providing solutions to energy and environmental problems/67531/metadc666211/...downhole steam...

DE-FC21-93MC30127 --37

Providing Solutions to Energy and Environmental Problems

Quarterly ReportJanuary 1- March 31,1998

Work Performed Under Contract No.: DE-FC21-93MC30127

ForU.S. Department of Energy

Office of Fossil EnergyFederal Energy Technology Center

P.O. Box 880Morgantown, West Virginia 26507-0880

ByWestern Research Institute

Laramie, Wyoming

Disclaimer

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by anagency of the United States Government. Neither the United StatesGovernment nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees,makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liabilityor responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of anyinformation, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or representsthat its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Referenceherein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by tradename, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarilyconstitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring bythe United States Government or any agency thereof. The views andopinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflectthose of the United States Government or any agency thereof.

Proviing So lutbns

to

Energy and Environmental

Problems

QuarterlyTechntialPregress

Report

January 1,1998

for

through Mach

on

31,1998

Cooperative Agreement DE+?C2 143MC3O127–37Joit_lySponsored Research Progran

for the

U .S.Department of EnergyO ffke of FossilEnergy

Federal Energy Technology CenterM organtown, West Vkgtib

by

Western Research Ii+_kuteLaramk, W yomtig

April 1998

Program Overview

Summary of Appropriations, Obligations & Expenditures

Executive Summary

Current Obligations

Current Expenditures

Technical Highlights

Summary of Objectives & Accomplishments

Task 001 Development and Demonstration of a Practical ElectricDownhole Steam Generator for Thermal Recovery of Heavy Oil and Tar

Task 002 Wetting Behavior of Selected Crude Oil/Brine/Rock Systems

Task 003 Coal Gasification, Power Generation andProduct Market Study

Task 004 The Impact of Leachate from Clean Coal Technology Wasteon the Stability of Clay Liners

Task 005 Investigation of Coprocessing Heavy Oil, AutomobileShredder Residue, and Coal

Task 006 Injection into Coal Seams for Simultaneous COZ Mitigationand Enhanced Recovery of Coalbed Methane

Task 007 Optimization of Carbonize Operations in the FMC Coke Process

Task 008 Chemical Sensor and Field Screening Technology Development

Task 009 Demonstration of the Koppelman “Series C“ Process Using a BatchTest Unit with Powder River Basin Coal as Feed

Task 010 (Old Task 5.25) Remote Chemical Sensor Development

Task 011 Market Assessment and Technical Feasibility Study of PFBC Ash Use

Page

1

2

3

4

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

18

19

20

22

23

Task 012 Solid State NMR Analysis of Naturally and Artificially Matured Kerogens

Task 013 (Old Task 5.6) Contained Recovery of Oily WastesField Demonstration with Bell Lumber and Pole

Task 014 “B Series” Pilot Plant Tests

Task 015 (Old Task 5.26) InSitu Treatment of Manufactured Gas PlantContaminated Soils

Task 016 Development and Demonstration of a Wood-Fired Gas Turbine System

Task 017 Solid State NMR Analysis of Mowry Formation Shale from DifferentSedimentary Basins

Task 018 Acid-Mine Drainage Prevention, Control, and Treatment Developmentfor the Stockett/Sand Coulee Area

Task 019 PERF Dispersion Modeling Project. Phase 2 Major Field Demonstration

Task 020 Field Testing of the TaBoRR@ Process Using the Asphalt and DryBottoms Configurations

Task 021 Validation of a New Soil VOC Sampler

Task 022 Market Assessment and Demonstration of Lignite FBC AshFlowable Fill Applications

Page

25

26

29

30

31

32

33

35

36

39

42

Summarized byMore than $18 million for energy programsemphasizing enhanced oil recovery,coal beneficiation and upgrading,coalbed methane recovery andrenewable energy resources

Technology

Enhancement

$4.1 million for technology enhance-ment activities encompassing resourcecharacterization studies, improvedenvironmental monitors and sensors,and improved dispersion modelingtechniques

