AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Observations Concerning the Residue of a Thirty Year Old Underground Coal Gasification Burn at a Site in Gorgas, Alabama

In early February 1983, the Russel Coal Company partially uncovered a large burn area that appears to be the electro-linking site. This was the second site to be uncovered here and evaluated in this way. As in the first case, Mr. A.J. Liberatore of the METC and the author were contacted to access and photograph this latest exposure of an old underground-coal-gasification (UCG) burn. Conclusions from this site evaluation are: (1) confirmation of the Bu mines report which speculated that the electro-linkage at this site deviated from the planned design; (2) confirmation of the material balance calculations which indicated that minimum quantities of coke were left behind when oxygen was used for gasification. Although exposing a UCG site by surface mining is the most positive way to access the burn, there are some important impediments that must be considered. Foremost, the coal mining operations are conducted in the most economical way, to the possible detriment of any sensitive areas. Although the operator may be very cooperative, he is not likely to deviate much from his mining plan without compensation. The constant movement of equipment (trucks, dozers, etc.) in the pit is a threat to the integrity of the burned section. Valid conclusions may be impossible because of the age of this site. In spite of these difficulties, surface mined burn areas provide UCG engineers an opportunity to positively access and confirm previous speculations about events that took place below the surface while the site was in production.

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Great Plains ASPEN model development:  methanol synthesis flowsheet. Final topical report

The ASPEN model that has been developed contains the full list of components that are present in the various sections of the plant. The model is primarily a flowsheet simulation which will give the material and energy balances and equipment duties for a given set of process conditions. The model is unable to predict fully changes in process conditions that would result from load changes on equipment of fixed sizes, such as a rating model would predict. The model can be used to simulate the steady-state operation of the plant at or near design conditions or to design other methanol synthesis plants. Several runs were made to study the sensitivity of the model to various changes in operating conditions. In general, equilibrium methanol production is increased at lower reaction temperatures and pressures and higher recycle gas flowrates. Increasing the hydrogen to carbon-dioxide ratio in the feed also will produce more methanol. Higher reaction pressures increase the feed compressor horsepower and higher recycle rates increase the recycle compressor gas horsepower. The ASPEN input file for the base case of the methanol Synthesis Flowsheet model and the corresponding ASPEN Report are contained in the Appendix. 4 references.

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Great Plains ASPEN model development:  Phenosolvan Unit. Final topical report

A working rigorous flowsheet model of the Phenosolvan Process has been developed. Additional purges not shown on the Lummus flowsheet are necessary, however, to provide outlets for trace components. A cycle gas purge and two liquid organic purges were added where required. The cycle gas purge requires only a small amount of additional nitrogen make-up, but the liquid organic purges require significant increases in the amount of DIPE solvent make-up. Case studies were made of various recycle solvent rates, cycle gas rates, purge rates and equipment sizes. These runs all show expected responses with no unusual results. The ASPEN model of Section 1600 that has been developed is primarily a flowsheet model because it is lacking a good heat exchanger rating model and a robust staged separation rating model. The flowsheet model could be adapted easily for rating use, however, if these models were developed and included. 19 references.

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Characterization of high temperature vapors of import to combustion and gasification processes in the energy technologies. Final report, March 1, 1980-March 1, 1981

Low tolerance levels for certain species in process streams impose stronger requirements for reliable thermodynamic and kinetic data in order to predict low level species concentrations. In addition, there must be serious concern focused on whether or not these systems are best represented via equilibrium or non-equilibrium models. We have been concerned with the characterization of important processes in these inherently high temperature systems through application of chemiluminescent and laser fluorescent techniques to the determination of bond energies, spectroscopic constants, and rapid energy transfer processes. Our focus has been on the monohydroxides of sodium and potassium and the oxides and sulfides of select metals including SiO, SiS, Na/sub 2/O, and NaO. We have investigated the non-equilibrium routes for the formation of these compounds and have carried out some kinetic parameterization. In addition, we have been engaged in the study of rapid energy transfer routes among the electronic states of high temperature molecules. Thus far these studies have indicated that both V-E and E-E energy transfer can occur at rates which may approach 500 times the calculated gas kinetic rate. These surprising results demonstrate that vibrationally and/or electronically excited high temperature molecules act as if they were large and diffuse entities capable of significant interaction at very long range. The rapid energy transfer is a general phenomenon and effects have been observed in several molecules including SiO and KOH. The observation of such rapid energy transfer has significant implications for the modeling of energy generating systems and the characterization of heat flow in these systems. The nature of the rapid energy transfer means that both kinetic reaction rate data and energy transfer data must be included in order to obtain a realistic modeling of an energy generating system.

