evaluated is being used by the Bureau of Mines for experimental production of oil from the oil shale's in place. Lithology and oil yields were correlated to produce a stratigraphy diagram for the in situ study area, permitting precise designation of comparable section. Because of lateral uniformity of oil shale, oil yields from eight cores and two sets of drill fitting samples within a quarter section show the range of variation in average oil yield arising form experimental error. Variation in average oil yields from the seven cores representing the 10 square mile study are  lies within the expected experimental error. No difference in oil shale richness across the study area is indicated.

Tags: kmd
Thermal conversion of oil-shale kerogen using CO and water at elevated pressures

Conversion of oil-shale kerogen to soluble products at elevated pressures using the carbon monoxide and water reaction was studied. Temperature, heating time, pressure, presence or absence of mineral carbonates, shale particle size, shale grade, presence of organic solvents and amount of water were investigated as variables affecting kerogen conversion. Higher conversions of kerogen at low temperature were obtained by using the CO-H2O solvent reaction than by dry thermal processes. The soluble degradation products from the kerogen have elemental compositions similar to shale oils and would be suitable materials for hydrocracking and refining feedstock's.

Tags: kmd
Stabilizing of shale oil--water emulsions by pentane-insoluble materials

"Separation of crude shale oil from the water produced during retorting has long been a problem with some shale oils retorted form Green River Formation oil shale of the western United States. In recent work (1) it was reported that shale oil produced from the Paraho retort by the indirectly heated mode could be easily separated from retort water after being heated to 77 degrees C (170 degrees F) and allowed to settle at this temperature for six hours. Conversely, it has been found by the LERC authors that a sample of raw (untreated) crude shale oil produced from Site 9 of the Department of Energy (DOE) in situ retorting project near Rock Springs, Wyoming, was not separated from suspended retort water when heated in a separatory funnel to 82 degrees C (180 degrees F) for a period of 15 hours.  In 1949, a brief study was reported (2) on the removal of suspended solids from N-T-U shale oil by a rotary filter precoated with filter aid. Water that could not be separated from the unfiltered oil by heating was easily separated when the filtered oil was heated to 71 degrees C (160 degrees F) for three hours. It was not determined whether the solids removed by the filter were organic or inorganic.  The Paraho shale oil mentioned above contained only 0.17 weight-percent asphaltenes (1) insoluble in hot heptanes, while the in situ shale oil contained over 3.6 percent organic material insoluble in pentane. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the portion of shale oil that is insoluble in normal pentane and other solvents may be responsible for the formation of stable shale oil/water emulsions of in situ shale oil Greater knowledge of the cause of the emulsions may assist in developing methods of avoiding their formation during retorting or subsequent handling of the oil; it may also help in devising newer and cheaper ways of separating the oil and water phases of emulsions."

Tags: kmd
Analytical chemistry pertaining to oil shale and shale oil. Proceedings of conference--workshop held at Washington, DC, June 24--25, 1974. [Includes background material involving geological, mining, engineering, and environmental questions]

To establish a framework for illustrating the types of analyses involved in the refining of shale oil, it seems desirable to discuss some of the more important differences between shale oil and petroleum, how these differences affect the refining technology, and to give some examples of refining processes that have been applied to shale oil. It is anticipated that this discussion will, by implication from the products and properties discussed, make evident some of the analytical procedures now practiced and will suggest others that may be useful.

Tags: kmd
Oil shales and tar sands:  a bibliography. Supplement 2, Parts 1 and 2

This bibliography includes 4715 citations of foreign and domestic research reports, journal articles, patents, conference proceedings, and books. These citations, those printed in the two previous publications of Oil Shales and Tar Sands: A Bibliography, and those being added to the Energy Data base on a continuing basis can be recalled and searched using the online computer retrieval system.

Tags: kmd