AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Low-energy process for separating hydrogen and methane in advanced coal-gasification processes. Final report, September 8, 1980-January 7, 1983

This report contains the detailed results of the following three-part study: Part I. Adsorption of H/sub 2//CH/sub 4/ from single and mixed gases on activated carbon, coals and chars; Part II. Adsorption of H/sub 2/S and its mixtures with H/sub 2//CH/sub 4/ on activated carbon, coals and chars; and Part III. Separation of H/sub 2//CH/sub 4/ and H/sub 2//CH/sub 4//H/sub 2/S mixtures by a temperature-cycling process. The original scope of the study, as indicated by the title of the report, has been expanded to include H/sub 2/S in the gas mixture. The inclusion of H/sub 2/S was to study the feasibility of combining the H/sub 2//CH/sub 4/ separation step with the H/sub 2/S removal step into a single process. The success of the feasibility study naturally leads to the possibility of separating both CO/sub 2/ and H/sub 2/S from H/sub 2/ and CH/sub 4/ in coal gasification products by the cyclic adsorption/desorption process. The results of the study are presented.

Tags: kmd
Advanced research in coal gasification process modification technology: catalytic cracking of aromatic hydrocarbons. Topical report, 1 October 1984-31 June 1985

The objective of this work is to screen inexpensive materials for potential use as disposable aromatic hydrocarbon (AHC) cracking catalysts in the reaction zone of the coal gasifier or in a fixed bed downstream from the gasifier. The approach is based on the conclusions reported in the literature that iron in a reduced state is an effective catalyst for AHC destruction. It therefore follows that chars or minerals with high iron content, high porosity, and high internal surface area will provide the most effective catalysts. We have screened all six of the following iron containing minerals: Siderite, Ankerite, Hematite, Magnetite, Pyrite, and Jarosite. The experimental tests measure the catalytic activity of these minerals for cracking benzene over the parameter range relevant to coal gasifier operation. Simulated coal gas containing 200 to 2000 ppM of model aromatic molecules will be used in all experiments and destruction of benzene will be measured over the temperature range 400 to 1000/sup 0/C. The porosity and surface area of these minerals (partially decomposed in coal gas) will be determined and utilized in a computer model describing pore structure, species transport and surface chemistry to interpret the reactivity data in terms of the intrinsic reactivity of the reduced state of each mineral. These results will provide a basis for catalyst selection, coal selection and economic comparison. 3 refs., 15 figs., 3 tabs.

Tags: kmd
Entrained-flow gasification at elevated pressure. Quarterly technical progress report No. 1, 1 March-31 May 1985

The three main tasks of the contract involve: (1) entrained coal gasification measurements, (2) improvement in the one- and two-dimensional computer codes for gasification processes, and (3) application of results to industrial and METC needs. The installation of the laboratory gasifier is 95% complete. Elevated pressure tests and injector characterization tests are pending completion of the installation. Analysis of gasifier data collected during the previous contract period has been completed. Laser Doppler measurements in cold flows simulating gasifier flows with and without swirl have been made. Improvements in LDV data collection and reduction methods have been made, especially for tangential velocity measurement. Insight into flow stability, turbulence properties, and swirl effects has been acquired through analysis of the data. Plans are being considered for a major revision of the particle dispersion submodel of PCGC-2 in which Lagrangian equations for particle number density will be solved simultaneously with other Lagrangian variables. Use of these Lagrangian particle density calculations are expected to significantly increase the accuracy of particle phase calculations. Improved accuracy in the char-oxidation kinetic constants used by PCGC-2 has been obtained through rigorous nonlinear least-squares analysis of original data. Increased numerical efficiency has been achieved with changes in code structure and compiling methods. A self-adapting underrelaxation scheme is also being adapted for use in PCGC-2. 49 refs., 14 figs., 1 tab.

Tags: kmd
Coal-gasification basic research and cost studies. Quarterly report No. 5

Work was continued on basic research and cost studies supporting the Department of Energy's coal gasification program. Two major activities or tasks are being performed. The first activity (Task I) is the development of a process or processes to produce agglomerates from coal fines suitable for use as a  feed to fixed-bed gasifiers. Seven US coals are being investigated. The second activity (Task II) is a design and cost study to examine the effects of gasifier selection on overall plant costs for a commercial-scale coal gasification facility. More than 100 pelletizing runs were performed during the quarter; these were in addition to the pelletizing runs made earlier. Like with briquettes, a large number of coal-binder compositions showed promise as a good gasifier feed material. Although, in general, the pellets were weaker than briquettes of similar compositions, many pellets displayed reasonably good strengths. The principal problem with pellets was their low green strengths. The strengths of pellets generally increased significantly upon drying and fell off only slightly during exposure to gasification temperatures. Of the binders examined, bentonite and gilsonite were found to be best. Task II work centered on: (1) bringing the original cost estimates for the proposed Erie Mining gasification plant up to date; and (2) designing a large briquetting facility, incorporating this facility into the Erie Mining plant designs, and developing cost estimates for the complete plant.

