Engineering Commons^™

Low Btu Producer Gas -- A Fuel Of The Past And A Fuel Of The Future, Lee Carter

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

A prime purpose of this paper is to give conscious emphasis to an important type of coal gasification, one that does not demand hundreds of millions of dollars to launch an experimental program but instead is essentially ready to use after a reasonable and straightforward engineering check-out of the local coal sources and the prospective gas demand.

That type of coal gasification results in low Btu producer gas. This paper deals with its history, its technology and its economics. In the light of that information, the future of low Btu producer gas in America then is assessed.

Effective Utilization Of Energy From Biomass Residues In Agricultural Applications, Harry W. Parker

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

Biomass is one of the more attractive alternative energy sources. Use of existing biomass residues within the farm and ranch economy can be accomplished with a minimum of organizational problems since the producer, processor, and consumer may be the same person or organization. The major task is to provide potential agricultural biomass users with accurate cost estimates for the energy made available from the biomass, and contemporary technology for its utilization.

Specific examples are given with regard to powering irrigation well engines with cotton gin trash via a producer gas generator, and conversion of harvested mesquite wood to digestible energy …

Gasification Of Municipal Solid Waste In A Fluidized Bed Reactor, Craig W. Mosley, Radon Tolman

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

Results of pilot plant municipal solid waste gasification studies conducted at the Adolph Coors Company, Golden, Colorado, are presented. The nominal one ton per hour, 150 psig, fluidized bed gasification system was operated during 1973- 1974 using steam and air as oxidants and fluidizing media. These studies show the feasibility of a one-stage, air blown, fluid bed MSW conversion system.

Burning Wood As A Supplement To Solid Waste, Andrew R. Banta, William P. Smith

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

The University of Kansas at Lawrence uses natural gas and oil to generate steam for heating and other campus needs. The projected price increase of these fuels has led to a study of burning solid waste and wood. This study discusses the technical and economic considerations of burning wood. Topics included are sources and availability, collection and transportation, preparation and burning, and environmental effects. It is concluded that sufficient wood is available; truck transport is the only feasible option; drying some wood is desirable; and that the burning can be done separately or directly with the solid waste.

An Analysis Of Investments In Residential Energy Conservation In Southeast Missouri, Ralph Gunderson

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

This study examines the economic feasibility of residential solar heating. Climatic and economic variables used in this report represent those of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. An annual cost model is used to determine the conditions under which solar heating achieves a reduced annual cost of heating relative to gas and electric heating systems.

Industrial Energy Conservation Through Boiler Operation Efficiency Improvement, Dupree Maples, G. D. Whitehouse

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

A method of determining the minimum amount of oxygen in the flue gas which results in the most efficient combustion is discussed. Results of field test are presented. The magnitude of the stack gas losses is dependent on the stack gas composition determined by the fuel and quantity of excess air and the stack temperature.

Oil Shale Energy And The Environment, Stephen Utter

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

Shale oil can be produced from oil shale by true In situ, modified in situ, and surface retorting methods. Both modified in situ and surface methods require mining of the oil shale. The environmental Implications of an oil shale mining industry are reviewed and the impacts upon land use, air and water quality, and ecological systems discussed. The Bureau's mining environmental research program is described and the results to date summarized.

An Analysis Of Solar Heating Costs In Arkansas Broiler Houses, Ralph Gunderson, J. Martin Redfern

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

This study is based on the computer simulation model of a solar heated broiler house in four locations in Arkansas. This simulation model estimated the annual energy savings in each broiler house due to the installation of a solar heating system. This paper uses present value analysis to estimate the life cycle costs of heating conventional and solar heated broiler houses in the state of Arkansas. From these calculations, the number of years required to achieve a break-even cost of heating is estimated.

Innovations In Heat Pumps, Ronald Hunter Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr.

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

The status of the residential heat pump industry is reviewed. Some potential improvements in energy efficiency, operational reliability, and initial cost are described and delineated. These possible innovations include two-speed or variable speed compressors, reliable defrost initiation and termination, improved system components, modifications to the basic thermodynamic cycle, add-on-heat pumps, solar assisted heat pumps, annual cycle energy system, chemical heat pumps, and gas fired heat pumps.

Comparison Of Stirred And Immobilized Cell Reactors For Ethanol Production, Oliver C. Sitton, J. L. Gaddy

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

Biomass can be converted to sugars by hydrolysis with enzymes or mineral acids. These sugars can be converted into a number of chemical intermediates in biological reactors. Biological reactions are generally slow and selection of the most efficient reactor is important in these applications.

Immobilized cell reactors allow high cell densities and high throughput by attaching microorganisms to a fixed support. This paper compares the rate of production of ethanol from glucose by Saccharomyces Cerevisiae in a packed column and a stirred reactor.

Continuous stirred reactor studies showed a washout rate of .27 hr^-1. The optimum rate of …

University Of Missouri--Rolla Wood Energy Research, Yildirim Omurtag, V. J. Flanigan, Nathan E. Welch

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

The overall objective of this project is to conduct a research and development program which will lead to the early commercialization of wood gasification technology to process wood residues typical of those found in the Ozark region.