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High-temperature, solid oxide electrolyte fuel cell power generation system. Annual report, June 1, 1981-May 31, 1982

One-end closed porous support tubes of calcia-stabilized zirconia, fired at a lower sintering temperature, are being prepared and used in FBA cell fabrication experiments. La/sub 0/ /sub 9/Sr/sub 0/ /sub 1/MnO/sub 3/ has been selected as the present state-of-the art air electrode, with work to develop better air electrode materials continuing. FBA cells have been fabricated that meet acceptable performance levels, when operated on simulated coal gas fuel at high fuel utilization levels. In work related to evaluation of SOFC generator design concepts: (1) spent fuel combustion tests have been performed to establish ignition delay times, (2) thermal/hydraulic tests related to spent fuel behavior have been performed and (3) a 9-cell mockup test has been designed and equipment is being fabricated to perform this test. A cell computerized performance code has been developed that, based on cell operating condition assumptions, allows prediction of temperature and temperature variation and current variation along the length of the FBA cell.

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Numerical modeling of massive hydraulic fractures. First annual report, September 1980-August 1981

Models of 3D fracture propagation are being developed to study the effect of variations of stress and rock properties on fracture shape and bottomhole pressure. Initially a blanket sand bounded by higher stress zones is considered, with stress and rock property contrasts symmetric about the payzone axis, and the fracture criterion is assumed to be K/sub i/ = K/sub c/, where K/sub i/ is stress intensity factor, and K/sub c/ the fracture toughness. First, quasi-static models are considered briefly, because they give information on fracture behavior in the limit that (..mu..g) ..-->.. 0. Second, viscous fluid flow effects have been considered in two different models, FL1 and FL2. Flow is along the payzone only, and leakoff is neglected. The net pressure at the tip, a, of the long axis required by the boundary condition K/sub i/ = K/sub c/ does not seem to be crucial in determining fracture height or bottomhole pressure. A parametric study has been conducted on effects of S/sub 2/-S/sub 1/, K/sub c/, and Young's modulus, E, on fracture shape and bottomhole pressure. It appears that K/sub c/ does not have as much effect as either E or S/sub 2/-S/sub 1/. Third, Model FL2, which represents better the vertical stress variation, shows the onset of a rapid growth in fracture height as S/sub 2/-S/sub 1/ is reduced. The onset of this divergence may be able to be used to give an upper or safe limit on the pumping parameters (..mu..q) to ensure good containment, although the behavior is dependent on the form of the fluid flow equation used, and this must await confirmation. Fourth, when the stress contrast is too low, or if a fracture breaks ghrough a containing zone, or in a lenticular gas sand, the fracture length/height ratio may be so low that both a better width equation and a better fluid flow equation, which includes azimuthal flows, need to be incorporated. 13 figures, 4 tables.

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Improved materials for durable rings, liners, and injector nozzles

This report is the first Topical Report on the subject of Durability. The work was performed at GE's Research and Development Center (GE-CRD) in support of GE Transportations system's (GETS) effort to develop the necessary technology for future commercialization of a coal-fueled diesel power system. The technical areas covered are durable materials development for piston rings, cylinder liners, and injector nozzles. The development of an erosion-resistant nozzle for the coal-fueled locomotive was given the highest priority. Erosion tests demonstrated that nozzles built of diamond would withstand the erosive nature of the high-velocity slurry. A nozzle with diamond nozzles was designed, fabricated, and tested in a test engine. The development of piston rings and cylinder liners that could withstand the abrasive nature of the coal ash-deposited on the combustion liner was also a high priority activity. Bench scale tests were used to select optimized materials and processing conditions for plasma-deposited coatings. Tungsten carbide/cobalt was the material of choice for both the ring and liner. Small-scale engine components were built and tested. Finally, test were conducted to identify the optimum plasma spray processing conditions for deposits of tungsten carbide/cobalt mixtures. The results of these tests are described. 13 refs., 21 figs., 10 tabs.

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Heats of dissolution of tar sand bitumen in various solvents

The dissolution of tar sand bitumen from a tar sand matrix was examined using three solvents: (1) dichloromethane, a polar-polarizable solvent; (2) toluene, a nonpolar-polarizable solvent; and (3) hexane, a nonpolar-nonpolarizable solvent. The dichloromethane had the highest dissolution energy, followed by toluene, with hexane having the lowest dissolution energy. These data were combined with heat of dissolution of recovered bitumen and heat of wetting of spent sand to calculate the bonding energy between bitumen and the mineral matrix. The interfacial bonding energy between tar sand bitumen and the mineral matrix was found to be in the region of 0 to 0.09 cal/g of bitumen, which is very small. This conclusion may find application in recovery of energy or bitumen from bitumen-wet tar sand deposits. 9 refs., 2 tabs.

