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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

TCCSP Project Implementation Plan

The TCCSP CarbonSAFE Phase II efforts focused on developing the technical, community, and economic foundation for a commercial-scale regional geologic storage complex for CO 2 captured. TCCSP has conducted a thorough evaluation of the regional, local, and site-specific geology, legacy well infrastructure, injection site design, and project planning as part of the CarbonSAFE Phase II TCCSP. Specially, the work performed under the CarbonSAFE Phase II has significantly furthered the advancement towards the commerciality of the TCCSP storage complex by delivering on the following objectives: Objective 1: Acquire site-specific characterization data to validate carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) storage estimates of reservoir units and the competency of confining layers in the region to prevent CO 2 leakage to develop a commercial-scale CO 2 project. Objective 2: Assess technical, economic, regulatory, and stakeholder aspects of the TCCSP.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Computed Tomography Scanning and Geophysical Measurements of the Smackover Formation from the Roberson 18-19 Core

The computed tomography (CT) facilities and the Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) site in Morgantown, West Virginia, were used to characterize the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) Smackover limestone in the Roberson 18-19 1-15H core retrieved from the Atlanta Field, Columbia County, Arkansas. The 365.68-ft long Roberson core came from a vertical well at depths 8,802 ft to 9,169.60 ft, drilled by Southwestern Energy targeting the Smackover Formation as a potential unconventional oil reservoir. The primary impetus of this work was to non-destructively characterize core from the Smackover Formation that was acquired through a core exchange with Southwestern Energy. The Smackover Formation is an unconventional limestone play in southern Arkansas. This report and the associated scans provide detailed datasets not typically made publicly available from unconventional limestone for analysis. The resultant datasets are presented in this report and can be accessed from NETL’s Energy Data eXchange (EDX) online system using the following link: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/roberson-smackover.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mineral Alteration of Shales by CO 2 and Brine Containing Surfactants

The overall goal of the proposed research was to determine the effect of surfactants on shale mineral reactivity with CO 2 and brine. The specific objectives of the proposed work were to 1) Determine the effect of shale mineralogy and surfactant properties on surfactant adsorption and wettability alteration, 2) Determine the effects of surfactant adsorption and wettability alteration on mineral reactivity with CO 2 and brine for varying hydrodynamic conditions, and 3) Develop a modified mineral reaction model with CO 2 and brine that considers the effects of surfactant adsorption. Four tasks were performed to address the project objectives. These were 1) Select and characterize shale samples, 2) Evaluate the effects of surfactant and reservoir properties on adsorption and mineral reactivity, 3) Determine the effects of surfactant adsorption, wettability alteration, and hydrodynamics on mineral reaction kinetics, and 4) Quantify how surfactant sorption and mineral wettability alteration affect mineral reaction modeling. This final report summarizes results in each of these tasks, as well as associated publications.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2006

Verification and Validation of NASA-Supported Enhancements to PECAD's Decision Support Tools

The NASA Applied Sciences Directorate (ASD), part of the Earth-Sun System Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance decision support in the area of agricultural efficiency-an application of national importance. The ASD integrated the results of NASA Earth science research into USDA decision support tools employed by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division (PECAD), which supports national decision making by gathering, analyzing, and disseminating global crop intelligence. Verification and validation of the following enhancements are summarized: 1) Near-real-time Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products through PECAD's MODIS Image Gallery; 2) MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series data through the USDA-FAS MODIS NDVI Database; and 3) Jason-1 and TOPEX/Poseidon lake level estimates through PECAD's Global Reservoir and Lake Monitor. Where possible, each enhanced product was characterized for accuracy, timeliness, and coverage, and the characterized performance was compared to PECAD operational requirements. The MODIS Image Gallery and the GRLM are more mature and have achieved a semi-operational status, whereas the USDA-FAS MODIS NDVI Database is still evolving and should be considered

McKellipo, Rodney↗
DOE OSTI2021

Emerging Issues in the Development of Geologic Models for Gas Hydrate Numerical Simulation

The numerical simulation of gas hydrate reservoirs has evolved greatly in recent years. Scientific and industrial drilling programs have acquired detailed characterization data from gas hydrate systems in Alaska, Japan, India, Korea, China, and the Gulf of Mexico. These data provide invaluable calibration points that serve to ground-truth hydrate reservoir modeling efforts.