$8.9 million for technology to cleanunderground oily wastes, mitigate acidmine drainage, and demonstrate usesfor CCT and PFBC waste solids

entalPrograms Cooperative Agreement DE-FC21 -93 MC30127

Status of Total Approved Projects on July 1, 1997

dWRI’S JSR Program is Focused on Technology Development

to Meet National and Regional Needs

Goals of WRI’S Jointly Sponsored Research Program

Increase the production of U.S. and western energy resources: low-sulfur coal, natural gas,oil, and renewable energy resources

Enhance the competitiveness of U.S. and western energy technologies in internationalmarkets and assist in technology transfer

Reduce the nation’s dependence upon foreign energy supplies and strengthen the U.S. andregional economies

Minimize the impact of energy production and utilization on the environment

Summaryof

Approprhtims,OblQatims

&Expendhres

byTask

Executive Summ ary

I

Jointly Sponsored Research Program

The Jointly Sponsored Research Program emphasizes technology commercialization and continues to behighly successful and supported strongly and enthusiastically by WRI’S industrial clientele. All of the availableDepartment of Energy (USDOE) funding for each of the first seven years has been committed to projects. Allavailable FY 97 funding was obligated in June 1997. The demand for funds continues to outstrip availablemonies and an additional $3 million per year in USDOE funding could easily be accommodated. Assummarized in Table 1, since the program’s inception in 1990, $19,140,754 in USDOE funds have beenobligated and committed against an industrial match of $25,446,281.

Table 1Summary of JSRP Funding for FY 1990-97

Since entering into a new JSRP cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy on March 26, 1993(Cooperative Agreement DE-FC21 -93 MC30127), WRI has put into place projects utilizing a total of$13,082,477 in USDOE funds. These funds have been matched against $18,342,205 in industrial funds toproduce a program valued at $31,424,682. Letters of commitment have already been obtained which envisionutilizing more than $5 million in FY 98 funds. As a result of this strong demand for program participation, unlessadditional funding is available, WRI may not be able to work in a significant fashion with any new JSRPparticipants until FY 98 or beyond. In fact, we estimate that $6.5 million would be needed in FY 98 toadequately meet present demand. As Table 1 clearly indicates, new program participants can only be addedin those instances where existing money can be reobligated.

Table 2Tasks Approved for Funding Through Fiscal Year 1997

Previous Commitments FY 97 Commitment Total Commitment

ToW

2,745&35

2,353114Fl

117$X39

W,’418

6,!528,032

18,760

2,$352,170

3,720,2$8

slfwwEnergyIwgmms 7,537,60!3 9,250,13$3 16,7?37,%’44 548,527 W2,wo 1,481,027 8,086,732 10,192$33?9 18,27%,771

Western Research Institute

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Technology

Page 4

Table 2 (Continued)Tasks Approved for Funding Through Fiscal Year 1997

Table 2 (Continued)Tasks Approved for Funding Through Fiscal Year 1997

Previous Commitments FY 97 Commitment Total Commitment

Task Project USDOE Sponsor Total USDOE Sponsor Total USDOE Sponsor -rntal

Environmental Programs

4 Impact of CCT Waste 231,043 259,580 490,623 231,043 259,580 490$%3Leachate on the

Stability of Clay Liners

11 Market Assessment Study 447,638 603,500 1,051,138 447,638 603,500 IJ35$,138of PFBC Ash Use

13 CROW Field Demonstration 120,800 541,396 662,196 23,000 36,000 59,000 143,800 577,396 7’21,196Bell Lumber and Pole

15 In Situ Treatment of 405,289 1,360,523 1,765,812 405,289 1,360,523 1 ,7%5,812MPG Contaminated Soi Is

18 Acid-Mine Drainage 211,068 210,845 421,913 211,068 210,845 421,913Prevention and Control

20 Field Testing of the TaBoRR 285,000 285,415 570,415 1,282,287 2,500,000 3,782,287 1,567,287 2,785,415 4,352,7%X2Process

