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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Utilization of alternative fuels in diesel engines

Performance and emission data are collected for various candidate alternate fuels and compare these data to that for a certified petroleum based number two Diesel fuel oil. Results for methanol, ethanol, four vegetable oils, two shale derived oils, and two coal derived oils are reported. Alcohol fumigation does not appear to be a practical method for utilizing low combustion quality fuels in a Diesel engine. Alcohol fumigation enhances the bioactivity of the emitted exhaust particles. While it is possible to inject many synthetic fuels using the engine stock injection system, wholly acceptable performance is only obtained from a fuel whose specifications closely approach those of a finished petroleum based Diesel oil. This is illustrated by the contrast between the poor performance of the unupgraded coal derived fuel blends and the very good performance of the fully refined shale derived fuel.

Lestz, S. A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Optimization-based modeling and analysis of brine reflux osmotically assisted reverse osmosis for application toward zero liquid discharge systems

Significant amounts of high-salinity wastewater generated by water-intensive industrial activities such as shale oil and gas production have raised serious environmental concerns in recent years. Existing and emerging desalination technologies offer promise to manage these high salinity wastewater streams while simultaneously producing fresh water that could be diverted for beneficial uses. Osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) is one such emerging desalination technology capable of handling hypersaline brines and achieving high recoveries. However, rigorous modeling and analysis is needed to evaluate the process performance, energy consumption, and treatment cost of various OARO configurations. Here, this work presents detailed modeling and analysis of brine-reflux OARO (BR-OARO) system and compares it with other commonly discussed configurations, including cascading osmotically mediated reverse osmosis (COMRO), consecutive loop OARO, and split feed counterflow RO, through a cost optimization-based framework. We analyze and compare the treatment costs, membrane area, specific energy consumption, and design parameters of the aforementioned configurations with the ultimate goal of achieving zero liquid discharge (ZLD). The results indicate that the BR-OARO system with treatment cost of 5.1 US $/m 3 of produced water with 10% salinity outperforms other configurations in terms of number of stages needed, treatment cost, membrane area, and energy consumption.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Review: Pre-Darcy flows in low-permeability porous media

The widely used Darcy’s law specifies a linear relation between the Darcy velocity of fluid flow and the pressure gradient that drives the flow. However, studies have shown that Darcy velocity can exhibit a nonlinear dependence on the pressure gradient in low-permeability porous media such as clay and shale when the pressure gradient is adequately low. This phenomenon is referred to as low-velocity non-Darcian flow or pre-Darcy flow. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the theories, experimental data, and modeling methods for pre-Darcy flow in low-permeability porous media. The review begins by outlining the fundamental mechanisms underlying pre-Darcy flow that regulate the unique characteristics such as nonlinear dependence of the Darcy velocity on the pressure gradient and its relevance to fluid–rock interactions. The review then proceeds to present a thorough compilation of experimental investigations performed in various low-permeability geomaterials including tight sandstones, shales, and clays. Next, empirical and theoretical models and simulation methods that have been developed to fit and interpret experimental data are reviewed. Finally, the review underscores the challenges encountered in conducting and interpreting pre-Darcy flow experiments and suggests future research directions. By analyzing previous experimental investigations, this review aims to offer a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of fluid dynamics in low-permeability geomaterials. This provides insights into the application of pre-Darcy flow in numerous natural and engineered processes such as shale oil and gas recovery, contaminant transport in low-permeability aquifers, and geological disposal of nuclear waste.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Optimization-based modeling and economic comparison of membrane distillation configurations for application in shale gas produced water treatment

Membrane distillation (MD) is an emerging membrane technology with great potential for treatment of hypersaline wastewater generated by unconventional (shale) oil and gas reservoirs. However, the low energy efficiency of this technology makes the operating cost of MD systems relatively high, especially in the absence of waste heat. There are several MD configurations with inherent advantages and disadvantages and varying performance. As such, there is a need for thermo-economic optimization of MD systems in a systematic manner to assess their economic performance. Here we present an optimization framework to model and compare the performance of six MD configurations (DCMD, AGMD, PGMD, CGMD, SGMD, and VMD) in continuous recirculation mode for treatment of hypersaline wastewater. The optimization results show that AGMD with small gap size operated at low stream Reynolds number outperforms all other configurations with treatment cost of 4.57 US $/m 3 of feed. However, restricting the system design to more practically relevant operating conditions, such as higher Reynolds number and larger gap size, diminishes the cost superiority of AGMD over other configurations. We also observed that treatment cost using PGMD configuration approaches those of CGMD and DCMD, particularly when modules with small gaps are used.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effects of confinement and pressure on the structure and dynamics of carbon dioxide in silica slit pores

