Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Biomass As An Energy Mechanism, E. C. Clausen, Oliver C. Sitton, Efton Park, J. L. Gaddy

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

Laboratory studies at the University of Missouri-Rolla have demonstrated the feasibility of producing methane by anaerobic digestion of various crop materials, such as grasses and corn stalks. These studies indicate that about 6.0 scf of methane are produced per pound of crop material destroyed. Preliminary design and economic studies of a large methane plant show that the reactors represent the largest cost item and that efforts should be concentrated on defining reaction kinetics and reactor design. This paper discusses various approaches to reactor design. A process to produce 50 M5CFD of methane is described, and the design and economics are …

Statistical Comparison Of Energy Requirements For Different Types Of Residential Electric Heating, Larry L. Rushing

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

The heat pump can save approximately 40% in energy costs over a central electric furnace and approximately 20% over electric cable heat or baseboard heat installations. Expected demand for any type electric heat is about the same during very cold weather.

Hydraulic Container Pipelining -- A Future Transportation System To Conserve Energy, Henry Liu, Donald L. Gibson

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

Hydraulic container pipelining (HOP) is a new concept in freight transport which has far-reaching implications for a world plagued with pollution and energy shortage. Compared with other modes of freight transport, such as trucking and railroads, HCP consumes less energy and causes less pollution and damage to the environment, based on the same amount of cargoes transported over the same distance. The concept holds great promise for the future.

Minimizing Transportation Cost With Computerized Routing, James K. Byers, Kaye Grau

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

A computer model has been developed to assist in the routing of transportation vehicles. The model is being used to design some of the bus routes for schools and delivery routes for companies. The results of two applications are presented.

The Tradeoffs Between Energy Conversion Stages, Environmental Effects, And Technical Efficiency, Angelos Pagoulatos

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

From analyzing the physical constraints in managing exhaustible and nonrenewable energy resources it follows that decisions concerning how far to convert a given energy resource should be made within an economic framework. The tradeoffs between conversion stages, environmental effects, technical efficiency and uses satisfied by energy resources are then determined. In light of the direct and opportunity costs stemming from increased conversion stages, the intertemporal allocative decisions for exhaustible and nonrenewable energy resources are derived.

Coal Chemistry: Aspects Of Analysis, Structure, Reactions, Conversion, And Byproducts, Stanley E. Manahan

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

An understanding of the chemistry of coal is essential for the most efficient and environmentally acceptable utilization of this important energy resource.. This is particularly true where coal conversion processes are involved. Far from being a simple carbonaceous rock, coal is a complex and variable chemical system. This paper outlines the basic principles of coal chemistry which can be helpful to geologists, engineers, chemists, and others involved with the utilization of coal.

The Demand And Supply Of World Petroleum And Its Consequences For Agricultural Economic Development, Amalia Vellianitis-Fidas

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

The concerns related to the increase cost of petroleum in 1974 and 1975 centered around the enormous transfer of funds needed to pay for petroleum imports by most countries. Although this transfer is successfully taking place in the developed countries, it is taking place with serious long run external financial consequences for the less developed countries. In addition, these countries' continued agricultural development will probably depend on finding new paths to agricultural efficiency that are not as dependent on high-priced fuels.

The Status Of And Need For New Coal Gasification Technology, Jimmie R. Bowden

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

Movement toward a domestic coal-based energy policy has been barely perceptible since the Arab oil embargo of 1973-4. Rapidly declining supplies of natural gas for small businesses and residential uses can be supplemented by coal gasification or replacement of gas by coal as a power generating fuel. At this time it probably is the better choice to use coal to generate power instead of gas. Second generation coal gasification processes under development with ERDA financial help will not change this balance in the next 10 years if at all.

Energy Crisis And Food Crisis: The Role Of U.S. Agriculture, 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 economic ramifications of high energy prices and high agricultural exports by 1985. The study explains some of the changes that can be expected to take place if energy prices were to reach a level twice as high as 1974 energy prices. It also examines the response of agriculture to increased agricultural exports and the role of agriculture in the U.S. foreign trade.