Boswell, Ray↗
DOE OSTI2020

SIMS Analysis of d18O and d13C of Carbonate Cements in Shale & Mudstone. Final report

This project has had two primary goals: 1) improving new technology for in situ microanalysis of stable isotope ratios by SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) and 2) evaluating the importance of in situ analysis for studies of carbonate cements within shales of the Bakken Petroleum System. The systematic relations of stable isotope ratios provide an important tool to help resolve critical questions in geology. Stable isotope analysis of carbonate cements in shale constrain many topics of interest to DOE including: CO2 sequestration, climate change, and the genesis and quality of rock reservoirs for petroleum, natural gas, and water. However, this evidence is often preserved as fine-scale zonation, which is homogenized by conventional bulk analysis of powders. Recently, analysis of ultra-small spots in polished samples at the University of Wisconsin WiscSIMS Lab. has documented stable isotope zoning in carbonates and other diagenetic cements at smaller scales than previously possible. We have made detailed studies of oxygen and carbon isotope ratios in diagenetic cements from shales of the Bakken Formation from the Williston basin and elsewhere. The Bakken contains both reservoir and source rocks for petroleum. Hydrofracturing has greatly enhanced production of oil in these tight reservoirs. The sediments contain zoned carbonate cements with growth textures that record multiple events. The growth of carbonate (dolomite) cements has been proposed to control reservoir quality, but previous stable isotope studies of homogenized powders could not resolve individual generations of cement and this proposal remains untested. Our better characterization of the multiple growth zones in these carbonates will aid in understanding the genesis of these tight reservoirs and the production of unconventional oil and gas. This study has also developed SIMS standards for analysis of all compositions of Ca-Mg-Fe carbonate and selected Mn-carbonates and hydromagnesite. We have refined techniques for improved accuracy of SIMS stable isotope analysis, and for sub-1-micron spot sizes. We have established protocols for mapping and correlating sample analyses at micron-scale using QGIS software.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Impacts of Small-Scale Heterogeneity on Large-Scale Subsurface Flow

Discussion of NETL's CT scanning and core characterization capabilities, followed by a rapid review of several recent publications that utilize these capabilities to answer reservoir questions at the micro scale with relevance to field scale operations.

core characterization↗
DOE OSTI2020

Machine learning for geophysical characterization of brittleness: Tuscaloosa Marine Shale case study

Brittleness is one of the most important reservoir properties for unconventional reservoir exploration and production. Better knowledge about the brittleness distribution can help to optimize the hydraulic fracturing operation and lower costs. However, there are very few reliable and effective physical models to predict the spatial distribution of brittleness. We have developed a machine learning-based method to predict subsurface brittleness by using multidiscipline data sets, such as seismic attributes, rock physics, and petrophysics information, which allows us to implement the prediction without using a physical model. The method is applied on a data set from Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, and the predicted rock physics template is close to the calculated value from conventional inverted elastic parameters. Therefore, the proposed method helps determine areas of the reservoir that have optimal geomechanical properties for successful hydraulic fracturing.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Integrated Mid-Continent Stacked Carbon Storage Hub Project Phase II (Final Summary Report)

