Engineering Commons^™

Conference Keynote Address, John B. Rigg

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

No abstract provided.

Prospects For Conversion Of Solar Energy Into Electrical Power, William R. Cherry

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

In 1972, the Solar Energy Panel took a broad look at solar energy across the whole field to see just what could be done with this energy source. Maybe the era of acquiring energy without regard to cost and without regard to consequences of using it is beginning to come to a close and maybe we ought to start looking at the newer sources of energy, even though we need every bit of energy we can get from every source. I am not trying to say we don't need gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy. We are not going to …

The U. S. Wind Power Program, Joseph M. Savino

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

Today I would like to talk about wind energy in, basically, two parts. I would like to bring to your attention some of the developments that have occurred in the 20th century. Many of us who have gone through school in the last 25-30 years don't recall anywhere in our engineering education much information dealing with wind energy, and that may come as a surprise to you as it did to me, to learn how much has actually been done in the 20th century to develop large scale wind-driven machines. After I get through with that introduction I would like …

Alternate Energy Removal Modes For Nuclear Power Reactors, Robert L. Carter

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

Attention is focussed upon the unique qualities of high energy fission particles, and upon the fundamental limits to the direct removal of their kinetic energy by electrostatic means and by cyclotron resonance deceleration. Efficiencies of secondary and tertiary product ionization and excitation produced by fission particles are examined. The potential for delivery of power through various non-thermal modes is discussed, and the significant unknowns relating thereto are identified.

Locating Nuclear Power Plants Underground, Frank M. Scott

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

This paper reviews some of the questions that have been asked by experts and others as to why nuclear power plants are not located or placed underground. While the safeguards and present designs make such installations unnecessary, there are some definite advantages that warrant the additional cost involved. First of all, such an arrangement does satisfy the psychological concern of a number of people and, in so doing, might gain the acceptance of the public so that such plants could be constructed in urban areas of load centers. The results of these studies are presented and some of the requirements …

Prospects For Nuclear Fusion Power, William C. Gough

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

The prospects for fusion power are discussed including the need for fusion, its environmental advantages, and the research results that form the basis for present confidence that the program will succeed. The steps remaining before commercial fusion power will be available are outlined. Exploratory ideas for second generation fusion electric power plants, and non electrical applications of fusion technology and reactors are briefly covered.

Are Nuclear Shipments Really Safe?, William A. Brobst

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

The transportation of nuclear materials is on the increase. Although nuclear shipments are only a very small fraction of the Nation’s hazardous materials shipments, they attract a great deal of public attention. Shipments of spent nuclear fuel and nuclear wastes are a particular concern.

One of the many fears that people have about nuclear energy is the possibility that a nuclear shipment might somehow go awry and cause a serious public hazard. Primarily, they are worried that a shipment of spent reactor fuel or highly radioactive waste could be involved in a serious rail or highway accident and dump its …

The Energy Problem -- Crude Oil, J. A. Marshall

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

This paper discusses the national energy problem as it affects the demand for and availability of crude oil. Forecasts of energy demands to 1990 have been made based on population trends and changing life styles in the USA. Projections of energy supplies show a rapidly increasing gap between supply of crude oil and demand for crude oil from the early 1970's through 1990. The need for imported crude oil to supply the forecast deficit is discussed. The political and economic implications of these imports are also discussed. The need for refineries, port facilities, tankers, and pipelines are presented. Finally, recommendations …

Coal Gasification And Liquefaction, Sam Friedman

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

The current major processes being developed for coal gasification and liquefaction will be reviewed briefly. The Bureau of Mines Hydrane process for converting coal to pipeline quality gas directly by reaction with hydrogen will be discussed in more detail. The featured topic will be the Bureau's Synthoil process which converts coal in one step into a low-sulfur, low-ash fuel oil. Coal suspended in recycled oil is propelled through a packed-bed reactor by rapid turbulent flow of hydrogen. A 1/2 TPD plant is in operation producing over 1 bbl of oil per day.

Flat Plate Collector Design For The Central U. S., Joseph T. Zung

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

An efficient design for both heating and cooling of an average sized residence is presented. The main source of energy is derived from a large roof top flat plate collector built into the roof structure of the house. The amount of solar energy collected is stored in a combination of hot air and hot water storage system located underneath the house. An auxiliary electric heating coil is built into the solar heating system for use in any extended period of cloudy and inclement weather. The system is so designed as to satisfy the two key requirements for any successful solar …

The Role Of Natural Gas And Lng In Supplying Our Energy Needs, D. L. Caldwell

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

The domestic natural gas industry experienced a spectacular growth during the two decades from 1950 to 1970. Demand for gas continues to rise and production has peaked at a time when the price for other energy sources is escalating. A price increase can stimulate production over the short term. Massive LNG imports can help the intermediate term supply. The long term natural gas situation is bleak and substitute natural gas sources must be employed. A conservation program and reordering of priorities for energy sources is essential for the United States as well as most industrial nations.