An understanding of carbon dioxide fluid properties within geological mesopores is important in applications ranging from carbon sequestration to shale oil recovery. Here, a molecular dynamics study is presented that aims to shed light on these systems by simulation of CO 2 fluid confined in β-cristobalite silica slit pores with different pore widths and pressure conditions. The weakly associating nature of carbon dioxide leads to little difference in structural and interfacial dynamical properties for different pore sizes and pressures. Rather, the behavior is found to be dominated by the entropic effects, namely, how the CO 2 organizes next to the silica surface. The CO 2 self-diffusion coefficient shows the strongest pore size dependence. It is strongly diminished in small pores and does not reach the bulk fluid value even in 6 nm pores. It also decreases with pressure, yielding an activation volume that increases with pore size. These results provide new insight into the behavior of a compressible fluid in nanoscale confinement.

Godahewa, Sahan M. [Univ. of Kansas, Lawrence, KS ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Characterization of Most Promising Sequestration Formations in the Rocky Mountain Region

The project Characterization of Most Promising Sequestration Formations in the Rocky Mountain Region 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 Rocky Mountain Carbon Capture and Storage (RMCCS) project investigated multiple geologic formations and characterized a local site on the Colorado Plateau for future CCS opportunities. The RMCCS project focused on the Cretaceous Dakota, Jurassic Entrada, and Pennsylvanian Weber Sandstones, the three largest regional formations. All formations in this project are potential CO2 storage resources for future power plants, natural gas processing plants, cement plants, and oil shale development projects. The area adjacent to Craig, Colorado, (Sand Wash Basin) was the area selected for detailed geologic characterization on the RMCCS project. The basin was selected in part because the geology can be extrapolated to other sites on the Colorado Plateau. Field mapping and seismic surveys were conducted to identify and evaluate the basin's structural configuration. A 9,745-foot deep characterization well was drilled to collect 131 feet of core and a suite of geophysical well log data. Petrophysical tests on samples of core were used to calibrate geophysical log data, which can be used to obtain storage resource estimates and evaluate associated uncertainty as well as simulate the hydrologic behavior of injected CO2. A detailed analysis of the primary formations (Dakota, Entrada and Weber sandstones) yielded a more accurate CO2 storage resource assessment for these formations within the Colorado Plateau; RMCCS estimates indicate a total CO2 storage resource of more than 38,000 million metric tons. The characterization of the Sand Wash Basin (2-D seismic surveys, multiple well logs and lithological, petrophysical and geochemical analyses) allowed for a detailed 3-D model to be constructed. The model served as the framework for analyses ranging from CO2 storage resource, injectivity, and subsurface flow to uncertainty estimates to evaluation of risk.

2-D seismic↗
DOE OSTI2024

Transforming Uinta Basin Earth Materials for Advanced Products (TUBE-MAP)

The objectives of this project were to quantify, assess, and plan to enable the transformation of Uinta Basin earth resources, such as coal, oil shale, resin, rare earth elements, and critical minerals into high value metal, mineral, and carbon-based products. The specific major goals were 1) basinal assessments and initial planning (Task 2), 2) basinal assessment for waste stream reuse with associated plan development (Task 3), 3) basinal strategies development for infrastructure, industries, and business (Task 4), 4) technology assessment, development, and field-testing plan (Task 5), 5) technology innovation center plan (Task 6), and 6) stakeholder outreach and education plan (Task 7).

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS1972

A new approach to the isolation of milligram amounts of significant geochemical compounds.

The modification of an automatic preparative collection system for gas-liquid chromatography is described that is designed to make the system operational for milligram-scale high-efficiency separations of selected components in a geological sample. The sample in question is an organic extract from the Green River Formation Oil Shale, and the compounds selected are the sterane and triterpane hydrocarbons.

Wszolek, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The long term energy problem and aeronautics

The projected increase in energy consumption by transportation in general and civil aviation in particular is directly opposed to the dwindling supplies of natural petroleum crude oil currently used to produce aircraft fuels. This fact dictates the need to develop even more energy conservative aircraft and propulsion systems than are currently available and to explore the potential of alternative fuels to replace the current petroleum derived hydrocarbons. Advances in technology are described in the areas of improved component efficiency, aircraft and engine integration, control systems, and advanced lightweight materials that are needed to maximize performance and minimize fuel usage. Also, improved turbofan and unconventional engine cycles which can provide significant fuel usage reductions are described. These advancements must be accomplished within expected environmental constraints such as noise and pollution limits. Alternative fuels derived from oil shale and coal are described, and the possible technological advancements needed to use these fuels in aircraft engines are discussed and evaluated with relation to potential differences in fuel characteristics.

