This laboratory is operated by the Capsule Pipeline Research Center to develop technologies for the transport of coal and other solid materials, such as solid and hazardous wastes, in underground pipelines. The Center is supported by the National S cience Foundation, the State of Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Coal Log Pipeline Consortium consisting of pipeline companies, electric utilities, coal companies, and small business participants including equipment companies and consul ting firms.
Current research is focused on the transport of coal logs.
The use of coal log pipelines not only would reduce coal transportation costs but also mitigate environmental impacts such as noise and air pollution. After the capsu le pipeline technology has been developed and used successfully with coal logs, it will be adapted for transporting solid and hazardous wastes, grain, and many other materials.