Oil Shale And Its Potential Utilization, G. U. Dineen

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

The large deposits of oil shale in the Green River Formation in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming offer a potential source of significant quantities of liquid fuels. This paper discusses the location and potential of the resource; the present state of technology for producing shale oil by both aboveground and in situ processes; the characteristics of shale oil; environmental aspects of oil-shale utilization; and recent developments, particularly results of the Department of the Interior’s Prototype Oil Shale Leasing Program, that suggest inauguration of commercial oil-shale processing.

Energy From Biochemical Sources, G. J. Fennewald, D. L. Million, Efton Park, J. L. Gaddy

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

As available energy reserves decline, renewable sources must be utilized. Organic matter, grown agriculturally, represents a renewable energy source, which is readily available. This paper reviews the methods by which organic matter can be converted to energy sources by biochemical processes. The economics of conversion of agricultural crops and byproducts to alcohols by fermentation and conversion of these agricultural materials to methane by anaerobic digestion are examined. Projections of the potential of this energy source are quite promising.

Coal And Its Derivatives As An Energy Resource, W. G. Stockton

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

April 25, 1974

Events of the last few months, it seems, have somewhat altered the public countenance of the coal industry. These events, I am sure, are the generating factors focusing interest on our industry currently, and I suspect they account for my invitation to address this distinguished group of engineering students today on the subject of coal in this nation's energy outlook.

Coal Mining is not a new industry - - it has been around a long, long time. A surprising number of people, though, have never seen any coal; they are not aware of the existence of the …

Hydrogen -- An Emerging Energy Carrier, James E. Funk

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

The "hydrogen economy" envisions the energy needs of the United States in the early part of the next century being served by a network of nuclear plants producing electricity, hydrogen, and perhaps desalted water. Hydrogen is a very attractive synthetic fuel and offers appealing features as an energy carrier. This paper considers a number of factors involved in the expanded use of hydrogen including supply and demand, production techniques and transmission and storage.

Status And Outlook For Energy Conversion Via Fuel Cells, John P. Ackerman

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

Fuel cells have the potential of providing good solutions to a variety of energy-related problems. As our supplies of conventional fossil fuels are depleted, their cost will rise, and there will be increasing difficulty in obtaining certain premium fuels at any price. It behooves us, then, to use our remaining reserves of fuels as efficiently as possible. Energy conversion via fuel cells represents one of the best ways to achieve this goal, because it is possible, simultaneously, to obtain more work and less pollution from a dollar's worth of fuel with a fuel cell than with any other device.

Energy Saving Projects Recently Completed At A Large Petroleum Refinery, J. A. Marshall, A. D. Kiehne

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

A significant reduction in energy consumption per barrel of crude oil processed has been effected at Shell Oil's Wood River, Illinois, Refinery during the past two years. Some of the projects which have resulted in reduced energy consumption are:

1. Improved furnace efficiency through closer surveillance and through installation of optimizing controllers on certain furnaces.

2. Lowered reflux-to-feed ratios on certain fractionating columns following reoptimization of operating conditions with current fuel values.

3. Additional heat exchangers purchased and installed on plants originally designed and optimized at lower fuel values.

This paper discusses examples of each of the above projects and …

An Overview Of Natural Gas Supply And Availability, D. E. Gibbs

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

Natural gas presently supplies almost one-third of the total U.S. energy supply--and like oil, has had its proven reserves reduced by ever-increasing production. The potential gas reserves of the United States are sufficient to maintain our present demand for a considerable period of time, if these reserves can be found. The exploration necessary has to be financed by increased gas cost. Additional technology will be necessary to increase the amounts of gas that can be produced from our present and future supplies. Several methods of obtaining the capital necessary to perform the additional drilling and areas of technical improvement are …

Bellamy Field Tests: Recovery Of Medium Gravity Crude Oil From Missouri Tar Sands By Counterflow Underground Burning, J. C. Trantham

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

In the current energy shortage, the heavy oil and tar sands of the United States are assuming critical importance. This is true for at least two reasons: first, they constitute a major resource, amounting to some 150 billion barrels in place; and second, their where-abouts is known -- exploration will not contribute to the lead time required for bringing these resources into the national energy picture. Moreover, many of the technological problems have been solved. The delay in producing these heavy oil and tar deposits is due primarily to economics.

The Associated Electric Cooperative Energy Control System, Douglas W. Arlig

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

Associated Electric Coop, installed a digital computer energy control system in 1971 to improve the economics and security of its power system operation. Since its initial implementation, the new energy control system has been undergoing a continuing evolutionary process. The addition of new data acquisition systems, improved man-machine interfaces, and the development of new, more sophisticated application programs has helped bring the system closer to its goal of reliable, secure, and economic power system operation.