Tags: kmd
Fluid saturations from electrical measurements between wells

The feasibility of using electrical communication between wells to determine the average interwell fluid saturation was tested with a long core and three-dimensional model reservoirs. Two methods were proposed. The first employed an oxidizing solution in one well and a reducing solution in another to obtain an electric current through the reservoir from chemical reaction; the second, an impressed current between the wells and measurement of the potential difference. Experimental determination of the overall brine saturation using the electrical fields agreed with the volumetric amounts of brine and oil with which the model reservoirs were saturated. General mapping of the saturation distribution of the three-dimensional reservoir was also possible using a finite-difference solution of Poisson's equation.

Tags: kmd
Statistical analysis of geochemical data for the Eastern Kentucky Gas Field

It can be seen from the results of the multiple comparisons that some elements are closely correlated with one another within a single well or among the wells for given stratigraphic unit. Thus, it is natural to inquire if they are really alike or dissimilar, whether the data are univariate or multivariate. The purpose of this study is to identify and describe geological parameters of Devonian Shales and relate these to gas occurrence and potential production. As each single observation consists of numbers specifying percentages of the concentrations of 14 elements, we may be interested in multivariate methods to study interrelationships among these 14 dependent variables. Studies show that some of the measured chemical properties are so closely related to others that they would not have to be determined by actual analysis; they could be predicted instead from those already analyzed. The reason the data are treated as univariate data here is that until some preliminary understanding has been achieved the problem should not be compounded with multivariate methods, because of uncertainties about the number of variables actually present and the difficulties of specifying an exact objective. However, it is worthwhile doing multivariae examination in the future time.

Tags: kmd
Modeling of Devonian shale-gas reservoirs (conduct reservoir modeling for the Devonian shales). Final report

During the current annual period, both a mathematical model describing gas flow through Devonian shales and the software for a radial and one-dimensional mathematical model for the single well performance were completed and placed into operation. Experiments are being initiated in several related aspects of mass transfer in the tight matrix of Devonian Shales and the gas holding mechanism of the Devonian shale matrix. Continued effort is underway in the development of a laboratory simulation model of Devonian Shales. Results from the laboratory experiment will be used to update the mathematical model developed. The sensitivity analysis of the mathematical model revealed some of the important parameters which greatly affect well performance. Field and laboratory measurement of the parameters will also be initiated. Several radial and one-dimensional simulations of A Devonian Shale reservoir were performed to develop an understanding of the productivity of such reservoirs for a variety of different reservoir parameters. These simulation studies indicate the importance and range of reservoir parameters which are important in the early or late production life of Devonian Shales. The results of the simulation studies are as follows: (1) The sensitivity analysis showed that early performance of shale reservoirs is dominated by fracture system parameters, while later performance is primarily controlled by shale matrix and desorption parameters. (2) Gas slippage, or Klinkenberg effects, are pronounced in Devonian Shales; to date no experimental data are available for validation. (3) Fracture system permeability, shale matrix permeability and size, and desorption isotherms are determining factors of reservoir performance. Data for these parameters is either scarce or non-existent. (4) By comparison, the dual-porosity desorption model had a 38% higher 30-year cumulative production than the Denver model. 21 figures.

Tags: kmd
Hydraulic Fracturing Experiments in Devonian Shale and Pre-Fractured Hydrostone

Devonian shale reservoirs in the Appalachian Basin are naturally fractured reservoirs, and constructive interaction with the natural fracture system is critical to the success of any stimulation treatment. To be effective hydraulic fractures should cross and connect the natural fracture system, but it is possible that arrest, diversion, or offset could occur inhibiting fracture growth and proppant placement. The purpose of this study has been to perform laboratory experiments that allow examination of hydraulic fracture propagation in pre-fractured material under triaxial states of stress. Tests have been run on naturally fractured blocks of Devonian shale as well as blocks of hydrostone in which planar fractures have been created. Specific objectives were to (1) qualitatively examine the effect of natural fractures on morphology of hydraulic fractures in Devonian shale and (2) determination under what combination of stresses and angle of approach a hydraulic fracture will cross a pre-existing fracture. In tests on pre-fractured hydrostone the hydraulic fracture was able to cross the pre-fracture only at high angles of approach and under high horizontal differential stresses. In most cases either the pre-fracture opened and fracturing fluid was diverted down the pre-fracture or the hydraulic fracture was arrested by the pre-fracture and continued to grow in the other direction. Tests in Devonian shale blocks showed the strong influence of pre-existing fractures. Diversion of fracturing fluid, fracture arrest, and branching were observed in the hydraulically fractured blocks. The implication of theory and experiment for hydraulic fracturing in the field is that symmetrical, double-winged, vertical fractures are rare occurrences in naturally fractured reservoirs. It would be more likely to have fractures with wings diverted at different angles or with truncated wings of different lengths. 24 figures, 4 tables.