22 Market Assessment Study 72,637 79,996 152,633 72,637 79,996 152,633of PFBC Ash Use from Lignite

Sw$fcw, Elwkw% Iw?gmms 1,7ZX3J3%3 3,%3$ ,225!3 4,$382$387 1,377X924 2,81 5,+3ss q%3S@213 3,973,2’82? 5,%T7,225S 8,95E,CH 1’

Tc@ All Programs 1 C49861264 14$!M6,209 2!3,!$72,47s 21WW*213 3$7’W$$196 !5,852,20!4 13,MW,477 1 &342$$N15 w ,424,s82

Budget

$1,282,785

1,132,356

57>039

231>043

1,135,900

48,418

749,900

3>004>732

355>000

447>638

30,192

143,800

8,668

405,289

1,416,234

80>064

211,068

502,124

1,567,287

200>303

72,637

ExpendedPriorPeriods

$1>304>835

1,161,421

56,989

232,574

1,027,017

36>974

745,899

2,555,884

354>182

441,394

30>780

132,499

8,668

398,058

1,288,391

69,651

203,383

433,099

1,476,997

114,739

34,534

January1998

5,894

208,520

-o-

5,135

4,726

17,241

12,320

4,279

February1998

Completed

Completed

Completed

Completed

Withdrawn

8,818

Completed

Completed

90,962

Completed

-o-

Completed

2,236

Completed

Completed

Completed

Completed

-o-

Completed

23,732

23,071

5,144

Western Research Irstitute

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Technology

Paae 7

Summaryof

Ob jectties&

AccomplishmentsbyTask

This page intentionally left blank.

Task Wetting Behavior of Selected Status2 Crude Oil/Brine/Rock Systems Completed

SponsorsARCO, British Petroleum, Chevron, Conoco, Dagang (China), ELF (France), Exxon, Marathon,Mobil, fVorskHydro (Norway), Phillips, Shell (The Netherlands), Statoil (Norway), and theUniversity of Wyoming

Reporting Period: Januaryl through March 31, 1998 I

Background

Fluid distributionand the displacement of oil by water or other fluids in an oil reservoir are governedby the fluid-solidinteractions (wettabili~) of that system. Nettability governs interface shapes, whichdetermine the mechanisms and efficiency of oil displacement from reservoir rocks. Because waterflooding accounts for more than half of the oil production in the United States, understanding theeffect of nettability on oil recovety is of great importance. To this end, WRI has undertaken a studyof crude oil/brine/rock interactions for several selected crude oils, including oil from Prudhoe Bay.Special attention is being given to the possibility of increasing the efficiency of water floods throughselection or adjustment of the composition of the injected brine.

Status

The project has been completed.

Task Coal Gasification, Power Generation, Status3 and Product Market Study Completed

SponsorKerr Coal Company

I Reporting Period: January 1 through March 31, 1998 I

Background

The primaty use of western low-sulfur coal is for power generation. Other potential uses of this coalneed to be evaluated. This study is to perform a market survey of potential products and alternatetechnologies that may produce high-value products from coal obtained from the Kerr Company coalmine in Walden, Colorado.

Status


Task The Impact of Leachate from Clean Coal Technology Status4 Waste on the Stability of Clay Liners Completed

SponsorPublic Service Company of Colorado


Background

Wastes generated from clean coal technologies have much different physical and chemicalcharacteristics than the wastes generated from conventional power plants. These wastes can havesignificantly different impacts on the permeability of a clay liner, which can affect the active lifetimeof the liner. This study is evaluating the influence that clean coal technology waste materials willhave on the stability of clay liners. Specifically, an understanding of the chemical and physicalinteractions will be determined between clay liners and waste Ieachates. The findings of the studywill provide industry with valuable information for the management of wastes generated by theimplementation of clean coal technology programs.

Status


Task Investigation of Coprocessing Heavy Oil, Status5 Automobile Shredder Residue, and Coal Withdrawn

SponsorEnvironmental Recovery Systems, Inc.