Handbook Of Remote Sensing Imagery Of Connecticut, Daniel L. Civco, William C. Kennard, Michael Wm. Lefor

Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station

No abstract provided.

New Directions In Western Water Law Proceedings Of The Sixth Annual Conference Of The Utah Section Of The American Water Resources Assoc., Utah Water Research Laboratory

Reports

No abstract provided.

Water Conservation Information Dissemination During The 1997 Drought Emergency, L. Douglas James, Wade H. Andrews

Reports

As drought conditions in 1976 and 1977 became increasingly severe throughout the west and affected many other parts of the country, many states began special drought information dissemination efforts. This study was organized to provide for the exchange of information among the respective states a forum that could reduce duplication among independent efforts. The project collected information. on: A) Water-user conservation practices, 1) domestic use, a) inside use, b) outside use, 2) industrial, 3) commercial, and 4) irrigation; B) Water-supplier management practices, 1) water conservation Inducements, 2) emergency supply augmentation, a) groundwater mining, b) water harvesting, c) water reuse, 8) …

Sensitivity Analysis Of Stormwater Runoff Using The "Bmp" And "Nonpt" Computer Programs, George D. Flatt

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Mining Of Coal In Bristol, Rhode Island: Potential Methodology, Impacts, And Evaluation Of Community Response, Norman Kahn

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

This report addresses the potential commercial mining of coal in the coastal community of Bristol, Rhode Island, with respect to methodology and community response.The attitude of the local community towards any mining proposal will greatly influence the course of development of the resource. In addition, maximum community participation is mandated by both Federal and State law (NEPA and the Rhode Island Coastal Zone Management Act, respectively) (7, 8). It is to be expected that the character of the response will be mediated to a great degree by the expected impacts of the mining operation. For this reason, the methods of …

Cell Quota Growth And Uptake Models Applied To Growth Of Selenastrum Capricornutum, Printz In A Non-Steady State Environment, Kenneth A. Voos, Ronald F. Malone, William J. Grenney

Reports

Recently propsed algal uptake and growth models dependent on the cell quote (Q), the intracellular limiting nutrient to cell population quotient, were analyze and applied to experimental data. The data base used for comparing the models consisted of

Cost Minimization For Coal Conversion Pollution Control: A Mixed Integer Programming Model, Michael F. Torpy, A. Bruce Bishop, Rangesan Narayanan

Reports

A mixed integer program was structured to identify the least cost combination of recycling and treatment alternatives that can be used to control the liquid, solid, and gas waste streams produced from a 750-megawatt coat fired steam electric power plant. The model compared methods of liquid stream recycle and waste discharge treatment to meet given air and water quality standards. The model was then used to study the effects on the optimal solution of changes in capital, operation and maintenance, and energy and water costs. In addition, the effects on optimum system design of changes in particulate and sulfur oxide …

Variantes De Repartition Des Couts Du Programme De Mise En Valeur Du Bassin Du Fleuve Senegal, J. Paul Riley, Jay C. Andersen, A. Bruce Bishop, David S. Bowles, John E. Keith

Reports

No abstract provided.

Cost Allocation Alternatives For The Senegal River Development Program, J. Paul Riley, Jay C. Andersen, A. Bruce Bishop, David S. Bowles, John E. Keith

Reports

The primary purpose of the study reported herein is to present methods for using estimated project benefits as the basis for distributing the capital, oeprating, maintenance, and replacement costs associated with the proposed Senegal River development program. The problem is complicated because the Senegal River is an international stream, so that it is necessary to consider not only the various economic use sectors involved with the program, but also the three separate countries of Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal. In attempting to meet the primary objective stated above, the report proposes an economic model which estimates economic benefits of the development …

Engineering Properties And Slope Stability Settlement Analysis Related To Phosphate Mine Spoil Dumps In Southeastern Idaho, Richard E. Riker, Loren R. Anderson, Roland W. Jeppson

Reports

The engineering properties of waste spoil from phosphate mines in Southeastern Idaho were determined through field and laboratory testing. Based on these properties, the slope stability and settlement characteristics of phosphate spoil dumps were determined. Hypothetical examples illustrate possible modes of foundation failures. Such failures might occur when weak foundation soils exist of when there is a lack of embankment-foundation preparation prior to the disposal of waste material. Adequate protection against slope failure occurring through the embankment material can be accomplished by grading embankment finish slopes to 2 ½ horizontal to 1 vertical or flatter and taking proper caution to …

Evaluation Of The Long Term Effects Of Irrigation With Wastewater, James H. Reynolds, M. O. Braun, W. F. Campbell, R. W. Miller, L. R. Anderson

Reports

Introduction: Background: The application of municipal wastewater to the land or using the soil mantle as a wastewater treatment system has been practiced for many years. The history of land application dates back to ancient Athens. Sewage farming or the transportation of wastewater to rural areas for irrigation and disposal was practiced in Eurpose as early as 1559. The practice became fairly widespread in England, France, Germany, Poland, Austria, and the United States during the late 1800's [

