Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Wood Fuels In Power Generation, Yildirim Omurtag, Larry Wetzel, Michael Mcevilly

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

In order for wood to be considered a feasible energy source for power generation, it must prove to be economical, meet society's pollution criteria, and provide sufficient energy to meet its regional demand applications or requirements. This report looks at wood's availability, its potential as a fuel source, the different methods of energy conversion, and lastly, submits conclusions and recommendations concerning wood-fueled power generation.

The information and background was supplied and supported by actual application, government publications and documentations, and other sources. The availability report includes living biomass, wood residues, and potential biomass expansion. Once availability was determined, the portion …

Managing In An Energy Scarce Environment, John Amos

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

Present engineering management principles, operations research techniques, and economic theories were mainly developed dealing with only one scarce resource -- capital. Today, the engineer manager must consider another scarce resource -- energy. In the past, energy was never considered a major factor; i.e., equipment was considered a good investment if labor was reduced, regardless of energy cost. Many other managerial decisions are similar; therefore, the engineer manager must understand why many decisions based on traditional techniques may be misleading. The engineer manager must now utilize more complex engineering management techniques instead of evaluating only one factor or using rules of …

The Price Of Oil, R. W. Clack

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

An examination of major forces in the petroleum market with primary emphasis on the decade of the 1970s. The market force (s) responsible for the factor-of-ten increase in the price of crude oil is isolated, if not identified. The market's "message" is set forth for energy policy planners.

Umr Minerals Building: An Innovative Approach To The Construction Of Underground Buildings, Bruce H. Green, David A. Summers

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

The original intent of the exercice was to develop a design for a new minerals engineering building which would demonstrate the applicability and feasibility of an underground building complex to our administration and to the Board of Curators. Two major advantages were foreseen for such a building. Not only would it be immensely superior, in terms of energy demand, to the conventional aboveground buildings previously constructed by the University, but it also would have highly significant symbollic and educational effects on the students of the several disciplines comprising the UMR "School of Mines and Metallurgy". It would also serve as …

Determination Of Washability And Flotation Characteristics Of Important Missouri Coal Seams, Hayri Erten

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

Most of the 14 workable coal seams in the State of Missouri are considered to be high in ash and sulfur contents and need beneficiation in order to meet customer and Environmental Protection Agency requirements. If proper beneficiation methods can be designed, more Missouri coal will be mined and used within the state.

The objectives of this research are (1) to draw the washability curves of important Missouri coal seams in order to determine their washability characteristics, and (2) to determine the flotation characteristics of the same seams.

Tests conducted on 20 samples taken from Bevier, Croweburg, Mulky, and Summit …

The Oil Industry And Antitrust Merger Policy, Pauline Weber

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

This paper examines the trends in merger activity in the petroleum industry in light of over-all merger activity and of the Justice Department's merger guidelines. Supreme Court precedents and economic conditions within the petroleum area are discussed. Some conclusions concerning the Justice Department's merger policy are included.

The Energy Conservation And Safety Dilemma, Burns E. Hegler

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

Since the beginning of the energy crisis, efforts to conserve energy often have seemed to be diametrically opposed to the precepts of safety. This is true if conservation is not planned and conducted properly. However, energy and safety can be quite compatible and may work to their mutual advantage if effectively managed.

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage: A Cost And Sizing Study, Haur D. Shaw, J. Derald Morgan, Max Darwin Anderson

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

Two applications for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) devices in power systems are studied. One is for peak shaving, and the other is for load leveling. Consideration is given to placing these devices near load centers to reduce the line losses. For (SMES) cases studied using smaller size devices at several load centers, the line losses are lowered. However, the efficiency of SMES is proportional to its size, and the capitol cost per MWH is much greater for a smaller size SMES unit when compared to a larger SMES unit. Once the location or locations for SMES have been selected, …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

4th Annual Umr-Dnr Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.

Geophysical Approaches To Coal Exploration, Gerald B. Rupert

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

The exploration for minerals by geophysical means has been confined largely to the search for hydrocarbons and metallics while applications to coal exploration are somewhat limited. However, the surface reflection seismic technique has been successfully applied not only to delineating coal deposits but also as a tool in mine exploitation. Furthermore, channel waves generated underground have demonstrated potential in detecting the presence of faults in advance of the coal face and Vibroisis* experiments have been conducted whereby abandoned underground workings have been detected by surface seismic arrays. Examples of all of the preceeding are presented and discussed.

Energy - Minerals - Environment: How Now Brown Cow?, Bobby G. Wixson

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

Energy, technical, social, political, economic, and environmental problems are all people related problems which will continue to increase along with the world's population. With the growing demands for more energy and minerals along with the constraints of protecting the environment, new approaches must be considered to these complex problems.

Energy sources, modifications, alternatives, and new developments must be considered for the present as short term resources (next 25- 30 years) and in the future as long range research necessary to develop and implement new technology (25 years on). Major energy sources and their environmental considerations are generally classified as:

I. …

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 …