Background

A major environmental problem today is the disposal of automobile shredder residue (ASR). Thisresidue is composed of plastic, rubber, foam rubber, wood, glass, dirt, oil, and other fluids. WRI isdeveloping a low-temperature coprocessing concept for conversion of ASR, heavy oils, and coal intogasoline and diesel fuel distillates. This concept is being explored to alleviate the problemsassociated with ASR disposal and to generate useful product streams.

Status

This project was withdrawn due to the sponsor’s inability to provide matching funds.

Task Injection into Coal Seams for Simultaneous COg Mitigation Status6 and Enhanced Recovery of Coalbed Methane Ongoing

SponsorsAmoco, Conoco, Resource Enterprises Inc., and

New Mexico Petroleum Recovery Research Center


Background

This study is evaluating the technical feasibility of injecting CO,, a byproduct of methane recovetyfrom some coalbeds, into the coalbeds as both a technique of mitigating the level of C02 emissionsfrom the production of methane from the coalbeds and as a technique for enhancing the recovetyof methane from the coalbeds. The evaluation will be based on the operation and results of a two-well field pilot test in northwestern New Mexico.

Task Objectives Quarter Objectives

The overall objective of this task is to test the The objectives for the quarter were:technical viability of injecting CO, into the FruitlandCoal to displace methane from the coal and to ● Make final the report for Subtask 1.mitigate CO, emissions which are a consequenceof primary ‘coalbed methane production fromsurrounding wells in the area. To evaluate thistechnical viability, a field test was conducted andthe test is being interpreted using data measuredin WRI’S laboratory, as well as using Amoco’sstate-of-the art coalbed methane simulator. Also,a second pilot of the process is being evaluatedusing the simulator. Ultimately, the technologydeveloped will be applied to a Wyoming coal. Thetask is divided into five subtasks:

● Subtask 6.1: Two-Well Pilot Test of CO,Injection

● Subtask 6.2: COz/Nz Laboratory Tests inthe Fruitland Coal

● Subtask 6.3: Modeling of Two-Well PilotTest

● Subtask 6.4: Allison Unit CO, Pilot Studyand

● Subtask 6.5: COz/Nz Laboratory Tests inWyoming Coals.

● Complete the review process on themodeling study for Subtask 4.

● Contact Wyoming coalbed methaneoperators, obtain coal samples from theseoperators and begin laboratory testing ofthe samples.

Accomplishments

Subtask 6.1-Two-Well Pilot Test of COP Injection

The revisions suggested by Amoco wereincorporated into the Subtask 1 report. WRI’S peerreview process has been completed. WRI’SPublication Coordinator is currently formatting thereport for publication and the document should besubmitted to the DOE by May 30, 1998.

Subtask 6.2-COJNp Laboratory Tests in theFruitland Coal

This Subtask has been completed,

Subtask 6.3-Modeling of Two-Well Pilot Test

This Subtask has been completed. No further workis anticipated.

Subtask 6.4-Design of Phase II COP Injection

The pilot data were updated and the actual pilotperformance and simulations were redone.Predicted and actual pilot performance werecompared. A draft final report that analyzed themost recent performance of the pilot was writtenand sent to Amoco for their review in October.Amoco is still reviewing the document.

Subtask 6.5 COJNp Laboratory Tests inWyoming Coals

WRI has obtained a sample of Powder River Basincoal. Laboratory-scale displacement tests will beconducted on the coal with a sweep gas consistingof a NZ-COZ mixture. This mixture is intended torepresent a flue gas such as would be discharged

from a power plant. The tests will demonstrate theability of the sweep gas to desorb and displacemethane from the coal. The tests will alsodetermine the coal’s ability to adsorb the CO,.CO;S sorption by the coal would potentially reducethe power plant’s emission of a greenhouse gas.

Activities for Next Quarter

● Complete the Subtask 1 reports andsubmit bound copies to the DOE andAmoco.

● Send the final document on Subtask 4 toWRI’S Publication Coordinator whenAmoco completes its review.

● Perform displacement tests on PowderRiver Basin Coal.