Naturally Occurring Organic Compounds In Eutrophic Hyrum Reservoir, Utah, Russell R. Renk, V. Dean Adams, Donald B. Porcella

Reports

Methods of collecting, concentrating, separating, and identifying organic compounds in natural water systems were studied. The most appropriate methods were applied to a eutrophic reservoir (Hyrum Reservoir, Utah) and resulted in the identification of 27 volatile, organic compounds: Alcohols:

Development Of An Erosion Model And Its Application To Phosphate Mine Dumps In Southeastern Idaho, Vinod Prabhakar, Roland W. Jeppson, Loren R. Anderson

Reports

Based on the equations of continuity and motion for sediment transport and the dynamic equation of spatially varied open channel flow, a computer simulation of erosion is developed. The water source for the erosion simulation may be rainfall or snowmelt. To provide snowmelt a computer simulation giving the rate of snowmelt from limited climatic data has been adapted to work conjunctively with the erosion model to provide a dynamic solution to erosion and overland flow, from precipitation and other limited climatic data. The computer simulation model has been tested using climatic data at and near the phosphate mine in Southeastern …

Unsaturated Transient Flow Through Heterogeneous Soils: Numerical Solutions And Analyses Of Three-Dimensional Axisymmetric Flows, Abdolhossien Nassehzadeh-Tabrizi, Roland W. Jeppson, Lyman S. Willardson

Reports

This study deals with unsaturated, unsteady water movement through hetergeneous porous media. The specific problem investigated is the transient three-dimensional sxisymmetric flow resulting from water being applied on a horizontal circular area. The heterogeneity of the soil is described by allowing any or all of the five parameters in the Brooks-Corey equations to be any continuous function of depth. Methodologies for obtaining numerical solutions to the resulting nonlinear partial differential equation and its associated initial-boundary value problem have been developed an dimplemented in a computer program. The numerical solution is based on the Crank-Nicolson method of finite differencing and the …

Economic Impacts Of Two Proposed Power Plants On Utah's Irrigated Agriculture, Rangesan Narayanan

Reports

Introduction: The impact on agriculture of a large coal-fired stream electic plant (such as the proposed Intermountain Power Project near Lynndyl, Utah) or a large nuclear electic plant (such as proposed for the Green River Site near Emery, Utah) depends on a large number of factors. Among the most important are the technology used in power plant design, the site-characteristics of the plant location, the availability of water resources in the vicinity of the plant, the quality of the available water, and the types of agricultural uses and their water requirements. Some of these factors can be defined by obtaining …

Evaluation And Comparison Of Overland Flow And Slow Rate Systems To Upgrade Secondary Wastewater Lagoon Effluent, Michael C. Kemp, Daniel S. Filip, Dennis B. George

Reports

To evaluate the effectiveness of overland flow treatment in upgrading secondary wastewater lagoon effluent, three 15 x 36 m plots on a 2.5 percent slope were constructed and sown for a high density vegetative cover using Reed Canary grass. Wastewater was applied to the upper end of each plot at rates of 7.5, 15, and 22.5 cm/wk. Results from the overland flow system investigation were compared with similar data obtained the preceding year from an existing slow rate land application system on an adjacent site. Secondary effluent from the same lagoon system was applied to the slow rate system study …

The Impact Of Energy Resource Development Of Water Resource Allocations, John E. Keith, K. S. Turna, Sumol Padunchai, Rangesan Narayanan

Reports

This research used a linear programming model of the agricultural and energy sectors of Utah to examine the economically efficient allocation of water between agriculture and energy. Data were collected for agricultural returns, costs, and water requirements; energy returns, costs, and water requirements; and water supply costs. Results indicate that if large scale energy development occurs in the Colorado River Basin in Utah, most of irrigated agriculture will be eliminated, given Utah’s consumptive use constraint under the Upper Colorado Rive Compact. On the other hand, for two more “probable” levels of energy development, including the Energy Research and Development Administration’s …

Vulnerability Of Water Supply Systems To Drought, D. T. Jensen

Reports

The objective of this study is to develop a relatively simple and practical method for improving the availability and reliability of information about droughts to those responsibile for water supply management and planning. The information technique developed provides an objective basis for the selection of wate rsupply management alternatives during periods of drought. The derived drought information can assist water supply planners and managers in identifying priorities among proposed water supply developments fron consideration of water supply vulnerability and exisitng drought severity levels. Two drought indices are developed to achieve the overall objective of the study: (1) the drought severity …

Feasibility Of Accelerating Construction Of The Central Utah Project, Trevor C. Hughes, L. Douglas James, Frank Haws, C. Earl Israelsen

Reports

Introduction: Objective: In April, 1977 the President's statement on water projects recommended that a number of federal water development projects, including the Conneville unit of the Central Utah Project, not be completed. The ensuing efforts of project supporters brought about a review of the projected costs, benefits, and other political, social and environmental factors and consequently, the current issue is not whether or not the project should be constructed. Rather, the objective of this report is to examine the following question: Given the fact that at least the 5 units of the CUP which have already been authorized will eventually …