Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Energy And Transportation Policy, James S. Sagner

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

Energy shortages of recent years suggest a re-examination of national transportation policy. The lack of a coordinated approach to the solution of urban cogestion inhibits potential short-run responses to gasoline shortfalls. Longer-range policy, particularly in the context of severe financial constraints, must be carefully integrated with demonstrated patterns of urban travel and population and employment densities. Given these considerations, metropolitan areas now planning or constructing rapid rail facilities may be selecting inappropriate responses to the problem of urban access.

The Design And Performance Of A Distributed Flow Water-Cooled Solar Collector, Donald L. Spencer, Theodore F. Smith, Herbert R. Flindt

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

Design of a flat plate collector which reduces the temperature differential between the absorber plate and the fluid is described. The reduced temperature differences are shown to yield increase collector performance. Flow characteristics of the collector are examined. Collector thermal performance is illustrated for typical operating and environmental conditions. A cost analysis is presented to demonstrate that material and assembly costs are substantially lower than for any collector presently on the market.

How Might Synthetic Fuels From Coal Affect Natural Resources And Environment?, H. J. Plass Jr.

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

Energy self-sufficiency for the U. S. requires substantially increased use of coal. Direct combustion of coal without adequate environmental controls, as would occur if coal were used as a fuel for homes and offices throughout the country, would result in severe air pollution problems„ Synthetic fuels from coal such as methane, low BTU gas, or hydrogen, when utilized by the homes and businesses as gas or as electricity from gas, will contribute a much smaller amount of air pollution. However, to make these synthetic fuels available, it is necessary to mine more coal than would have to be mined for …

Centralized Solar Wind Home Heating, Russell Peterson, Duane Cromack

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

In the immediacy of national goals for energy independence, the need emerges to use dialectic methods to diminish the energy consumptive characteristics of the typical home.

At the cutting edge of resourceful progress are the residential developments which embrace alternative and conservative energy techniques. In conjunction with such a planned, low impact community, this paper proposes a cluster-centralized system which utilizes wind energy in combination with solar thermal energy for space and domestic water heating.

A description of the random solar-wind resource embodies a matching problem that in turn reveals the benefits of the combined mode of energy collection. Though …

Direct Ac Generation From Solar Cell Arrays, Fernando L. Alvarado, Adel H. Eltimsahy

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

Results of the investigation of the performance of solar cells when directly coupled to a conventional three-phase power network are presented. This approach dissociates the electricity production problem from the electric energy storage problem. Extensive studies of the required power inverter are performed. Preliminary simulation results indicate that ac power outputs of better than 90% of the optimum cell power output can be easily achieved by means of a suitably controlled inverter, thereby justifying the elimination of dc loads or local dc electric energy storage devices. It is also shown that the controlling policy for the inverter must depend on …

Status Report On The Callaway Nuclear Power Plant, A. E. Bolan, D. F. Schnell

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

The progress to date of the first nuclear-powered, electric generating plant proposed to be constructed in the state of Missouri is described.

Dynamic Simulation For Regional Energy Studies, B. W. Jones, P. M. Moretti, J. H. Mize

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

A series of models has been developed for regional studies of energy supply- demand systems. The models are based on dynamic simulation of components of the system using equations derived from the technical details of the system. The models contain sufficient detail to make in-depth studies and specific recommendations. The final goal is to include all aspects of regional energy systems from native supplies of energy resources to the economic activities of the region.

To develop a comprehensive model, the system has been partitioned into subsystems, so that a detailed model can be made for each subsystem. The detailed model …

Alcohol Assisted Hydrocarbon Fuels: A Comparison Of Exhaust Emissions And Fuel Consumption Using Steady-State And Dynamic Engine Test Facilities, D. J. Bushnell, J. M. Simonsen

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

This paper presents experimental data which exemplifies the differences in emission level testing on internal combustion engines when dynamic engine tests are used instead of steady-state engine tests. A comparison of the two test methods is made using hydrocarbon fuels with varying amounts of methanol. Emissions measured include the nitric oxides, unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Emission levels and fuel consumption are reported for the various volumetric percentages of methanol in the fuel.

Of special significance are the different trends the emission levels establish when subjected to a dynamic engine test as compared to the results for the steady-state tests. …

Energy, Environment And Incremental Decision Making, Jeff V. Conopask, Robert R. Reynolds Jr.

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

During the late 1960's and early 70's a variety of environmental/energy oriented legislation was enacted by the Congress. The most important of these acts, the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), required that environmental impact statements be filed when various private and public activities have a potential for impacting man and his environment. (17) Impact statement requirements go beyond the currently practiced cost/benefit analysis, which is often just a production (direct) impact assessment. Heretofore, indirect or second round economic and social effects of consequence affecting other national goals were seldom counted.