‘rogram/Project Identification No. Program/Project Title Reporting Petiod

T%k O06DE3c21+3MC30127 ~jectin rntoCoal Seams for

l/l@8throughs Bl@8Sfiultaneous COZ Mk@atbn and

Enhanced Recovery of Coalbed

Methane

dame and Address

Western Research I_Istkuk

365 North Nrnth Street

LaraT&, W yomrng 82070R

Ff I 993FUNDING

FY I 994

FUNDINO

FY I 995

FUNDINO

Ff I 996

FUNDING

F-Y 1997

FUNDING

PROJECT

FUNDINO

TO DATE

LJSDOE I SPONSOR(S)

8 I 2,839 1,701,789

323,261I

I 4,48 I

I , 135,900 1,716,270

TOTAL PROJECT VALUE $2,852, I 70

B oj ect t2penditur esCharles M ones, Project M anager

1200

0

E :=”’[:;7-.,-,,-,,-,,-,,-,,-,,-,,-,,--.’,,

j . . .j ,,,~ ,.,

j ,-,.,

Ij ,.,

j ,.,

Mar93 Mar94 Mar95 Mar96 Mar97 MaI

Reporthg Perixi

II I

II Subtask 4Des&n of Phase ~ I

Subtask 5

C02N2 Lab T&ts

@J yoming)

II IQuarterly

Reports i i i’ A AFiscal Year 1998 M arch June September December

Cosponsor fundng n FY 95 consi+ed of $14,481 cash

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 93 cons&ed of $41,389 cash and $1,660,400 ~+(rnd

Signature of Recipient and Date Signature of USDOE Reviewing Representative and Date

Task Optimization of Carbonize Operations Status7 in the FMC Coke Process Completed

SponsorUniversity of Wyoming Western Coal Consortium


Background

Operation of the FMC coking process to date has resulted in insufficient production of heavy tarmaterials that serve as the binder in the coke production. Laboratory tests were conducted by WRI,in conjunction with the University of Wyoming, to develop the optimum operating conditions for thecarbonize to maximize the amount of tar produced for binder and to investigate the applicability ofthe process to other western coals.

Status


Task Chemical Sensor and Field Screening Status8 Technology Development Completed

SponsorIn-Situ Incorporated


Background

The determination or screening of environmental contaminants in the field using portable analyticalmethodologies or down-hole real time in-situ measurements is an area of great interest in theenvironmental industry. WRI is expanding its efforts into new technology areas for the developmentand commercialization of these technologies.

Status


●

●

●

●

●

●

Task Demonstration of the Koppelman “Series C“ Process Status9 Using a Batch Test Unit with Po waler River Basin Coal as Feed Ongoing

SponsorK-Fuel Incorporated


Background

Although having the desirable characteristic of being low in sulfur, most western coals arecomparatively low in heating value. Bench-scale tests have been successfully conducted using theKoppelman “Series C“process in which subbituminous Powder River Basin coal has been convertedto a higher value product having the characteristics of a low-sulfur bituminous coal. WRI is workingwith K-Fuel Inc. to construct and operate a large-scale batch unit that will provide the design basisfor a commercial plant and to evaluate the product samples and process emissions from the unit.

Task Objectives

(Phase 1)Demonstrate the feasibility of theKoppelman Series C process byconstructing a 1,000 lb. batch test unit;conducting tests to further develop thedesign basis for a commercial plant; andproducing samples of the product fortesting and evaluation.

(Phase 11)Improve the process economicsby designing, constructing and testing alow-cost, high-efficiency version of theprocessor.

Characterize the gaseous and wateremissions from the process by determiningthe quantity and composition of thoserespective emissions.

(Phase Ill) Support the design andoperation of the 500,000 ton per yearcommercial plant now being constructedby KFx and Thermo Ecotek.

Expand the market for the products bytesting high sulfur U.S. coals and foreigncoals.

Increase the product density by developingan extrusion system, and

Reduce the costs of future plants using theKoppelman Series C process by developing a-feed-coal preheater along with an inverted processor.

