AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
High temperature minerals in an in-situ oil shale retort

Core from a Geokinetics in-situ oil shale retort was examined to determine mineralogic products within intensely heated zones. The complex mineral assemblage observed was the product of rapid, intense heating coupled with fluctuating temperatures and fluid pressure, cooled at a shallow depth. X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy studies indicate that conditions of disequilibrium existed during the burn. Resultant mineralogy consisted of solid solutions of complex silicates with cations released from carbonate decomposition. Abundant vesicles, reaction rims, and resorption zones attest to disequilibrium in a high temperature environment. Synthesis of minerals by solid state reactions in oil shale minimize extractability of potentially detrimental materials from residue of in-situ combustion.

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Occidental vertical modified in situ process for the recovery of oil from oil shale, Phase II. Quarterly progress report, June 1, 1979-August 31, 1979

Objectives are to: construct, tracer/flow test, and simultaneously process two side-by-side large scale retorts (Retorts 7 and 8) formed by blasting to a horizontal free face; conduct small-scale start up tests, prior to ignition of Retorts 7 and 8, on at least two quarter size retorts (miniretorts,9246 ); develop mine stability data for commercial size retorts; develop and test advanced retort ignition systems; collect evaluate and report environmental data; and test special mining and remote sensing equipment. This quarterly report covers the activities for the first three months of the Phase II Program. The major activities at Logan Wash and on Phase II during the months of June, July, and August were: driving the access and ventilation drifts towards the underground locations for Retorts 7 and 8; beginning construction for surface facilities; mining the rooms for the mini retorts; and developing an instrumentation program for DOE funding.

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Assessment of solid-waste characteristics and control technology for oil-shale retorting. Final report for September 1983-February 1985

The report presents information on oil-shale deposits in the eastern and western parts of the United States, their geological subdivisions, locations, tonnage, and physical and chemical characteristics. Characteristics of solid and liquid wastes produced from various oil-shale-processing technologies and control methods are presented. Also included are results from an experimental study to construct liners and covers for disposal of spent shale. A compilation of available data on the auto-ignition potential of raw and spent shales indicates a similarity between raw-shale fines and bituminous coals.

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Cogenerate with coke

As refiners turn to heavier, more sour feedstocks, the production of fuel grade green coke from delayed cokers is increasing. The market for fuel grade coke in the United States is not strong, most of the fuel grade coke produced is exported. These market conditions create an environment where a cheap source of fuel is available for use in cogeneration facilities producing electricity and process steam for use in the coke producing refinery. The refinery steam and electricity requirements can be satisfied by the cogeneration plant and excess electricity can be sold to the local electric utility at avoided cost rates. The refinery gains by having an economical source of steam and electric power. Possibly of more importance, the refiner has a reliable means of disposing of petroleum coke with an economic return based upon the value of the steam and power produced in the cogeneration plant rather than the uncertain or low value that can be received in the fuel grade coke market.

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Simulated in situ retorting of oil shale in a controlled-state retort. III. Dynamic oil film thickness on partially retorted and unretorted shale

The amount of oil washed from the partially retorted and unretorted shales from 14 interrupted runs of the controlled-state retort has been used to estimate dynamic oil film thickness on those shales. The data obtained indicated that factors that affect oil viscosity determine oil film thickness. For example, in the heated region of the retort, temperature was the controlling factor for oil film thickness. In the unheated region controlling factors included proximity to the heated region, gas composition and flow rate, retorting advance rate, and breadth of retorting zone. Factors that affected oil composition and thereby increased viscosity, such as increased gas velocity, oxygen in the retorting gas, slower retorting advance rate, and thinner retorting zone, increased oil film thickness. In the unheated region of the retort the oil film was thickest nearest the heated region gradually tapering to a more or less constant value approximately 1 meter from the heated region. Oil shale particle size did not affect oil film thickness.

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Radioactive emissions from coal production and utilization:  the typical case put into perspective. Final progress report, June 30-September 30, 1982

Radiochemical analyses of the uranium-series nuclides were done on coals and waste products from 21 coal-fired power plants. Leachability and radon-222 emanation measurements were made on the solids. The radioactivity found and reported in this series of reports was very near the literature values for radioactivity in soil, water, and air. The radioactivity added to the air by fly ash from a 1000-MW power plant with 99.0% controls is very small compared with the radioactivity already present on natural airborne dust. Consequently, the radiologic effects and concomitant health and environmental effects from coal-fired power production appear to be quite minute in the typical case. Future research should focus on the effects of atypical situations. We have developed a way to lend perspective to the effects of small doses of trace elements (such as radionuclides) added to the environment by industrial activities. Preliminary results of a study of the effect of moisture on /sup 222/Rn emanation by coals are reported.