The Phase II Integrated Midcontinent Stacked Carbon Storage Hub (IMSCS-HUB) is part of the Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) established by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). CarbonSAFE is phased to support the development of commercial-scale (50 million metric tonnes [Mt] over a 30-year period) carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in the United States. The IMSCS-HUB study area comprises carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) sources in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska (the source corridor), and CO 2 sinks in Kansas and Nebraska (the storage corridor), representing the first large-scale project for the Midcontinent region. The stacked storage corridor is characterized by alternating sequences of deep saline formations, oil-bearing reservoirs, shale, and evaporite units that are conducive to vertically stacked CO 2 injection for geologic storage and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Three sites within the IMSCS-HUB stacked storage corridor were evaluated in Phase II for commercial CCUS feasibility: one in southwest-central Nebraska, Sleepy Hollow Field (SHF), a second in southwestern Nebraska near Madrid (Madrid), and a third in southwestern Kansas, the Patterson Site (composed of the Patterson, Heinitz, Hartland, and Oslo fields). In Phase II, the team assessed the feasibility of storage complexes at the potential storage sites in Nebraska and Kansas to support a commercial-scale storage hub that integrates proven CO 2 capture technology and transport from nearby ethanol sources. Building on lessons learned from the DOE-NETL Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships (RCSPs), the Project Team has identified a clear strategy to meet DOE’s 2025 objective of commercial carbon capture and storage (CCS) implementation by developing a CO 2 market and infrastructure that relies on multiple ethanol-based CO 2 sources in the short term and the incorporation of multiple coal-fired power plant CO 2 sources when commercial capture is economically viable. The team also leveraged the updated 45Q tax credit to develop capture and transport infrastructure. Commercial-scale CCUS is feasible at two candidate storage sites studied, the Madrid, Nebraska Site and the Patterson Site in Kearny County, Kansas. The Sleepy Hollow Field in Nebraska was found to be an attractive candidate for stacked storage with CO 2 -EOR (Battelle 2020e). Outreach efforts facilitated engagement from industry, government, and research sectors (Battelle and GPI, 2020) and an outreach plan for future phases of the project was developed to address issues that are of concern in the IMSCS-HUB project area (Battelle, 2020f). All components of a CCUS project were determined to be feasible in the IMSCS-HUB region and Risk Mitigation Plan was developed and includes strategies to mitigate risks associated with each project component (Battelle, 2020j). A roadmap was developed to obtain the required UIC permits for an integrated CCUS project (Battelle, 2020k). The regional storage resource characterization demonstrated significant opportunity for commercial-scale projects in the IMSCS-HUB storage corridor with 577.4 Mt of stacked CO 2 storage capacity and the potential to produce 181.9 MMbbls of oil via EOR across 17 individual storage areas (Battelle and ARI, 2020). The pipeline assessment study found viable pipeline routes that connected 45Q-eligible ethanol plants, coal fired power plants, and other sources in the IMSCS-HUB corridor. The comprehensive results of subsurface characterization, modeling efforts, outreach assessment, and regulatory analysis from were integrated to develop a Detailed Commercial Development Plan for the IMSCS-HUB (Battelle, 2020n). Commercialization efforts will involve obtaining Class VI UIC permits, establishing and finalizing the pipeline route, and evaluating capture projects at participating CO 2 sources. Phases I and II of the IMSCS-HUB CarbonSAFE provide a strong foundation for safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively characterizing and permitting commercial-scale project sites in the region. The plan for implementation of commercial-scale CCUS projects in the IMSCS-HUB is aligned with the objectives of CarbonSAFE Phase III: Site Characterization and CO 2 Capture Assessment.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Accuracy and precision of ESI-Orbitrap-IRMS observations of hours to tens of hours via reservoir injection

Here, orbitrap isotope ratio mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-IRMS) has recently been applied to high-precision, natural-abundance isotope ratio measurements of a diverse range of compounds, including amino acids, oxyanions, fatty acids, and metals. These measurements can characterize many isotope ratios simultaneously at high (≈1.0‰) precision. In a successful experiment, observed precision will track the shot-noise limit and be limited by experimental time. Some isotope ratios, for example those involving 17 O in organic compounds or multiply-substituted (‘clumped’) isotopologues, require experimental times of hours to tens of hours to achieve desired precision, while current sample introduction techniques focus on observations on the order of seconds to tens of minutes. In this study, we characterize Orbitrap-IRMS performance for three long duration measurements (individual acquisitions ≥1 h and as long as 24 h) using an automated reservoir injection system coupled to a Q Exactive HF Orbitrap with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source. First, we characterize long-term intra-measurement stability through a 24-h long measurement of acetone. We report the following isotope ratios and precisions (as acquisition errors, errors on the observed ratio within this measurement (σ AE )): 13 C/ 12 C (σ AE = 0.07‰), 17 O/ 16 O (σ AE = 1.1‰), 18 O/ 16 O (σ AE = 0.3‰), and 13 C 13 C/ 12 C (σ AE = 0.65‰). The σ AE of each tracks the shot noise limit throughout and is limited by the challenging conditions (high resolution and low numbers of ions per scan) required for 17 O/ 16 O measurement in the presence of 13 C via Orbitrap. Second, we characterize inter-measurement stability via a sequence of seven 75-min analyses of perchlorate. We observe the following ratios and acquisition errors: 37 Cl/ 35 Cl (σ AE = 0.09‰); 17 O/ 16 O (σ AE = 1.6‰); 18 O/ 16 O (σ AE = 0.7‰), 37 Cl 17 O/ 35 Cl 16 O (σ AE = 2.7‰), and 37 Cl 18 O/ 35 Cl 16 O (σ AE = 1.2‰). However, we find that inter-measurement drift between acquisitions limits our accuracy and precision for standardized measurements (i.e., error on reported δ values) to ≈1‰ for the 37 Cl/ 35 Cl measurement. Hence, the benefits of low σ AE may not be fully realized. Third, we demonstrate accuracy via sample/standard comparisons of a methionine sample with 13 C enrichment of ≈20‰ relative to a known standard. Using a sequence of seven 60-min analyses, we recover the following isotope ratios and standardized precisions (i.e., error on reported δ values, denoted propagated acquisition errors, σ PAE ): 33 S/ 32 S (σ PAE = 1.0‰), 34 S/ 32 S (σ PAE = 0.7‰), 15 N/ 14 N (σ PAE = 2.1‰), 2 H/ 1 H (σ PAE = 3.2‰), 13 C/ 12 C (σ PAE = 0.4‰), 18 O/ 16 O (σ PAE = 1.6‰), & 13 C 13 C/ 12 C (σ PAE = 2.8‰) with confirmation of accurate results for the known 13 C/ 12 C and 13 C 13 C/ 12 C enrichments. Together, our results demonstrate the viability of Orbitrap-IRMS for long duration measurements of diverse sample types via an automated reservoir injection system. Inter-measurement stability remains a challenge; we expect our methods to be most applicable to extended measurements of hard-to-observe properties, such as 17 O in organics and clumped isotopologues.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Significant life extension of lithium-ion batteries using compact metallic lithium reservoir with passive control