Quarter Objectives

Continue to support the startup activities of thecommercial plant and conducting bench-scaletests and tests using the Series C pilot plant.Prepare an annual technical report describingactivities during the first year of Phase Ill.

Accomplishments

During this quarter we conducted extensiveactivities to help diagnose and correct problems inthe commercial plant. We also continued bench-scale testing of foreign and domestic coal andparticipated in several tests using the Series C pilotplant. We completed preparation of a technicalreport describing WRI activities during Phase Ill ofthe project.


Continue pelletization and bench-scale testing.

‘rogram/Project Identification No.

DE3c21+3MC30127

Program/Project Title IIReporting Petiod

T%k O09

Demonstratbn of the Koppelmanl/l@8through3Bl@8

“Serbs C” Process Usrng a Batch Test

Unk wfi Powder River BasiI Coal

as Feed

dame and Address



Laranb, W yomrng 82070R

N I993FUN DINC3

w 1994

FUNDING

F-f I 995

FUNDING

W I 996FUNDINQ

FY I 997

FUNDING

PROJECT

FUNDING

TO DATE

US DOE

604,999

85 I ,206

I ,000,000

548,527

3,004,732

SPONSOR(S)

634,200

954,600

I,000,000

932,500

3,521,300

TOTAL PROJECT VALUE $6,526,032

B oj ect t2penditur esNorman M errim, Pro ject M anager

:::~ ,,....-7

2500 .-!! -!!-!!-!!.! ___

2000j ..”

! -,- .-

! .-1500–

..41000

i“

5008“

j’ -0Mar93 Mar94 Mar95 Mar96 Mar97 MaI

Reporthg Perixi

CommercialPlant

Product D ensiyExtrusbn

Markets forProducts

LowJCost

Future Plants

Quarterly

Reports i i i i AFiscalYear 1997 M arch June September December

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 97 consktid of $932,500 ~+(rnd

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 96 consi+ed of $250,000 cash and $750,000 ~%nd

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 94 consi+ed of $175,000 cash and $779,600 ~%nd


Signature of Recipient and Date Signature of USDOE Reviewing Representative and Date

Task StatusRemote Chemical Sensor Development Completed

(id5.25J

SponsorIn-Situ Incorporated


Background

The detection and monitoring of groundwater and soil contaminants is essential to environmentalmitigation efforts. WRI is continuing work begun under the earlier cooperative agreement on thedevelopment of needed instruments for accurate measurements of chemical materials with easy-to-use, portable equipment and for in-situ, real-time monitoring. This includes development of a newfield test kit for measurement of diesel and other fuels in soils and a downhole monitoring device forvolatile organic compounds. The work involves optimizing soil extraction chemistry, exploringoptimal design and configuration of the fuel test kit photometer, and constructing prototypeinstruments for downhole VOC monitoring.

Status

The project has been completed,

Footnote

This task completed work begun as Task 5.25 under the previous cooperative agreement. TotalUSDOE and cosponsor funding was $575,000 each for a project total of $1,150,000.

Task Market Assessment and Technical Feasibility Status11 Study of PFBC Ash Use Ongoing

SponsorElectric Power Research Institute


Background

The chemical characteristics of pressurized fluidized bed combustion (PFBC) ash are quite differentfrom other Clean Coal Technology (CCT) ashes. These characteristics may make the PFBC ashmore amenable to options for its use than other CCT ashes. This study is to make a marketassessment of potential uses of PFBC ash, evaluate the technical feasibility of these uses, anddevelop plans for full-scale demonstrations of the most promising options.

Task Objective

The objective of this task is to determine the marketand technical use options for PFBC ash.

Quarter Objectives

● Continue preparation of the final report.

Accomplishments

● Hydration phase analysis compositionchanges as a function of curing conditionswere completed and the data are beinganalyzed. Germination studies werecompleted and plant production studieswere completed. The soil amendmentgreenhouse study used each of the PFBCashes and both Meadow Foxtail Grass andCommon Bermuda Grass and an acid soil.Each of the PFBC ashes showed potentialfor amending an acid soil supporting the

establishment of both grass species.Second cutting production-was lower thanexpected, but third cutting productionshowed recovery for all species. Thecause for this behavior is presented beingevaluated.