A Computer-Automated Laboratory System In A University Environment, James H. Tracey, Hardy J. Pottinger, Richard D. Rechtien

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A computer-automated laboratory system at the University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, which serves a wide variety of instruction and research disciplines including Geophysics, Cloud Physics, and Computer Graphics, is described. The system serves as an example for campuses which are relatively small in geographic area and with budget limitations which dictate a step-by-step evolution. The paper describes 1) the constraints and economics realized in the development of the system, 2) the characteristics of the minicomputer network, and 3) an evaluation of the system philosophy and performance. Also included is a description of diverse laboratory projects supported by the computer-automated system. © …

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 …

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 …

1st Umr-Mec Conference On Energy Resources -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.

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 …

Introduction -- Solar And Wind Energy, Jack L. Boone

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

In recent years the scientific community has begun to explore the many alternatives of using solar energy in terms of solar energy conversion schemes. These, in general, may be classified according to use. We can talk about solar to low-grade thermo residential heating and cooling applications. We can talk about solar to high-grade heat for such applications as steam powered generation and certain high-temperature conversion processes. We can talk about solar to electrical for either residential or for large power production installations; and we can talk about wind to electrical and this would, of course, come in both large and …

A Solar-Hydrogen Energy Conversion Scheme For Agricultural Use, R. L. Reisbig, Jack L. Boone, Gordon E. Weiss, Thomas Van Doren

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

A solar energy activated system is presented which can produce hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels (methanol) for use on farms. The device, named "solar-kine", also can produce fertilizer (anhydrous ammonia) as a byproduct of the hydrogen. A cost analysis shows that solar-kine may be mass-producible and sold to farmers for between $7,200 and $14,700. This is equivalent to giving the fanner energy at a price of $1.79 to $3.66 per million BTU's (in 1974 dollars). Presently (Spring, 1974) regular gasoline used in tractors at 43¢ per gallon, represents a cost to the farmer of $3.77 per million BTU's. As oil-based fuels …

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 …

Interfaces Of Steam Electric Power Plants With Aquatic Ecosystems, Gerald J. Lauer, William T. Waller, Guy R. Lanza

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

Growth and reproduction may be stimulated by increased temperature in the cooling system and thermal plume during seasons when ambient water temperature is less than optimum, but growth, reproduction and survival are reduced when the elevated temperatures become excessive. Some fish species congregate in the warm thermal plumes during cold seasons but are excluded from this living space by temperatures above their preference in the summer. However, the warm refuge provided by a thermal plume in cold seasons can be a death trap if a power plant shuts down suddenly and exposes the fish to cold shock exceeding their lower …

Mini-Computer Control Of Electrical Energy Demand, Thomas P. Hertel

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

Electrical power demand control results in huge dollar savings for the medium to large user. Meramec Mining Company realizes an average $4,500.00 savings from an average $150,000.00 monthly charge because of demand control efforts.

This paper discusses the planning, designing, implementing, and auditing of the mini-computer system at Meramec Mining Company. No detailed discussion of the actual computer coding is included.

Monitoring And Control Of Electric Power Usage, Robert B. Webb

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

At the Armco Kansas City Works the consumption of Electrical Power is monitored and controlled by a General Purpose Computer located in the Electric Furnace Dept. This computer monitors the power used in the entire plant through the power metering system. The computer can limit the' power to the electric arc melting furnaces and in this manner control the demand level during peak hours. The computer can also detect meter failures. The computer system collects data which enables management to detect and analyze variations in electrical power consumption.

History Of So2 Removal System At The Meramec Plant Of Union Electric, Gerald E. Dreifke, John F. Mclaughlin, Jerrel D. Smith

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

In line with the then emerging air pollution control regulations Union Electric installed a limestone injection wet scrubber sulfur dioxide removal system on an intermediate size coal-fired utility boiler at its Meramec Power Plant on an experimental basis in September, 1968. During approximately 3 years of operation many difficulties were encountered with plugging and scaling of various system components by calcium sulphate. As a result of this experience along with related experiences by other utilities employing similar systems, the experiment was terminated in June, 1971.

As a result of the experiences gained, however, second generation experiments in sulfur dioxide removal …

The Anodic Dissolution Of Tungsten, James W. Johnson, Cheng-Hsiao Wu

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The anodic dissolution of tungsten was studied in H₂SO₄-K₂SO₄ solutions (pH = -2 to 2.5) and K₂SO₄-K₂CO₃-KOH solutions (pH = 11.5 to 14.5) at 25 C. Faradaic efficiency studies in basic solutions showed the metal to be oxidized to the +6 state. In acid solutions, a thick protective film of yellow WO₃ was formed. Polarization curves possessed linear Tafel regions (slope ~ 2.3 RT/F) at potentials slightly more positive than the rest potentials. An anodic dissolution mechanism is proposed which involves a surface film …