This paper describes Associated's energy control system as it was originally installed, as it is currently operating today, and as it is currently envisioned to …

Energy And The Environment, Joseph T. Zung

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

The topic of Energy and Environment is probably the most timely one at present time. Probably it is not because both energy and environment are man's most precious resources we want to conserve, but because of their seemingly contradictory and mutually destructive nature. One often asks ourselves these days: Is the energy crisis an environmental problem or environmental restrictions caused our present energy crisis?

A Technique For Improving Stability Of Petroleum Reservoir Simulation Models, M. D. Arnold, T. C. Wilson, A. Herbert Harvey

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

Computational instability may occur in the mathematical simulation of hydrocarbon reservoirs when small inaccuracies in the calculated pressures cause loss of diagonal dominance in the matrix of coefficients. The problem can be resolved by the use of a more precise technique for computation of pressures. However, this stability problem is still troublesome to users of certain types of reservoir simulators. A computational technique which has been found effective in resolving the problem is presented.

Development Of The Solid Waste Resource, David L. Klumb, Earl M. Wells

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

This paper describes the waste processing and boiler feed facilities which serve as the prototype for Union Electric Company's proposed Solid Waste Utilization System for recycling essentially all the solid waste generated in the metropolitan St. Louis area. The recently announced system, capable of processing up to 8,000 tons of raw refuse per day and estimated to cost $70 million, will be built and operated without government subsidy. Solid waste will be processed for the recovery of recyclable non- combustibles and use as a supplementary fuel to electric utility boilers.

A Proposed Coal Slurry Pipe Line, R. W. Toler

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

Investigation is underway to determine the feasibility of building a slurry pipe line over 1000 miles long to deliver coal from Wyoming to the Arkansas-Louisiana-Mississippi area. This paper describes some of the featur's of this project.

Clean Fuel From Coal For Electric Power Generation, J. Agosta

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

Several strategies have been studied and applied for the reduction of sulfur-dioxide emissions from power generation sites. These include switching to low sulfur fuels, stack gas processing, and a greater reliance upon nuclear power. One area of interest is the processing of fuel prior to combustion through the total gasification of coal to produce a fuel gas suitable for combustion in utility boilers and gas turbines. Specifically, this paper will deal with need for coal as a fuel in the generation of electric power, the production from coal of a clean power fuel gas of-approximately 150 to 200 Btu and …

Missouri Coal In Perspective, Charles E. Robertson

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

Missouri's coal resource base of 49 billion tons is part of the 132 billion ton coal resource base of the Western Interior Coal Region of Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The energy content of this coal resource base is 2,600 quadrillion Btu, more than the amount of energy contained in all the petroleum produced to date in the United States.

This large energy resource cannot remain ignored in a time of energy crisis such as the present. It is recommended that research efforts be stepped up that will permit recovery of energy from the thin, high sulfur seams of …

The Assessment Of Environmental Impacts At Nuclear Power Generating Stations, Thomas H. Row, J. R. Mcwherter

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

The Federal actions that are required with regard to nuclear power stations are the granting of a construction permit and later the issuance of a license to operate the station. Since the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is responsible for these actions, the Commission is also responsible for preparation of an environmental statement on the proposed actions. The National Laboratories including the one at Oak Ridge are used as part of the staff in preparing the statements.

The staff makes an independent determination of the plant effluents and their dispersions. The impact of these and plant construction on the environment are …

Power Transmission Technology For The 1980-1990 Time Period, T. H. Lee

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

It is a great pleasure for me to have this opportunity to present to you a subject that is very close to my heart - future transmission systems. Electrical demand in the U.S. is doubling every ten years. While the electric growth capacity characteristics are being questioned for the future, the best estimates are that this will continue at least through the 1990’s.

Load tends to be concentrated in cities and historically generating plants were located in cities. Environmental considerations for fossil plants are tending to locate them away from cities and the trend is expected to continue. Reluctance to …

Oil Spill Containment And Removal In Arctic Ecosystems, Wilfred R. Mcleod, Diana L. Mcleod

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

Statistics on 16 arctic and subarctic oil spills, their locations, the amount of oil spilled, combatant schemes used, and causes for the spills were culled from the literature. This information has been used to analyze the effectiveness of available chemical, mechanical, and destructive means of oil recovery or disposal under arctic and subarctic conditions.

The choice of the best cleanup procedures to follow in any particular instance is clouded by a number of variables and must be weighed against such considerations as wind, sea, and ice conditions, properties of the oil, and effects of chemicals on marine and wildlife. Access …

A Systems Approach To The Design Of A Hydrogen Economy, Joel Hebert

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

A description of the organization and methods used to select and direct participants in the design of a hydrogen energy system; a hydrogen economy. The Systems Design concept was used throughout the task, including inputs from applied psychology. Task and time organization was such that the eighteen participants completed the task, including report writing, in eleven weeks (8000 man hours).

Projected costs of producing hydrogen from coal or from nuclear heat are in the range of $1.00 to $1.50 per million Btu. Transmission and distribution costs are estimated to be about half as much. Possibilities for large scale usage of …