Both traditional graphite-based lithium-ion batteries and next generation silicon-based chemistries suffer significant capacity fade from loss of cyclable lithium due to continued solid-electrolyte interphase growth. A possible engineering solution to maintaining the capacity of cells is incorporating a metallic lithium reservoir and discharging the reservoir into a working electrode to make up for lost cyclable lithium. Here, metallic lithium reservoirs are inserted into both pouch- and cylindrical-format cells. Significant capacity recovery and lifetime extension are demonstrated for traditional graphite and Si/graphite-based cells. In this work, a combination of post-mortem characterization and modeling provide insight into how the lithium distribution as a function of position from reservoir vary with recovery rate. The potential of using passive control to potentially eliminate the need for extra wiring for the third electrode is explored using a simple resistor.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Seismic imaging of the Ecuadorian forearc and arc from joint ambient noise, local, and teleseismic tomography: catching the Nazca slab in the act of flattening

SUMMARY The Ecuadorian Andes are a complex region characterized by accreted oceanic terranes driven by the ongoing subduction of the oceanic Nazca plate beneath South America. Present-day tectonics in Ecuador are linked to the downgoing plate geometry featuring the subduction of the aseismic, oceanic Carnegie Ridge, which is currently entering the trench. Using seismic tomography, we jointly invert arrival times of P and S waves from local and teleseismic earthquakes with surface wave dispersion curves to image the structure of the forearc and magmatic arc of the Ecuadorian Andes. Our data set includes > 100 000 traveltimes recorded at 294 stations across Ecuador. Our images show the basement of the central forearc is composed of accreted oceanic terranes with high elastic wave speeds. Inboard of the Carnegie Ridge, the westernmost forearc and coastal cordilleras display relatively low Vp and Vs and high Vp/Vs values, which we attribute to the increased hydration and fracturing of the overriding plate due to the subduction of the thick oceanic crust of the Carnegie Ridge. We additionally image across-arc differences in magmatic architecture. The frontal volcanic arc overlies accreted terranes and is characterized by low velocities and high Vp/Vs indicative of partial melt reservoirs which are limited to the upper crust. In contrast, the main arc displays regions of partial melt across a wider range of depths. The Subandean zone of Ecuador has two active volcanoes built on continental crust suggesting the arc is expanding eastwards. The mid to lower crust does not show indications of being modified from the magmatic process. We infer that the slab is in the process of flattening as a consequence of early-stage subduction of the buoyant Carnegie Ridge.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Site Characterization of the Highest-Priority Geologic Formations for CO2 Storage in Wyoming

