Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons^™

The Gloom Gets Doomier, David A. Summers

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

This paper reviews the likely sources of energy in the year 1990. Economic conditions, difficult to forecast, affect short-term consumption, while technological breakthroughs, equally impossible to predict, will control long-term production of energy. For the ten-year period, however, commitments to construction, or feasibility studies, must already be in hand. This allows a prediction of the energy supply for that year, and such a prediction is made. Because this indicates that only about 1 percent growth in supply can occur over this time period, against a requirement for at least 2 percent, the forecast is doomier than it was in earlier …

Energetics Of Moving Magnetic Waves, Tom Day

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

Magnetism has had a certain and specific appeal of human inquiry for at least the past forty centuries of civilization. History is full of adventures into the unknowns about this natural phenomenon. Recent findings hint of a hidden physical world concerning magnetism which prompts continued exploration. Curvilinear motion on a continuous basis can be detected within a magnetic field consisting of large, slow moving spiral wave patterns. This paper presents a procedure whereby the reader can establish his or her own findings about the power and energy of magnetic conductance. Avenues of basic research are explored and discussed.

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 Economics Of Metals Recovery From Power Plant Fly Ash Via The Ames Hichlor Process, S. J. Weiss, G. Burnet, C. Y. Chang

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

The disposal of potentially hazardous coal wastes is becoming a significant problem for the payer industry. The Ames HiChlor process, which utilizes paver plant fly ash as a source of aluminun, is proposed as a method of coal waste utilization. In the HiChlor process fly ash is chlorinated in the presence of a carbonaceous reduct ant at 700 to 900°C to produce alumnum chloride and titaniun tetrachloride as salable products. An economic analysis for a plant vhich would process 6,000 tons per day of fly ash is presented. Conditions under which the proposed process will prove profitable are discussed.

Acid Precipitation: The Coal Legacy In The Upper Midwest, Dennis M. Richter

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

Increased use of coal in industry and utilities has resulted in acid precipitation associated with SOx and NOx emissions. The resultant aquatic and terrestial problems, and their solutions, are of considerable concern to the upper Midwest states.

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.

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.

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 …

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, …

The Ferc's Purpa Cogeneration Rules: Economics, Rate Design, And Policy Aspects, Charles David Laderoute

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

Nearly two years have passed since the United States Congress enacted and the President signed into law the so-called National Energy Act which was actually comprised of five separate acts:

(1) Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA)
(2) Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act (FUA)
(3) Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA)
(4) Energy Tax Act (ETA)
(5) National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA)

Title II of PURPA addresses, inter alia, the issue of cogeneration: a technology that in recent years has received increasing attention as a method of utilizing our energy sources more efficiently. The first four of the above …

The Economics And Adaptation Of Microwave Heating & Cooling, Tom Day

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

From cooking potatoes to medical surgery, the microwave is causing an interesting and beneficial transition in our daily lives. High technology is producing an avalanche of microwave appliances and equipment which offer favorable results in energy conservation with impressive safety parameters at competitive costs. This paper examines the basis for the comparative economic benefit from microwave applications and sights several commercial and industrial avenues of conservation metit.

The Effect Of Crude Oil Prices On The Output Composition Of Refined Petroleum Products, Angelos Pagoulatos, David L. Debertin, Emilio Pagoulatos

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

In this study the crude petroleum market is linked to the market of refined petroleum products through a set of technological relationships. An econometric study is used to quantify the existing relevant variables. The price equations for each refined product are used to derive estimates of elasticities with respect to quantity supplied, price of domestic crude oil and price of imports.

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 …

Cost Accounting Regulations In Oil And Gas Industries, Lakshmi U. Tatikonda, Rao J. Tatikonda

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

The cost accounting methods that are currently used in the oil and gas Industry are very diverse. Since the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo, increased attention was given to this issue, which resulted in the issuance of SFAS-19 by the FA SB and the SEC’s attempt to develop a new accounting method based on the value of their reserves. The pros and cons of the existing methods are discussed. Also discussed is the need for a uniform accounting procedure.

