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An Experimental Study Of Separation Of Binary And Ternary Gas Mixtures By Parametric Pumping, Stephen E. Belsky

Theses

An experimental study of gas parametric pumping is presented which examines the purification of helium using silica gel to remove the impurity carbon dioxide. Low gas flow rates are used to allow adequate time for equilibrium to be approached, assuming intraparticle diffusion is the controlling mass transfer step. By varying the cycle time, at long cycle times, the effect of penetration length (a function of dynamic capacity) is indicated. Also, at low cycle time, the effects during pressure changes become more significant.

Using low flow rate improves separation effectiveness if evaluated at equal dynamic capacity. When using low flow rate …

Air Control In A Newark City Subway Station, Robert H. Burch

Theses

During the period from June, 1974 to January, 1976, 103 24-hr samples of the air at the Broad Street station of the Newark City Subway were collected by cascade impactor. The size distributions (based on Stoke's equivalent diameters) of the total suspended particulate matter were determined gravimetrically. Samples were also analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry to obtain information on the concentration of iron, manganese, lead, copper, zinc, and cadmium in each size fraction. The geometric mean particulate level was found to be more than twice the Federal Ambient Air Quality Standard and triple that of ambient Newark air sampled nearby. …

Theoretical Thermodynamic Functions For Argon, Peter Yi-Ren Sheh

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Reactivity And Kinetic Comparison Of Large Single New Mexican And South African Subbituminous Coal Particles, Wendall Gerald Stoddart

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

This study focuses on one aspect of coal gasification; that is, devolatilization of large single coal particles. Devolatilization is an important and key economic step in the overall gasification process. From a commercial standpoint for New Mexico, there are two processes in the field of coal gasification of importance: the Lurgi synthetic natural gas process and in-situ gasification. Since both the Lurgi and in-situ processes treat rather large particles of coal, the findings in this study might be used by industry to improve the design and operation of these processes. The work presented is a study and comparison of the …

The Impact Of Regulation Upon The Oil And Gas Industries, Lee Carter

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

It is paradoxical that the oil and gas industries both ask for and resist the idea of regulation. Historic examples are given of how and why this is so. Since the Arab oil crisis of 1973, new and onerous rules for domestic producers have been introduced, first by improvization and more recently by a national energy plan. Both the good and bad features of the 1977 national energy plan are reviewed to generate words of commendation and words of warning about its effect on the oil and gas industries.

Theoretical And Experimental Investigation Of Oil Recovery By The Electrothermic Technique, Samy Abdel-Hakeem El-Feky

Doctoral Dissertations

"This work investigates the feasibility of increasing oil recovery from petroleum reservoirs by the electrothermic technique. A mathematical model was developed for the prediction of reservoir response to heating by alternating electric current flow through the oil-bearing formations. The mathematical model was programmed in FORTRAN for solution on the IBM 370/168. The model used the finite difference technique to represent the differential equations that describe the system, and the sets of difference equations were solved by the Strongly Implicit Procedure (SIP) and Successive Overrelaxation (SOR).

In order to verify the mathematical model, a set of experiments was conducted to determine …

Direct Solution Of The Isothermal Gibbs‐Duhem Equation By An Iterative Method For Binary Systems, J. A. Martinez‐Ortiz, David B. Manley

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Laser Doppler Velocimetry Studies Of Early Turbulence, J. L. Zakin, C. C. Ni, R. J. Hansen, M. M. Reischman

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Laser Doppler anemometry is employed to measure the mean velocity and turbulence intensity in the early turbulence regime of the flow of a dilute polymer solution through a small-diameter tube. (This regime is initiated at an onset Reynolds number in the subcritical range, above which the polymer additive increases drag, and continues through the transitional Reynolds number range, where a continuous transition to turbulent flow with reduced drag is observed.) When the onset flow rate for early turbulence is exceeded, the mean velocity profile becomes progressively flatter with increasing flow rate. That is, a gradual transition from a laminar profile …

Turbulence Structure In Drag Reducing Polymer Solutions, Gary Kent Patterson, Jack Chosnek, J. L. Zakin

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Longitudinal turbulence intensifies measured by split-film anemometry in degraded polymer solutions in pipe flow peaked much farther from the wall than longitudinal turbulence intensities in a Newtonian oil at the same Reynolds numbers. The peak values were at about the same level for the degraded solutions as for the oil but were higher and nearer the wall for fresh polymer solutions. Radial turbulence intensities were lower for the polymer solutions at all locations under all conditions. Drag reduction for the polymer solutions ranged from 1 to 21% based on Newtonian fluid of equal viscosity. For the fresh solutions the Reynolds …

Optimization Of Methanol Process By Flowsheet Simulation, S. H. Ballman, J. L. Gaddy

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Optimization of large complex chemical processes is a necessary step in economic design of these systems. Flowsheet simulation models afford an ideal mechanism for detailed optimization of these processes. The methanol process offers several interesting optimization variables (reformer temperature, pressure, and steam and carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon ratios; synthesis loop pressure, temperature, purge rate, and conversion) which require detailed models of the reaction kinetics. This paper presents the results of optimization of the intermediate pressure process using the PROPS model and the adaptive random search routine. The costs associated with performing such a detailed process optimization study are easily justified …