The Energy Dilemma Of Puerto Rico, Juan A. Bonnet Jr., Fernando L. Perez

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

The energy problems of the island of Puerto Rico are discussed in this paper. The conflict between the need to increase the industrial activity and the need to reduce the almost complete dependency on imported fuel oil is analyzed. Conservation measures and activities to promote the development of our alternate energy sources are discussed. The case of PuertoJlico presents what can happen to a country that depends almost exclusively in foreign oil for its energy production.

On The Need For A National Energy Policy, Robert A. Weatherup, Roy G. Weatherup

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

This article is primarily about the energy shortage and possible ways of dealing with it. The article started out to be a technical article for a scientific or engineering journal. However, as time went along and as the article developed, it became obvious that there is a need for a broad, accurate, "big picture" discussion of our energy problem in a form which includes legal and political considerations.

Utilization Of Fission Products In Thermal Systems, Harold D. Hollis, Gary S. Stewart

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

The Army is investigating the use of solidified fission product wastes as a heat source for thermal utility systems on military installations. A boiler system has been conceptually designed, thermal and radiological requirements are still being investigated. The application of nuclear waste as a heat source affects the entire scope of nuclear waste management offering both benefits and problems which must be examined thoroughly before final conclusions can be drawn.

De Facto Limits To Growth: Federal Environmental Policy And Domestic Energy Development In The United States, Richard H. K. Vietor

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

This paper argues that public environmental policy, since 1969, has imposed de facto limits on the growth of America's economy. A plethora of regulations, in response to widespread public resistance to industrial growth, has already circumscribed energy developments to the point of inertia. These national policies reflect changed public values, the implications of which should be acknowledged and evaluated by corporate and governmental energy planners and by the energy consumer as well.

The Effect Of Aec/Nrc Regulation On The Development Of Nuclear Steam Power, David L. Bodde

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

Changing regulatory requirements were an important influence on the technological development of the Nuclear Steam Supply System. Manufacturers felt this influence primarily through increased requirements for information processing rather than through technical changes in the hardware. Regulatory change was driven by: the rapid growth of nuclear plant size; delays in critical safety research; public uncertainty regarding how safe nuclear plants should be; the extreme consequences of a nuclear accident; and strong pressure for the rapid commercialization of nuclear power.

A Detailed Analysis Of The Environmental Effects Of Energy Utilization In The U.S. Economy, H. J. Plass Jr.

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

The total environmental social cost resulting from the consumption of . various fuel's used in the U.S. economy is analyzed by means of an equilibrium model including flows of energy, labor, goods, services, undesirable effects attributable to pollution, and pollution control services. The present mix of fuels, and three alternative fuel mixes more strongly dependent on coal, are analyzed by means of the model.

Process Energy Evaluations And Optimization In International Projects, Marshall E. Findley

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

A discussion is presented of some of the factors which enter into the economic evaluations and optimizations of energy consuming or producing processes with special emphasis on international projects with multiple national and financial interests involved. In such analyses the objectives and the prices of energy and other factors used have an important effect.

Toward Establishing A National Energy Policy, J. L. Gaddy

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

Coal must become the predominant energy source for this nation for the next 50- 100 years and petroleum must be conserved for petrochemicals. Coal gasification and liquefaction are wasteful processes that will lead tounnecessarily rapid depletion of coal reserves. Generation of electricity with coal is a more economical means of using coal for energy and this technology is already available. This paper discusses the advantages of a coal-electric energy economy and how such an economy.can be implemented.

Training Programs For Energy Management In Developing Countries, J. Byron Nelson, Burns E. Hegler, J. Derald Morgan

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

This paper discusses some of the general inter-related energy, management, and economic problems in developing countries as well as a common project methodology that can be used to formulate and implement development strategies according to the needs of any particular country. Because the development of human resources, especially managerial skills, is critically needed, the characteristics of managers in developing countries, the problems they face, and their training needs are discussed. Finally an example of a specific training program is outlined.

Frontmatter -- 3rd Annual Conference On Energy 1976, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.

World Oil Supplies And The Next 25 Years, J. A. Eyer

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

Petroleum must become a more efficiently used commodity while alternative energy sources are developed, but it will remain in high demand as long as the world wide availability is assured, regardless of the influence of the O.P.E.C. nations. The availability of petroleum on a country-by-country survey shows clearly that there are large known recoverable reserves as well as large potential for discovering added reserves. However, the highly industrialized nations do not have adequate petroleum supplies and this will probably not change as long as petroleum remains as the primary energy source.