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Oil shale project run summary large retort run L-1

L-1, a Modified In-Situ run, was performed in the 0.9 x 6.1 m retort on April 12 to 16, 1977. The retort charge was Anvil Points shale. L-1 showed that reasonable oil yields (72% of Fischer assay) can be achieved even from rubble beds which induce complex nonuniform gas flow patterns. (DLC)

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Investigation of sorption interactions between organic and mineral phases of processed oil shale

Minerals and organic compounds representative of oil shale processing wastes were analyzed for potential sorption interactions. The analysis consisted of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry, and laser Raman spectroscopy. Montmorillonite clay was used as a representative of the smectites found in raw and spent shales, and hematite was used as a representative of iron oxide found in spent shales. Benzene, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, and pyridine were used as representatives of oil shale process organic wastes. In addition, isopropylamine and dimethyl methylphosphonate, a pesticide model, were studied. A preparation methods comparison study was performed and established the validity of the solid state KBr sample preparation technique upon FTIR spectral quality. The results of this study illustrate the utility of fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis to establish and describe the potential for sorption interactions between inorganic and organic phases of oil shale processing wastes. Experimentation with the laser remain system shows promise for significant contributions in this field of research. 43 refs., 3 figs., 6 tabs.

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Heat conduction in heterogeneous media and volumetric heating of oil shales by magnetic methods

The problem of volumetric heating of oil shales by electromagnetic methods is studied theoretically. This study includes both a detailed examination of heat conduction in composite media, and the development of a numerical model to describe the heating process. The effects of layering on heat conduction in oil shale materials is studied theoretically. A new solution to a heat conduction equation in heterogenous materials is developed which includes both the effects of inclusions and contact resistance. The solution is presented in terms of the associated Green function and numerical results are displayed. In addition, a new solution to the heat conduction equation is presented for materials which consist of constituents whose thermal properties vary in a discontinuous manner. This solution is also presented in terms of a Green function and an iteration technique is developed to solve the related eigenfunction problem. Numerical results are exhibited for heat flow in layered materials. A two dimensional numerical model which describes electromagnetic heating of oil shales is developed. The model includes equations for temperature, saturations, chemical reactions, mass conservation, and source terms.

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Investigation of critical parameters in modified in-situ retorting

Recent results from operation of a 6 metric ton simulated, modified in-situ retort show that high (up to 3 m/day) retorting rates can be achieved with high (85%) oil yield and acceptable (<1000/sup 0/C) maximum temperature. These results were obtained with a bed of Colorado shale of broad (-30,  0.001 cm) size range containing a stepped grade change from 75 to 150 l/metric ton. Process control by steam and air injection rates, as stipulated by prerun model calculations, was demonstrated as was continuous estimation of retorting rate and oil yield from off-gas composition.

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Inorganic sulfur species in waste waters from in situ oil shale processing

Research report:Wastewater produced during in situ oil shale processing was studied for possible toxic or damaging environmental effects of the solutes it contains. Thiosulfate, thiocyanate, tetrathionate, sulfite, sulfate, and total sulfur concentrations were determined, and the predominant sulfur species was thiosulfate in all waste water samples. Hydrogen sulfide has been reported in gases derived from the retorting of oil shale, but was not detected in any of the waters studied. Analysis of water associated with an in situ retort one year after oil production showed that thiocyanate can persist in groundwater remaining in retorted zones. Similarities in the composition of wastes from in situ retorting and the ammoniacal liquors produced during coal coking were discussed. (14 references, 2 tables)

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Model of hydrocarbon maturation in the Uinta Basin, Utah, USA

Oil shale from the Green River Formation has been studied in pyrolysis experiments for many years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The purpose of these experiments has been to better understand the process of extraction and to calculate rates and amounts of oil formation for a variety of pyrolysis conditions. Recently we have developed a detailed computer model that can accurately predict the rates and amounts of chemical products (or species) developed at heating rates, temperatures, and pressures prevalent in different kinds of oil shale retort processes. We tested the fundamental accuracy of this model by extending the range of heating rates and temperatures from laboratory conditions to those prevalent in a geologic basin. In this paper geophysical and geologic data are used to develop a time-temperature history of the kerogen-rich lithologies of the Uinta Basin. The geologic model is then used as the data set to characterize conversion of the kerogen to various hydrocarbon products through time. The end result is a prediction of the present-day kerogen maturity level for various depths and locations within the Altamont-Bluebell and Redwash oil fields of the Uinta Basin. We then compare these results with maturity data from material extracted from the oil fields. Predicted maturity levels of the evolved hydrocarbons in the basin agree well with measured maturity levels. We feel that this agreement gives us confidence in the general applicability of the pyrolysis model. 18 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.