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Three-phase relative permeability of Asphalt Ridge tar sand

Two-phase relative permeabilities for Asphalt Ridge tar sand have been measured at 350/degree/F (177/degree/C). This temperature was chosen to obtain data appropriate for simulating high temperature operation. A modified equation of Stone (1973) was then used to calculate three-phase relative permeability from the measured two-phase relative permeability data. The measured two-phase relative permeability data show lower values than were predicted using typical tar sand properties. The estimated three-phase relative permeability values calculated from the measured two-phase data are lower than those values determined from estimated two-phase values. Simulations of the wet-forward tar sand combustion model, using the new three-phase relative permeability values, were compared with previous simulations and experimental data. The new three-phase relative permeability values improved the model's ability to predict experimental results. More experimental data, using three-phase relative permeability at different temperatures, may further improve model results. 5 refs., 18 figs., 5 tabs.

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Eastern oil shale conversion using the ROPE (Recycle Oil Pyrolysis and Extraction) process

The Western Research Institute has developed the Recycle Oil Pyrolysis and Extraction (ROPE/copyright/) process. Preliminary testing of this process has been conducted with oil shale and tar sand. Preliminary tests were conducted with the objective of obtaining a product that contained a high percentage of aromatic compounds which would be desirable as a feedstock for benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX) or for high-density fuels. The main objectives of this research were to conduct a 10-day shakedown tests of the 6-inch bench-scale unit (BSU) using eastern oil shale and to conduct a series of similar experiments in the 2-inch process development unit (PDU) to confirm oil yield and quality at steady-state conditions. One 10-day shakedown tests was conducted in the BSU. Shale oil produced by the Dravo process was used as the starting heavy recycle oil. Difficulties occurred, however, in maintaining heavy recycle oil, and product oil had to be injected into the pyrolysis zone to compensate for the losses. Oil shale fines also plugged the heavy-oil recycle pump. Three eastern oil shale tests were conducted in the PDU. Heavy-oil pumping problems and reactor plugging occurred during the first two tests. The third test, however, was conducted for 50 hours with no mechanical problems. 2 refs., 10 figs., 15 tabs.

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US Geological Survey publications on western tight gas reservoirs

This bibliography includes reports published from 1977 through August 1988. In 1977 the US Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the US Department of Energy's, (DOE), Western Gas Sands Research program, initiated a geological program to identify and characterize natural gas resources in low-permeability (tight) reservoirs in the Rocky Mountain region. These reservoirs are present at depths of less than 2,000 ft (610 m) to greater than 20,000 ft (6,100 m). Only published reports readily available to the public are included in this report. Where appropriate, USGS researchers have incorporated administrative report information into later published studies. These studies cover a broad range of research from basic research on gas origin and migration to applied studies of production potential of reservoirs in individual wells. The early research included construction of regional well-log cross sections. These sections provide a basic stratigraphic framework for individual areas and basins. Most of these sections include drill-stem test and other well-test data so that the gas-bearing reservoirs can be seen in vertical and areal dimensions. For the convenience of the reader, the publications listed in this report have been indexed by general categories of (1) authors, (2) states, (3) geologic basins, (4) cross sections, (5) maps (6) studies of gas origin and migration, (7) reservoir or mineralogic studies, and (8) other reports of a regional or specific topical nature.

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Evaluation of Devonian shale potential in New York

This report is a brief overview of preliminary geologic interpretations developed from the Eastern Gas Shales Project (EGSP) and related data concerning the deposition of the black shale facies and generation of natural gas in the Devonian shale sequence. The intent is to suggest areas of potential shale gas accumulation that would be of interest to the producer as either a primary target or a dual completion possibility. In New York, historical stratigraphic as well as current EGSP work has established the Devonian clastic facies as the type section for eastern North America. The initial documented shale-gas well was drilled in 1821 near Fredonia, New York. Since then, numerous shale-gas wells and/or deeper wells with gas shows in the shale section have been reported in western and central New York. The EGSP has focused on documenting and more closely defining organic-rich, black shale facies to project potential favorable trends. The purpose of this report is to inform the general public and interested oil and gas operators about EGSP results as they pertain to the Devonian gas shales of the Appalachian basin in New York. Geologic data and interpretations are summarized, and areas where the accumulation of gas may be large enough to justify commercial production are outlined. Because the data presented in this report are generalized and not suitable for evaluation of specific sites for exploration, the reader should consult the various reports cited for more detail and discussion of the data, concepts, and interpretations presented.