Potential-Selective Deposition Of Copper From Chloride Solutions Containing Iron, Ralph E. White, James A. Trainham, John Newman, Thomas W. Chapman

Faculty Publications

The hydrometallurgy of copper may involve leaching of the metal from its ore with an aqueous solution containing cupric and ferric chloride. The subsequent deposition of copper from such a process stream is modeled here in an idealized electrochemical cell with a rotating-disk electrode. The potential distribution and concentration profiles within the diffusion layer are predicted for given potential differences between the electrode and the solution. The cuprous ion, which is formed by the reduction of the complexed cupric ion at the electrode, is stabilized in the chloride solution and can react either at the electrode or with ferric species …

Synthesis Of Heat Exchange Networks By Mixed Integer Optimization, R. C. Kelahan, J. L. Gaddy

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Process synthesis involves manipulation of the process arrangement, while studying the variables of each arrangement, to arrive at the optimal process. If each process arrangement is treated as a discrete variable, process synthesis becomes a mixed integer optimization problem. This paper examines the synthesis of heat exchanger networks using the adaptive random search procedure, which can be used to search continuous and discrete independent variables simultaneously. The means of handling the heat exchanger arrangement as a discrete variable is discussed, and the incorporation of various synthesis heuristics is presented. The results of synthesis of 2 x 2, 2 x 3, …

Agricultural Crop Drying And Space Heating Using A Solar Energy Intensifier, M. A. Hellickson, W. H. Peterson, S. E. Saienga, J. L. Julson

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A solar energy-intensifier-thermal energy storage system was developed and tested under actual climatic conditions in South Dakota. Performance characteristics of the system are presented for its use in drying shelled corn and for agricultural space heating. Comparisons between solar and conventional drying between solar supplemented and conventional heating are reported.

Energy Conservation In Ammonia Production, Yash P. Gupta, Donald B. Wilson

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The Federal Energy Administration currently is considering energy conservation goals for the industry. This paper presents methods for chemical/petroleum industry to conserve energy. Ammonia Production is used as an example.

Modeling Of A Fossil-Fired Power Plant For Real-Time Simulation, Robert Douglas Busch

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Computer simulation of complex physical systems can be a useful technique in analyzing the multitude of interactions occurring in such systems. Real-time modeling of power plants is particularly useful in operator training and engineering research programs. Towards this end, a small-scale simulator has been developed using a dedicated minicomputer. Major components of a drum-type fossil-fired power plant were modeled using first principle, physical equations, and then the component modules were interconnected to form the simulation package. Support routines were written to provide real-time operation, periodic data storage, continuous data display, interrupt capabilities, and manipulation of control variables. The package presently …

An Experimental Study Of Semi-Continuous Ph-Parametric Pumping With A Center Feed, John S. Dell'osso

Theses

Parametric pumping represents a new development in separation science. It has attracted considerable attention both because of its novelty and because it permits continuous operation in small equipment with very high separation factors. The basic principle of parametric pumping is to utilize the coupling of periodic changes in equilibrium conditions caused by periodic changes in some intensive variables (temperature, pH, electric field, etc.), and periodic changes in flow direction to separate the components of fluid which flows past a solid adsorbent. Applications of parametric pumping involving the separation of valuable materials such as proteins would be very attractive and profitable …

The Impact Of Solar Central Electric Technology On The Regulated Utility, Donald A. Murry

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The generation of electricity by solar energy in the U.S. is moving from the design stage to the pilot plant stage. Some persons have argued that at least some of the base line technologies are competitors now or are approaching parity with other energy sources, at least when the social costs and benefits are considered. This paper evaluates briefly the institutional framework of the regulated electric utility, the proforma impact of a solar electric plant upon an operational utility. We conclude that under the present regulatory/institutional framework, the solar electric technology will be developed at a date that is slower …

A Method For Ascertaining The Effects Of The "Significant Deterioration Of Air Quality" Regulations On Energy Industries, James A. Crenshaw, Allan G. Pulsipher, Robert C. Shock

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

EPA has issued regulations to "prevent the significant deterioration" of air quality. Problems that states may encounter in implementing these regulations are described and an approach that states and utility systems can use to implement the prevention of significant deterioration regulations efficiently is given. The planning method can also be used to ascertain the economic effects of these regulations upon the energy industries in the state in question.

Economic Implications Of Alternative Property Rights Systems For Geothermal Resources, Thomas D. Crocker

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A system of property claims in geothermal steam reservoirs is outlined that could cause the economically heat energy of the reservoir to be allocated among claimants and over time in a more efficient fashion. At most, the proposed scheme is second-best. It is nevertheless realistic.

Optimal Fuel Supply Control For Electrical Energy Systems -- A Real Time Computer Technique, J. Derald Morgan, Richard Thomas Smith

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The techniques of linear-integer programming are applied to the problem of supplying coal to power plants. A heuristic technique for optimizing the supply of coal to power companies is created. The optimization minimizes the purchase, transportation, and demurrage costs of coal subject to power system operations, power plant demands, coal purchase supply, power plant coal handling operations, and transport options. A procedure for calculation and analysis of cost sensitivity of optimal solutions to input data perturbations is presented which utilizes the optimizing technique.