Tags: kmd
Parameter sensitivity analysis of tailored-pulse loading stimulation of Devonian gas shale

An evaluation of three tailored-pulse loading parameters has been undertaken to access their importance in gas well stimulation technology. This numerical evaluation was performed using STEALTH finite-difference codes and was intended to provide a measure of the effects of various tailored-pulse load configurations on fracture development in Devonian gas shale. The three parameters considered in the sensitivity analysis were: loading rate; decay rate; and sustained peak pressures. By varying these parameters in six computations and comparing the relative differences in fracture initiation and propagation the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Fracture initiation is directly related to the loading rate applied to the wellbore wall. Loading rates of 10, 100 and 1000 GPa/sec were modeled. (2) If yielding of the rock can be prevented or minimized, by maintaining low peak pressures in the wellbore, increasing the pulse loading rate, to say 10,000 GPa/sec or more, should initiate additional multiple fractures. (3) Fracture initiation does not appear to be related to the tailored-pulse decay rate. Fracture extension may be influenced by the rate of decay. The slower the decay rate, the longer the crack extension. (4) Fracture initiation does not appear to be improved by a high pressure plateau in the tailored-pulse. Fracture propagation may be enhanced if the maintained wellbore pressure plateau is of sufficient magnitude to extent the range of the tangential tensile stresses to greater radial distances. 26 figures, 2 tables.

Tags: kmd
Ash deposition during direct limestone injection for sulfur dioxide control at 50-MW power plant

A test program evaluating sulfur removal by furnace limestone injection was conducted at the Otter Tail Power Company's Hoot Lake Station. The program was conducted by Radian Corportation under Department of Energy (DOE) sponsorship. The test program consisted of individual tests during which limestone was injected into flue gas at temperatures ranging from 2300/sup 0/F to 2400/sup 0/F, and by adding limestone to the coal feed immediately upstream of a pulverizer and subsequently conveyed to the burners and into the combustion zone. The burners were operated using the burner-out-of-service (BOOS) method to produce a fuel-rich fireball with reduced combustion flame temperatures. Sulfur dioxide removal efficiencies up to 70-pct were achieved. High rates of ash deposition on secondary superheater steam tubes were observed when injecting limestone; however, the deposits were readily removed using normal soot blowing schedules. The present report presents results of ash fouling rate measurements and the chemical and physical properties of the ash deposits.

Tags: kmd
Industrial application of fluidized-bed combustion. Quarterly technical progress report, April-June, 1980

In line with a determination by the Federal Government that a fluidized bed combustion process can efficiently convert the energy of coal to usable power in an environmentally acceptable manner, Georgetown University was awarded contract E(49-18)-2461 to construct and operate a demonstration plant. Construction of an atmospheric fluidized bed boiler for burning high-sulfur coals was completed in Nov. 1979. Progress is reported in obtaining data from the prototypical operation so that industry can move directly to the design and construction of commercially warranted industrial size fluidized bed boiler units. In the April through June 1980 quarter, the boiler was operated for 1127 hours during 11 separate runs, one of which extended for 354 hours. During April, campus steam loads were too low to allow for 2 bed operation (> 50,000 lb/h). Periods of warmer weather in May and June increased the campus steam demands for air conditioning and a total of 239 hours and two bed operation were logged. The peak generation rate was 84,000 lb/h. Of the plant shutdowns during the quarter, two were scheduled, one occurred due to sudden loss of campus team load, one was due to a faulty stack opacity monitor, and eight were due to plant malfunctions. Of the eight malfunction shutdowns, four were related to baghouse bag failures which led to stack smoking and the necessity for shutdown. These failures were progressive in that initial damage led to bag failures on later runs. As operators become more experienced, the above shutdowns attributed to malfunctions can largely be eliminated by early attention to signs of impending problems. (LCL)

Tags: kmd
Measurement and modeling of advanced coal conversion processes: Second annual report, October 1987--September 1988