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Effects of a no-proppant foam stimulation treatment on a coal-seam degasification borehole

A vertical borehole drilled into a friable coal seam was stimulated by using 53,000 gal (200.6 m/sup 3/) of foam. Proppant materials were omitted from the treatment fluids and colored, fluorescent pigments were included. The borehole produced 6.6 MMcf (0.187*10/sup 6/ m/sup 3/) of methane at an average rate of 49 Mcf/D (1390 m/sup 3//d) during its 4.5-month lifetime. After the wellbore was mined through, both vertical and horizontal fracture surfaces were found decorated with fluorescent material. No significant penetration of the fluid into the overlying strata was found. 5 refs.

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Review of x-ray and petrographic methods for analyses of inorganic sulfur forms in Green River oil shale

Sulfur content in Green River oil shale varies widely from site to site. To develop environmentally sound strategies for oil shale development requires knowledge of the types, quantities, and distribution of sulfur-bearing minerals. Examination of sulfur-bearing minerals by x-ray diffraction and optical microscopy were found to be effective identification techniques, but further research is necessary for adequate quantification. 13 refs., 3 tabs.

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Characterization and treatment of eastern oil-shale retorting waste water: low-pressure membrane separation. Technical report (final)

Oil-shale retorting produced waste water with moderate to high concentrations of organics (such as phenols, short-chain acids, and free and emulsified oils) and inorganics (such as ammonia, Cl(-1), S(-2), etc.). The use of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes coupled with pretreatment by activated carbon resulted in 25 to 40% flux declines, as compared to 60% for untreated water. Pretreatment with CC1/sub 4/ extraction resulted in a 50% flux decline. Membrane rejections of conductivity, ammonia, TOC, chloride, alkalinity, and sulfide were usually 80 to 90%. Color rejection was greater than 99% in all cases. Extensive membrane studies revealed that the principal foulant is the oils, both free and emulsified. Partial removal of the oils resulted in up to 28% higher rejections. The rejection of ammonia was poor (33%) at pH = 10.1, while at pH = 8.3 ammonia (present as NH4( 1) rejection was 94%. HPLC characterization revealed high concentrations of phenolics (200 - 280 mg/l) in the raw retort waters. Phenolics rejection was 75 - 94%. Rejection of other peaks (as area) was generally 80 - 95%. Membrane rejection based on HPLC peak area (at 280 nm) was found to increase with elution (HPLC) time.

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Characterization of acids in shale oil high-boiling distillates

A chromatographic-infrared method has been used for the separation and characterization of acid compound types in shale oil high-boiling distillates. Acid compound concentrates are separated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on basic alumina, and the chromatographic subfractions are analyzed by quantitative infrared spectrometry. The analyses are reproducible, and generally 90 percent or more of the material is analyzed. Major acid compound types identified in shale oils are phenols, pyrrolic nitrogen compounds, and amides. 16 references, 7 figures, 4 tables.

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Physical-chemical treatment of tar sand processing wastewater. Task No. 2. Sludge management studies. Final report

Previously reported studies indicated the viability of ferric chloride coagulation as a major step in effective treatment of a steam flooding tar sand processing wastewater. The present task involved production of substantial quantities of sludge resulting from ferric chloride coagulation, characterization of the resulting sludge, and the assessment of selected chemical conditioning and dewatering techniques. Treatment was accomplished in 10 to 20 liter batches. The resulting composite sludge had a pH of 4.1 and a solids content of 1.43% (94.8% volatile). Specific resistance obtained from Buchner funnel tests of the composite sludge varied with the level of vacuum employed indicated a relatively compressible sludge. At a vacuum of 5.0 inches of mercury, a R value of 2.1 x 10/sup 10/ m/kg was observed. The compressibility was 0.95. The raw sludge had good filtration properties and dewatered in an acceptable manner. In order to ascertain potential improvement in dewatering rates, conditioning studies were conducted. A sample of sludge was frozen, then thawed to room temperature. The R value was reduced by a factor of thirty. An alternative process added small quantities of polymer. Seven polymers were tested (four cationic, two anionic and one non-ionic). For liquid polymers, the minimum R value was obtained for dosages of 40 to 80 ppM while for powders a dosage of 10 ppM was sufficient. Reductions of up to one order of magnitude were typical at optimum dosage. For small dosages (e.g. 5 ppM) reductions of 30 to 100% were common. Four sand bed filters were utilized to test gravity drainage and air drying characteristics of unconditioned sludge and sludges conditioned with 5 ppM of three selected polymers. Unconditioned sludge showed a tendency for early breakthrough of substantial solids. All of the polymers tested prevented this break-through.