Economics Of Underground Distribution Cables, M. Mohajery

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

The economics of the primary underground distribution cables are considered. Single-phase circuits are examined using different distribution system options. Within each option, the present worth of the total cost of the cable installation is optimized. If more than one option can be utilized, the appropriate costs are compared and the most economical option is selected.

Rail Transportation Systems That Help Us Meet Our Energy Requirements, Alvin J. Hurt Jr.

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

In direct relation with Economics of Energy, Energy and Power Systems, and Energy Management is transportation of potential energy. Within the scope of the United States energy movement, the railroads play and will continue to play a vital role, since coal is our major energy source for the present as well as for the future.

The only way these huge amounts of coal can be moved over our railroad network is through the establishment of a "System's Approach to transportation and handling of bulk material.

This paper will discuss these existing systems as well as expected improvements.

An Analysis Of Optimum Loading Conditions For P-N Junction Solar Cells, R. C. Durbin, J. A. Counsil

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

An analysis of the voltage-current characteristics of a p-n junction solar cell yields an expression for the load resistance at which maximum power transfer occurs. Variations in the parameters which affect the maximum power transfer point are discussed. A means of matching the load to the internal solar cell resistance is explained. Application of the matching system to Electrolysis Cells is discussed.

Computer Aided Design Of A Continuous Duty Energy System, Andrew H. P. Swift Jr.

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

In many areas of the United States, the average monthly solar and wind energy density profiles complement each other, which suggests utilization of a power system that employs both solar and wind energy. This paper addresses the problem of identifying these areas from weather data, developing a computer-aided method for the design of such combined solar and wind systems, and examines the economics of combined systems as compared to solar or wind only systems.

The Design Of Passive Solar Heating Systems, Gordon L. Moore

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

The many facets of passive design are spelled out in a series of design choices. Starting with the surrounding elements and their effects on the building's energy uses, the procedure moves inward through the envelope, finally considering the thermal dynamics of the structure and its construction materials.

Utilization Of Waste Heat From Electric Power Generation, David A. Barclay, J. L. Gaddy

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

Waste heat from the generation of electricity in this country could supply all of our space heating needs and could make us energy independent. District heating seems to be the best means of recovering sizable quantities of this energy. Economic projectionsshow that district heating would be economical at today's energy prices, in most cases.

Application Of Special Fluidized Bed Techniques To Coal Gasification, Gary Kent Patterson

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

The properties of fluidized beds can be drastically altered by the insertion of various types of internal structures. These include screens of all types and orientations, baffles both horizontal and vertical, and heat transfer surfaces. Experimental studies of certain of these internals have been carried out at UMR with the aim of improving the quality of the fluid bed. By improved quality is usually meant smoother, better controlled fluidization, minimized slugging, improved gas-solid contacting, increased or smoothed heat or electrical conduction, and control of the solids movement pattern.

What has been learned at UMR, particularly with difficult to fluidize materials, …

Technoeconomic Aspects Of Photovoltaic Electric Power Systems (Peps), Jerry O. Bradley, Dennis R. Costello

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

The economic feasibility of central photovoltaic power plants is investigated from the perspective of an electric power utility company. The maximum acceptable price of the system is established, as a function of conventional fuel costs. Factors which would enhance the economic attractiveness of the system are analyzed. These include: increases in conventional fuel costs, decreases in photovoltaic system costs and subsidies to attract utility companies

Human Resources In Electrical Energy Conservation, Tom Day

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

With America's increasing inability to produce, secure and conserve its own energy resources, many social and technical changes will have to take place in order to shift the tide of events from an increasing dependence upon foreign imports of energy stocks. The first change which must take place is within us: To be aware of the need and impetus to conserve energy of all forms so that we may buy time in which to properly assess where we are going, how we are going to achieve energy independence and once we get there, how it will be managed. Electrical energy …

Energy Status In Puerto Rico: An Assessment Of The Petroleum Situation, Juan J. Rigau

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

This paper covers selected aspects of the energy status in Puerto Rico, with particular consideration to the relation between energy and economic development. A historical perspective of the development of the petroleum-petrochemical sector is given with consideration to policy aspects and current efforts to reinstate past comparative advantages with the Gulf Coast.