The overall objective of this program is the development of predictive capability for the design, scale up, simulation, control and feedstock evaluation in advanced coal conversion devices. This technology is important to reduce the technical and economic risks inherent in utilizing coal, a feedstock whose variable and often unexpected behavior presents a significant challenge. This program will merge significant advances made at Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. (AFR) in measuring and quantitatively describing the mechanisms in coal conversion behavior, with technology being developed at Brigham Young University (BYU) in comprehensive computer codes for mechanistic modeling of entrained-bed gasification. Additional capabilities in predicting pollutant formation will be implemented and the technology will be expanded to fixed-bed reactors. The foundation to describe coal-specific conversion behavior will be AFR's Functional Group (FG) and Devolatilization, Vaporization, and Crosslinking (DVC) models, developed under previous and on-going METC sponsored programs. These models have demonstrated the capability to describe the time dependent evolution of individual gas species, and the amount and characteristics of tar and char. The FG-DVC model will be integrated with BYU's comprehensive two-dimensional reactor model, PCGC-2, which is currently the most widely used reactor simulation for combustion or gasification. The program includes: (1) validation of the submodels by comparison with laboratory data obtained in this program, (2) extensive validation of the modified comprehensive code by comparison of predicted results with data from bench-scale and process scale investigation, mild gasification and combustion of coal or coal-derived products in heat engines, and (3) development of well documented user friendly software applicable to a ''workstation''environment.

Tags: kmd
Design of a circulating fluidized-bed reactor for mild gasification of coal

A laboratory-scale Circulating Fluidized-Bed Reactor (CFBR) has been selected to best overcome the tendency for caking coals to agglomerate during the mild gasification. Several characteristics make the CFBR unit attractive for this use. These include the capabilities to use a high velocity fluidization, dilute solid gas stream, recycle solids, high solid throughputs, and to maintain an inventory of inert solids. A cold-flow CFBR unit has been built for studying the dynamics of particle flow within the reactor. Limestone, sand, and Nylon BB's have been chosen to characterize this unit. The optimal operation has been predicted for Pittsburgh No. 8 bituminous and Montana Rosebud subbituminous coal using the data from the cold-flow model. The scope of these studies is to present some of the reactor's design considerations and to describe the reactor. 18 refs., 12 figs., 7 tabs.

Tags: kmd
Effects of H/sub 2/S on molten carbonate fuel cells. Progress report, January 1-March 31, 1985

The overall program objective is to identify the poisoning mechanisms responsible for performance losses observed in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) operating on sulfur-containing gases. The first phase investigated the impact of sulfide contaminants upon the fuel cell electrochemistry. The second phase addresses the influence of contaminants on important heterogeneous reactions such as the water-gas-shift reaction and the steam reforming of hydrocarbons which are catalyzed internally by fuel cell hardware. The third phase seeks to operate bench-scale fuel cells (100 cm/sup 2/ electrode area) under conditions simulating the operation of a MCFC stack having fuel recycle to provide CO/sub 2/ to the oxidant. Preliminary analysis of data from experiments conducted at 3 and 5 atmospheres pressure indicates that the impact on fuel cell performance of H/sub 2/S contaminants in the fuel and SO/sub 2/ contaminants in the oxidant decreases as the pressure is increased. In tests conducted at atmospheric pressure simulating the use of spent fuel exhaust as a source of carbon dioxide for the cathode gases, it was determined that a bench-scale fuel cell having anodes composed of a porous metal plaque, 90% nickel and 10% chromium, can be successfully operated on fuel containing 1 ppM H/sub 2/S and oxidant containing 1 ppM SO/sub 2/ with less than a 1% loss in performance. When contamination was increased to 2 ppM H/sub 2/S and 2 ppM SO/sub 2/ in fuel and oxidant streams respectively, a 4% decrease in performance was noted over the first 100 hours, 30 mV at 200 mA/cm/sup 2/. Stable performance was observed thereafter, however, and no further loss was experienced. When all sources of contamination were removed, cell performance returned to the original level observed with clean gas streams. 3 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.

Tags: kmd
Pressurized fluidized-bed combined-cycle-concept evaluation. Volume I

The primary Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion (PFBC) concepts being developed within the DOE PFBC program with conventional coal-fired technology are compared. A more conservative PFBC cycle is also evaluated. A normalized performance analysis showed that both PFBC cycles are significantly more efficient than conventional power plants; the steam cooled PFBC has a greater performance advantage than the air cooled PFBC cycle; and a more conservative PFBC cycle employing turboexpanders was an attractive option that could serve as a first generation PFBC power plant. The air and steam cooled PFBC costs and the conventional coal fired plant costs were compared. It was concluded that the steam cooled PFBC appears most attractive on the basis of capital cost. A subsequent COE analysis demonstrated that the performance and capital cost benefits of the steam cooled PFBC result in a significant economic benefit when compared to conventional technology, and certainly demonstrates that PFBC is a promising new technology. The turboexpander PFBC power plant is competitive on a cost of electricity basis with conventional coal fired power plants. It was also concluded that the air cooled PFBC will only see commercial application if breakthroughs in materials technology occur or a hybrid air/steam cycle is developed, but it is recommended to continue with the air cooled PFBC pilot plant as an excellent turbine test facility. This volume contains information on PFBC concepts and designs; PFBC test data; normalization of plant configurations; conservative PFBC plant design; and performance assessment. (LCL)

Tags: kmd