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Direct determination of organic carbon in oil shale. [Pyrolysis at 450/sup 0/C]

A direct determination of organic carbon in oil shale has been developed to replace the normal procedure in which organic carbon is calculated as the difference between the total carbon and the inorganic carbon. The direct determination is obtained by controlled combustion using the Perkin-Elmer Model 240 Elemental Analyzer. Inorganic carbonates are not pyrolyzed when the combustion temperature is lowered to 450  - 10/sup 0/C. Precision of the method is  -0.10 percent org. C. The organic carbon data are useful in raw shale characterization, can be related to potential oil yield, and serve as a measure of energy potential, or coke, remaining on the retorted shale.

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Numerical solutions of chemically reacting flows in porous media

We discuss the computational aspects of a porous flow past a reacting solid undergoing pyrolysis. We present governing equations and develop an accurate numerical method for their solution. The algorithm accurately calculates the rapidly varying component and uses a fixed step size commensurate with the smoothly varying component of the solution. The resulting nonlinear equation is solved with Newton's method; the linear system is solved using a discrete analog of the invariant-imbedding method for second-order, linear, two-point boundary-value problems. We also develop a criterion for truncating the computational domain to minimize the calculational effort, and we present some typical calculations showing that the scheme is accurate and efficient.

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Matrix modification for environmental control of oil shale production

This paper discusses an environmental control technology which emphasizes the potential application of pretreatment methods instead of the conventionally used posttreatments. Some basic aspects such as the nature of the spent shale matrix, and its interaction with retort water, pollutant - precursor relationships and pollution generation mechanism are discussed. An effort is made to show that the amount of pollutants produced and the subsequent immobilization of these pollutants on the spent shale surface is possible by proper matrix modification. Such an environmental control technology could include the use of additives for the interruption or modification of pollutant pathways, or the use of the autocatalytic effect of the clays inherent in the system. Optimization of operating conditions is shown to affect pollutant generation greatly.

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Shale oil specialty markets: Screening survey for United States applications

EG and G requested J. E. Sinor Consultants Inc. to carry out an initial screening study on the possibilities for producing specialty chemicals from oil shale. Raw shale oil is not an acceptable feedstock to refineries and there are not enough user of heavy fuel oil in the western oil shale region to provide a dependable market. The only alternatives are to hydrotreat the oil, or else ship it long distances to a larger market area. Either of these alternatives results in a cost penalty of several dollars per barrel. Instead of attempting to enter the large-volume petroleum products market, it was hypothesized that a small shale oil facility might be able to produce specialty chemicals with a high enough average value to absorb the high costs of shipping small quantities to distant markets and still provide a higher netback to the plant site than sales to the conventional petroleum products market. This approach, rather than attempting to refine shale oil or to modify its characteristics to satisfy the specifications for petroleum feedstocks or products, focuses instead on those particular characteristics which distinguish shale oil from petroleum, and attempts to identify applications which would justify a premium value for those distinctive characteristics. Because byproducts or specialty chemicals production has been a prominent feature of oil shale industries which have flourished for periods of time in various countries, a brief review of those industries provides a starting point for this study. 9 figs., 32 tabs.

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Toxicological benchmarks for synfuels characterization

High-boiling petroleum distillates are quite different from crude coal liquids of similar boiling range and more likel hydrotreated coal liquids in their content of PAH dermal tumorigens, tumorigenicity, and mutagenicity. Refining levels our differences in the composition among the crude oils, and lesser compositional differences are observed for their refined naphthas. Differences (if any) in the toxicity of the vapors of the naphthas are likely to be small and subtle. More complex and comprehensive biological testing would be required to quantitate differences in potential health effects. However, the results suggest that the HFO/HD and VGO distillates of these petroleum crude oils are not substantially more mutagenic or tumorigenic than the undistilled petroleum crude oils, in comparison to crude coal liquids. Thus, there do not appear to be any substantial advantages to preparing and using distillate fractions (at least of these) petroleum crude oils as benchmarks for comparative mutagenicity and tumorigenicity testing. The original data in the literature on unfractionated petroleum crude oils appear suitable for comparison with coal liquids. The concentrations of selected four- to six-ring PAH dermal tumorigens in the high boiling distillate fractions of lighter petroleum crude oils were found to be only ca. 2.5 times more concentrated than in the undistilled crude oils. Further, these PAH in the distillate fractions were at least one to two orders of magnitude lower than in crude coal liquids of comparable boiling range, and more similar to those of hydrotreated coal liquids. 26 refs., 2 figs., 12 tabs.

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