The project Site Characterization of the Highest-Priority Geologic Formations for CO2 Storage in Wyoming is one of 9 site characterization projects that were implemented as part of ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). Data from this project was used to improve resolution of data in NATCARB in the area of study. Data related to this study has already been incorporated in NATCARB Atlas. The Wyoming Carbon Underground Storage Project (WY-CUSP) consisted of CO2 storage site characterization and evaluation, focusing on Wyoming’s most promising CO2 storage reservoirs (the Pennsylvanian Weber/Tensleep Sandstone and Mississippian Madison Limestone) and premier CO2 storage site (Rock Springs Uplift). Results from the WY-CUSP project suggest the two reservoirs could store up to 17,000 million tons of CO2. The WY-CUSP team drilled a stratigraphic test well and acquired a 3-D seismic survey covering 25 square miles of the Rock Springs Uplift site. The team retrieved 916 feet of core from the 12,810-foot-deep well, along with a complete log suite, borehole images, fluid samples, and other data. Project partners (1) provided continuous visual documentation of the core, including grain size, mineralogy, facies distribution, and porosity; (2) performed continuous permeability and velocity scans of selected reservoir intervals; and (3) chemically analyzed the fluid samples. WY-CUSP scientists integrated seismic attributes with observations from log suites, a VSP survey, core, fluid samples, and laboratory analyses, including continuous permeability scans. From these integrations, researchers constructed 3-D spatial distribution volumes of reservoir and seal properties that represent geological heterogeneity at the targeted CO2 storage site. The WY-CUSP team used this data to perform new CO2 plume migration simulations. Baker Hughes, Inc., completed a series of small-scale, in-situ water injectivity measurements. A database was formed when observations, analyses, and experiments from the stratigraphic test well were integrated. Correlation of these data allowed petrophysical parameters to be extrapolated from the test well out into the storage domain (5x5 mile 3-D seismic survey volume). This resulted in an improved, realistic understanding of performance assessments for potential CO2 storage scenarios. The WY-CUSP team worked on (1) improving CO2 storage resource estimates, (2) establishing long-term integrity and permanence of confining layers, (3) designing a profitable strategy for pressure management, and (4) evaluating the utilization of stored CO2 at the Rock Spring Uplift. Finally, Baker Hughes developed a microseismic baseline for the test site using in-bore geophones to complete field operations.

3-D seismic↗
DOE OSTI2023

Assessing the Behavior of Moderately Volatile Elements on the Moon in Order to Constrain Processes of Magmatic Evolution and Planetary Accretion

Heterogeneous isotopic compositions of Zn and Ga in lunar basalts and highlands rocks indicate that secondary processing affected the stable isotopic composition of major lunar reservoirs. It follows that these fractionating processes must be identified and characterized in order to make robust estimates for the isotopic composition of the mare basalt source regions or the bulk silicate Moon (BSM). Contrary to previous assertions (e.g., Kato & Moynier, 2017), MVEs such as Zn and Ga do not behave similarly on the Moon, in line with differences in their chemical behavior and volatility. There is clear evidence that impact reworking fractionates zinc isotopes but, in addition, zinc isotopes are also highly sensitive to the formation of Ti-bearing oxides such as ilmenite. In contrast, gallium is far less susceptible to volatile reworking, but its isotopic composition is fractionated during incorporation into plagioclase (Wimpenny et al., 2022; Render et al., 2023). Based on these findings we conclude that current isotopic compositions of Zn and Ga in lunar rocks, such as those measured for the mare basalt suite, are unlikely to be representative of the bulk Moon when it accreted. As such, estimates for the MVE isotopic composition of the BSM derived from mare basalts may not be accurate, which may have implications for the incorporation of these data into dynamical models of the Moon’s formation. In the following, we discuss the main findings from this project in more detail, focusing on the behaviour of zinc and gallium isotopic systematics in lunar rocks and the processes that control their isotopic fractionation on the Moon.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermal-Fluid Analysis of a Liquid-Cooled Battery Module for Electrified Aircraft

The development of safe, energy-dense batteries is critical to advancing hybrid electric and fully electrified aircraft propulsion. Achieving this capability requires a thermal management system that can maintain battery performance and safety under demanding operational conditions. The objective of this project is to support the maturation of next-generation lithium-ion batteries for electrified aircraft by conducting performance testing on integrated battery modules, specifically a 2-cell series configuration module housed within an aluminum enclosure. Designed to operate at a nominal 7.2 V with discharge rates up to 2.5C, the module will eventually be used to power an electric motor and DC-DC converter, generating substantial thermal loads that must be effectively managed to increase the usable energy and power density of electrified aircraft. To address these thermal challenges, this study presents the development and thermal-fluid analysis of a liquid-cooled thermal management system. While the full aircraft architecture utilizes an eight-string configuration, the present work evaluates a representative single-string water coolant loop to characterize baseline performance. The active cooling loop circulates water through a reservoir, pump, the battery module, and a variable area flow meter. Key performance metrics including component-level temperatures, mass flow rates, and pressure drops are quantified across the loop. Across discharge rates ranging from 0.5C to 2.5C, the active thermal loop consistently and effectively removed heat from the module, validating the design approach and confirming readiness for further development. The validated thermal performance indicates a path toward scalable battery modules that could enable energy and power dense systems for hybrid electric aircraft.