Energy Substitution Prospects, Vaman Rao

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

Any discussion about the future pattern of energy use invariably includes scernarios involving a switch-over to that source of energy which is available in abundant supply. It is taken for granted, for example, that coal will play a major role in the future and that the relative share of oil will decline with the passage of time. It is too simplistic to assume that a time series analysis will give the likely clues as to the pattern of switch-over from one source of energy to another. There has been a radical change in the structure of exchange relations between the …

National And Regional Agricultural Impact Of Natural Gas Deregulation And Curtailment Under A High Export Scenario, Barton C. English, Earl O. Heady, Dan Dvoskin

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

An interregional national linear program ring model is used to evaluate the national and regional inpacts cn agriculture of two alternative natural gas policies -- curtailment to irrigation and deregulation. Energy use, agricultural production, commodity shadow prices, and resource use under natural gas curtailment and deregulation are compared to a base nn without these policy changes.

Analysis Of Residential Electric Demand In Southwestern Indiana, Mangi L. Agarwal

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

This study analyzes the residential demand for electricity in the Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company service area. It explores the many variables which may contribute to electricity consumption. It also attempts to synthesize various weather and climatic data into one variable called the "comfort index" which may explain part of the electricity consumption. In estimating the demand equations, monthly data for twelve years have been used.

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.

New Concept In Louver Blade Design Reduces Energy Losses, Peggy Kitchen, R. David Moore

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

A new louver blade design, developed through extensive wind tunnel tests, employs an airfoil shape with excellent aerodynamic characteristics. Stressed-skin construction adds strength and rigidity permitting the use of longer blades and the elimination of unnecessary frame sections. Lever arms and linkage rods are placed out of the airstream, further reducing resistance to airflow. Louvers and dampers employing this design will have a pressure drop of from 1/4 to 1/10 that of units of traditional design.

Fuel Gas From Wood Waste, V. K. Mathur, R. A. Caughey

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

Design, construction and operation of a new type of gasifier for the production of fuel gas from wood waste (sawdust, chips, bark, etc.) are discussed. Data obtained from pilot plants are presented. The gasifier is inexpensive, easy to operate and has about 95% efficiency.

Banquet Speaker: Energy -- What We Must Do, Peter Van Nort

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

You have heard for the last two days and will hear tomorrow relative to energy what people are planning, what is being researched, what is proposed, what is possible, what is being tested, etc. I would like to tell you what each of us must do relative to energy. I hope you will excuse me for being presumptuous….

The message might better be called a plea -- a plea from one person committed to the great- ness of this country and more importantly, committed to its survival in its present form….

We are in a crisis….Never before have we run …

Heat Recovery System For Glass Melting Furnace, Milton J. Murry

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

The installation and operating of a 100 ton per day glass melting furnace by Flat River Glass Company to make specialty bottles provided an excellent opportunity for recovery of waste heat. The furnace operates at 2300°F, and four feeders to bottle making machines operate at 2100“F. The 120,000 s.f. packaging area is next to the furnace bay, and it is heated solely by reclaimed heat from the melting furnace bay.

There are two systems that are used to transfer this waste heat from the furnace area to the packaging area. The first of these systems is a water loop. Water …

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.

The Development Of Coal-Based Emulsions And Their Potential Impact On The National Economy, Murphy I. Song

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

The proposed national energy policy emphasizes the use of coal replacing oil and gas. Coal-oil mixture (COM) can be produced using techniques developed in recent years to replace oil and gas. Large existing utility and industrial boilers could be converted to bum COM by retrofitting the boilers. In addition, the COM provides definite financial advantages to the owners of large utility and industrial boilers. The use of COM impacts on the national economy through new investment for retrofitting utility and industrial boilers, through reduced importation of residual oil, and through increased demand for coal.

Usable Energy Resources Expand Under The Economic Pressures Of Fuel Scarcity, Raphael Shen

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

Until mankind finds properties in materials that are useful and usable under given economic conditions, these materials are not resources. In the past, many of them became usable as the ones they replaced became scarce and expensive. Market induced R & D toward profit seeking and cost minimization hastens to incorporate currently unused materials into the productive processes. With the increase in oil and natural gas prices, hitherto untapped energy sources present themselves as attractive alternatives. There will be no permanent shortage of energy resources, and the current energy crisis will be a page of past history in the foreseeable …