The nature of the constraint set developed allows for the inclusion of loading and unloading operations in …

Over One Billion Tons Of Coal In 1985: Can The Railroad Industry Handle It?, Larry C. Peppers

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Any evaluation of our country's resource potential must carefully consider the transport network and the constraints which it places upon future energy development and growth. The federal government has a vague goal of energy independence (or, at least, less energy dependence), but it has not developed a coherent energy plan—a critical element of which is energy transport. The paper analyzes the uncertain coal outlook facing the rail industry, translates these coal scenarios into alternative financial projections for the rail sector, and clarifies the most urgent federal decisions needed in the energy-transport policy matrix. The rail industry is being asked to …

A Total Present Worth Economic Comparison Of Coal And Nuclear Fuel Energy Alternatives, Dennis M. Tulenko, Phillip F. Ostwald, Klaus D. Timmerhaus

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper utilizes the total present worth concept to make an economic comparison for a 500 MWe electrical power generating station operated either with Eastern U.S. coal, Western U.S. coal or nuclear fuel. Arguments are presented to support the use of this concept for comparing the economic desirability of various energy alternatives used for generating electrical power.

On-Site Generation Of Electricity -- An Idea Whose Time Has Come, Thomas R. Casten

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Generation of electricity, on-site, with recapture of waste heat can save many area concerns up to 50% on their total energy costs today and save up to 60% of the total fossil fuel presently used. The very favorable economics result from increased utility costs -- a phenomenon of the past three years. The efficient use of fossil fuel is a feature of on-site power generation. This article traces the history of "total energy" and describes how and where on-site generation of electricity makes sense.

Water And Energy, Frank Ellis

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Energy self-sufficiency or independence from foreign oil imports depends critically on the yet undeveloped domestic fossil fuel resources, particularly for the production of heat, which can be utilized in the conventional and technically feasible thermal energy cycles of steam-electric generators and prime movers, which can easily be replicated. An integral facet of the complex domestic energy development undertaking is the availability of water that may be required to convert the vast domestic coal and oil shale resources into usable energy forms. An orderly utilization of water resources must receive attention if sufficient development of fossil- fuel conversion energy systems is …

Household Demand Responsiveness To Peak Use Pricing: Implications Drawn From Experimental Studies Of Consumer Demand Behavior Of Both Humans And Animals, Raymond C. Battalio, John H. Kagel

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The authors approach the problem of demand responsiveness to peak use pricing from the perspective of experimental economists working in the area of consumer demand behavior. Results from experiments involving both human and laboratory animal consumers are presented suggesting that wide classes of house-_ hold economic activities will be quite responsive to changes in peak use pricing but that the demand for space heating and cooling will be highly inelastic without major changes in capital stocks. The reasons for these differences are discussed along with suggestions of low cost technologies for achieving greater price responsiveness in space heating and cooling …

Regional Impacts Of The Energy Crisis On Agricultural Production, Dan Dvoskin, Earl O. Heady

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

An interregional linear programming model of U.S. agricultural production is used to analyze the regional economic consequences of higher energy prices and a severe energy shortage in 1985.

Energy Conservation In Aeronautical Ground Testing, R. W. Hensel

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Large aeronautical ground test facilities, particularly continuous flow wind tunnels and engine altitude test cells, are large users of electricity. Because of the correspondingly high absolute cost of energy, these facilities generally maintain continual programs to minimize both energy and power levels consistent with achievement of testing objectives. The recent sharp increases in kilowatt-hour costs (overall rates doubled within two years at the U. S. Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Center, for example) have resulted in a proportional rise in efforts to effect further economies. The various methods available to reduce electricity costs fall in three categories: (1) methods related …

Coal-Oil Slurries As A Device To Conserve Fuel Oil In Existing Industrial Furnaces, Lee Carter

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Coal-oil slurries constitute a device for extending the supply of heavy fuel oil by admixing up to 40$ of ground coal. The resultant slurry can be pumped and burned in standard heavy fuel oil equipment. This paper deals with history, technology and the ERDA program for exploiting the coal-oil slurry idea. It offers a prognosis for program execution and final outcome.

Future Growth Of Electric Power Demand In The South Atlantic Region, W. S. Chern, S. B. Caudill, B. D. Holcomb, W. W. Lin

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A reliable forecast of electricity demand is essential for evaluating the future need for additional electricity generating capacity. Such an evaluation has important implications for public policies on the research and development of energy technologies, particularly those technologies related to electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. The purposes of this paper are to discuss a methodology used in forecasting electricity demand on a state basis and to present some preliminary demand forecasts, by sector, for the eight states in the South Atlantic region. Although the models presented here were developed for this region, we are currently developing similar models for …

Local Data And The Role Of Price In Energy Conservation, John J. Snyder

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A preliminary report is presented on an econometric demand study of residential electricity in Colorado municipalities. The data base consists of fifteen years of annual data for each of 33 communities. This permits electricity price data to be taken directly from residential rate-schedules.