Rudey, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Fuel-conservative engine technology

Aircraft fuel consumption is discussed in terms of its efficient use, and the conversion of energy from sources other than petroleum. Topics discussed include: fuel from coal and oil shale, hydrogen deficiency of alternate sources, alternate fuels evaluation program, and future engines.

Dugan, J. F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Hydrogen market survey

Summary tables are given for the domestic consumption of hydrogen. Data cover chemicals, refinery operations, steelmaking, and synthetic fuels. Data show major consumption to be in the area of synthetic fuel production from coal and oil shale.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Conservation in the energy industry

The basic energy supply and utilization problems faced by the United States were described. Actions which might alleviate the domestic shortfall of petroleum and natural gas are described, analyzed and overall impacts are assessed. Specific actions included are coal gasification, in situ shale oil production, improved oil and gas recovery, importation of liquid natural gas and deregulation of natural gas prices. These actions are weighed against each other as alternate techniques of alleviating or overcoming existing shortfalls.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Experimental clean combustor program, alternate fuels addendum, phase 2

The characteristics of current and advanced low-emissions combustors when operated with special test fuels simulating broader range combustion properties of petroleum or coal derived fuels were studied. Five fuels were evaluated; conventional JP-5, conventional No. 2 Diesel, two different blends of Jet A and commercial aromatic mixtures - zylene bottoms and haphthalene charge stock, and a fuel derived from shale oil crude which was refined to Jet A specifications. Three CF6-50 engine size combustor types were evaluated; the standard production combustor, a radial/axial staged combustor, and a double annular combustor. Performance and pollutant emissons characteristics at idle and simulated takeoff conditions were evaluated in a full annular combustor rig. Altitude relight characteristics were evaluated in a 60 degree sector combustor rig. Carboning and flashback characteristics at simulated takeoff conditions were evaluated in a 12 degree sector combustor rig. For the five fuels tested, effects were moderate, but well defined.

Gleason, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Our national energy future - The role of remote sensing

An overview of problems and opportunities in remote sensing of resources. The need for independence from foreign and precarious energy sources, availability of fossil fuel materials for other purposes (petrochemicals, fertilizer), environmental conservation, and new energy sources are singled out as the main topics. Phases of response include: (1) crisis, with reduced use of petroleum and tapping of on-shore and off-shore resources combined; (2) a transition phase involving a shift from petroleum to coal and oil shale; and (3) exploitation of renewable (inexhaustible and clean) energy. Opportunities for remote sensing in fuel production and energy conservation are discussed along with problems in identifying the spectral signatures of productive and unproductive regions. Mapping of water resources, waste heat, byproducts, and wastes is considered in addition to opportunities for international collaboration.

Schmitt, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Alternative aircraft fuels technology

NASA is studying the characteristics of future aircraft fuels produced from either petroleum or nonpetroleum sources such as oil shale or coal. These future hydrocarbon based fuels may have chemical and physical properties that are different from present aviation turbine fuels. This research is aimed at determining what those characteristics may be, how present aircraft and engine components and materials would be affected by fuel specification changes, and what changes in both aircraft and engine design would be required to utilize these future fuels without sacrificing performance, reliability, or safety. This fuels technology program was organized to include both in-house and contract research on the synthesis and characterization of fuels, component evaluations of combustors, turbines, and fuel systems, and, eventually, full-scale engine demonstrations. A review of the various elements of the program and significant results obtained so far are presented.

Grobman, J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Analysis of steranes and triterpanes in geolipid extracts by automatic classification of mass spectra

A computer method is described for the automatic classification of triterpanes and steranes into gross structural type from their mass spectral characteristics. The method has been applied to the spectra obtained by gas-chromatographic/mass-spectroscopic analysis of two mixtures of standards and of hydrocarbon fractions isolated from Green River and Messel oil shales. Almost all of the steranes and triterpanes identified previously in both shales were classified, in addition to a number of new components. The results indicate that classification of such alkanes is possible with a laboratory computer system. The method has application to diagenesis and maturation studies as well as to oil/oil and oil/source rock correlations in which rapid screening of large numbers of samples is required.

Wardroper, A. M. K.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Hydrocarbon group type determination in jet fuels by high performance liquid chromatography

Thirty-two jet and diesel fuel samples of varying chemical composition and physical properties were prepared from oil shale and coal syncrudes. Hydrocarbon types in these samples were determined by a fluorescent indicator adsorption analysis, and the results from three laboratories are presented and compared. Two methods of rapid high performance liquid chromatography were used to analyze some of the samples, and these results are also presented and compared. Two samples of petroleum-based Jet A fuel are similarly analyzed.

Antoine, A. C.↗