Electrified Aircraft↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Seeding Method for Velocimetry and Visualization of Supersonic Retropropulsion Nozzle Plumes

In the current work, the “Venturi seeder” method for nozzle plumes is improved and studied to determine suitability for particle image velocimetry. This seeding method involves independently pressurizing the primary flow path and a separate seed liquid reservoir, connecting them at the throat of a Venturi contraction upstream of the nozzle. The pressure differential at the throat causes the liquid to enter the nozzle channel where it is atomized into particles by strong shearing forces. This new seeding system was characterized by conducting a series of diagnostics using different exit nozzle pressure ratios and seed reservoir pressures. Shadowgraph imaging confirmed the nozzle plumes to be underexpanded jets. A particle sizing device determined that generated DEHS oil particles had median aerodynamic diameters of 0.67, 0.69, and 0.73 μm for seed liquid reservoir pressure supplies of 0.67, 0.60, and 0.93 MPa and primary flow path pressures of 0.67, 0.76, and 0.93 MPa measured downstream of the Venturi throat, respectively. These diameters were within the threshold for acceptable response time in typical gas flows (≤ 1 μm). PIV experiments were conducted on the nozzle plume for all presented cases; mean axial and transverse velocities appeared as expected for the underexpanded jet structure, including the Mach disk and re-acceleration regions. Additional sizing analysis based on the particle response times across the normal shock again showed particle diameters to be well less than 1 μm for all cases. The results suggest that this method is an inexpensive and relatively simple solution to the problem of seeding nozzle plumes. The method will be used in testing of supersonic retropropulsion models in the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at The NASA Langley Research Center in 2022.

particle image velocimetry↗
DOE OSTI2021

SECARB-USA: Needs Assessment Framework for Storage Complexes (Task 2.1.b)

A team of SECARB storage experts examined 63 formations at 39 sites that were selected to represent the range of diversity of newly assessed, as well as well-advanced, storage prospects in the SECARB region. We inventoried the data needs triggered by the requirements to obtain a Class VI UIC storage permit, the data needs that results from the requirement to create geocellular fluid flow models to support that permit, and by pragmatic and best practice inputs such as public acceptance, regulatory readiness, and pore space leasing. We anchored both the needs inventory and the processes for and cost of meeting the needs with data from 9 sites in in the SECARB area that have advanced far in characterization. Results show that the total cost of characterization prior to obtaining a permit is convergent, because the permit and modeling requirements drive projects to obtain the same types of data for all cases. The high cost data that control cost are 1) drilling, coring, core-testing, logging, sampling and testing a characterization well and 2) collection of a 3-D seismic survey to map reservoir and confining system properties over the area of the plume or the area of elevated pressure. In 5 of our case study sites we determined that one or both of these costs could be avoided because the needs are met by available data.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Use of Gas Adsorption and Inversion Methods for Shale Pore Structure Characterization

The analysis of porosity and pore structure of shale rocks has received special attention in the last decades as unconventional reservoir hydrocarbons have become a larger parcel of the oil and gas market. A variety of techniques are available to provide a satisfactory description of these porous media. Some techniques are based on saturating the porous rock with a fluid to probe the pore structure. In this sense, gases have played an important role in porosity and pore structure characterization, particularly for the analysis of pore size and shapes and storage or intake capacity. In this review, we discuss the use of various gases, with emphasis on N2 and CO2, for characterization of shale pore architecture. We describe the state of the art on the related inversion methods for processing the corresponding isotherms and the procedure to obtain surface area and pore-size distribution. The state of the art is based on the collation of publications in the last 10 years. Limitations of the gas adsorption technique and the associated inversion methods as well as the most suitable scenario for its application are presented in this review. Finally, we discuss the future of gas adsorption for shale characterization, which we believe will rely on hybridization with other techniques to overcome some of the limitations.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