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Oil content of sediments in the sump of a salt dome solution-mined cavern used for crude oil storage. Final report

The studies reported herein were conducted to ascertain if petroleum hydrocarbons are likely to accumulate in the sump sediments of a salt dome solution cavern used for crude oil storage and, if so, which hydrocarbons and in what concentrations. Cavern K 117 at Etzel, West Germany was selected for sampling because considerable data were available pertaining to the cavern and its crude oil inventory as a result of earlier studies. Mineralogical analyses of the sump samples revealed that they predominantly consist of uncemented halite crystals, ranging up to several centimeters in length, with subordinate anhydrite, and traces of gypsum and clay. Some of the mineral particles are colorless and translucent, while others are noticeably contaminated with oil. The samples exuded a distinct petroleum odor. Gas chromatographic analysis of an evolved gas sample showed the presence of the normal-paraffins propane through octane. Gas chromatographic analyses of a solvent extract of the sediment showed hydrocarbon and sulfur-compound distributions typical of crude oil. An infrared spectrum of the extract was also characteristic of a weathered or topped crude oil. The hydrocarbon content of the sediment samples was determined to be 780 ppM on the basis of a tetrachloromethane extract. It is believed that the petroleum present in the sump sediments principally results from cavern workover operations involving the pulling and resetting of the brine tubing string. When the brine string is reset it fills with oil because a packer is not used. To displace this oil, river water is pumped down the tubing at a moderately high rate. During this flushing process, clay particles dispersed in the river water adsorb a film of oil. As the oil-filmed clay particles enter the brine in the cavern they electrolytically flocculate and oil is sedimented to the cavern sump.

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Evaluation of groundwater contamination due to leakage from a process waste storage pond and a plan for recovering the site. Final technical report

In 1975 an open holding pond with a nominal capacity of 1 million gallons was constructed at the Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC) to contain liquid process wastes generated by the research in coal gasification being conducted there. This report contains the results of a study to investigate the amount of groundwater contamination that may have occurred in the area and to draft a plan for the environmentally safe recovery of the site. The project consisted of 4 tasks: (1) Installation and operation of a groundwater system in the vicinity of the pond; (2) Analysis of groundwater quality and movement in the vicinity of the holding pond; (3) Mitigating groundwater contamination; and (4) Recovery of the lagoon area. The accomplishment of the above tasks was impaired in varying degrees by the unfortunate lack of success in arranging the installation of the groundwater monitoring system specified under Task 1. Since these wells were never constructed it became necessary to rely on a variety of secondary data sources, including the following: (1) Logs of old wells and exploratory borings on and near the METC property. (2) Data from the existing but unsatisfactory monitoring wells near the waste storage pond. (3) Analyses of groundwater samples collected in seepage pits along the banks of the gully lying to the west of the pond. (4) Water balance computations based on inflow and outflow measurements at the pond. (5) Observations and samples from a series of shallow auger holes bored by hand around the periphery of the pond. Ground water was analyzed for phenol, chromium, lead, cadmium, vanadium, chlorides, and chemical oxygen demand. 41 figures, 10 tables. (DMC)

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Fluidized-bed retorting of eastern and low-grade oil shales: Final report

In a bubbling gas-fluidized bed, some of the forces acting on the fluid may be neglected when compared with the force of interaction between the fluid and the particles. In addition, if one considers only the bulk movement of the particles, rather than the motion of individual particles, the difference between inertial and viscous contributions to the total drag force may become insignificant. It is shown in this paper that under these conditions the general similarity criteria can be reduced to two or three dimensionless groups. Furthermore, experiments conducted in two two-dimensional fluidized-beds of different sizes confirm the validity of the simplified similarity relations derived in this work. 8 refs., 5 figs.

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Fluidised-bed combustion. Burning coal-water mixtures in a pressurised fluidised bed:  some initial results

The feeding of coal-water mixtures (CWMs) into a pressurised fluidised-bed combustor (PFBC) could considerably simplify the more usual method of pneumatically-feeding dried coal from lock hoppers. The UK National Coal Board has developed a flow sheeting computer package ARACHNE, and it has been used to evaluate the effect of additional moisture on cycle efficiency and plant output. The evaluation showed that operation with a CWM containing 30% water would lower the cycle efficiency by only 0.8 percentage point and have little effect on the overall plant output. An experimental program is being undertaken at CURL, to assess the performance (e.g., combustion efficiency, sulphur retention) when burning CWMs. Some initial tests are described. Operation using CWMs with solids contents of 65, 70 and 75% was extremely steady with excellent control of bed temperature. Combustion efficiency was greater than 99% at 1560/sup 0/F bed temperature and about 98% at 1380/sup 0/F bed temperature, which equals efficiencies obtained when burning normal crushed coal at comparable conditions in this combustor. Sulphur retention performance was somewhat better than has been obtained with a normal (high sulphur) crushed coal in this combustor with the same sorbent. NO/sub x/ emissions varied between 0.25 and 0.47 lb/10/sup 6/ Btu, depending on excess air - similar to values obtained on other rigs with normal crushed coal. Results from the limited tests carried out so far are extremely promising. Further tests are planned. (LCL)

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