● The project was selected by DOE forinclusion in a poster session at the ’98Advanced Power and EnvironmentalControls Systems Conference and anabstract is being submitted to CFB-6Conference in Germany.

● Preparation of the final report continued.The topical teport was modified to includethe results of the Karhula high sulfur coaltests.


● Complete preparation of the final report.

=-=

Program/Project Identlflcatlon No

Name and Address



Laranb, W yomrng 82070E

I US DOE I SPONSOR(S]

F-fI993FUNDING ~ 99,998 ~ I 00,000

Ff I994FUNDINQ ~ ~

F-fI995FUNDING ~

I 47,640~

303,500

FY I996FUNDINQ

~200,000

~200,000

Ff I 997FUNDING

~ ~

PROJECT

FUNDING

~

447,638

~

603,500

TO DATE

TOTAL PROJECT VALUE $ I ,05 I , I 38

B oj ect t2penditur esAlan Bland, Pro ject M anager

i ,,

i

r

..!,

Mar93 Mar94 Mar95 Mar96 Mar97 MaI

Reporthg Pertid

IAsh Charactertiatin

EMBANKMENTS/FILLS

C ementig M ateriil

SOfL StabfLi2atbn

Synthetk Aggregate

So fiAmendment(3pti3nal)

QuarterlyReports

FiscalYear 1997

A&

i i A A!

June September December,,

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 96 conskkd of $200.000 ~+(rnd

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 95 consktid of $303.500 ~+(rnd

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 93 conskkd of $100,000 ~+(rnd

Signature of Reclplent and Date Signature of USDOE Revlewlng Representative and Date

Task Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis Status12 of Naturally and Artificially Matured Kerogens Completed

SponsorUniversity of Wyoming--EPSCoR


Background

As part of the University of Wyoming research project to develop new approaches and supportingtechnology for oil and gas exploration in the United States, pressure compaflmentalization is beingmodelsd. To do so, fundamental data are required on the natural and artificial maturation of petroleumsource rocks. WRI is performing solid-state NMR measurements to provide a significant part of therequired data.

Status


Task Contained Recovery of Oily Wastes (CRO W’”) Status13 Field Demonstration with Bell Lumber and Pole Ongoing

(Old 5.6)

SponsorBell Lumber and Pole


Background

Operation of a pole and tie treatment plant in New Brighton, Minnesota for a number of yearsresulted in contamination of soils at the site with organic materials. WRI is using the CROW processto demonstrate remediation of the site. The process displaces and recovers part of thecontaminating materials. This is followed by in-situ bioremediation of the residual oily substances.

Footnote

This task completes work begun as Task 5.6 under the previous cooperative agreement. TotalUSDOE funding is $587,644 and total cosponsor funding is $2,024,955 for a project total of$2,612,599.

Task Objectives

The objective of this task is to design, construct,and operate a field demonstration of the CROWTMprocess technology to treat a site contaminatedwith organic wastes from the wood treatmentprocess.

Quarter Objective

Continue the full-scale field demonstration.

Accomplishments

As of October 1997, the CROW system has beenoperating continuously for 194 days. At that timethe CROW system was shutdown for maintenance,installation of some new equipment and to treat anoihvater emulsion that had again developed in theprocess tank. WRI conducted maintenance on thedata acquisition system while the system wasdown. The emulsion was transferred to the oilstorage tank and the system was restarted inDecember 1997.

The development of an oil/water emulsion in the10,000 gal process tank after six to nine months ofoperation continues to be a problem. It appears

that the main source of the emulsion is the oil andwater returned to the process tank from the airflotation unit. This fluid accumulates and is slow toseparate. However, when the emulsion istransferred to the oil storage tank, it will break andthe water is then pumped to the top of the processtank. The top to the organic layer in the tank isthen skimmed and sent to the oil storage tank.Previously, this upper organic layer has beenallowed to collect and only occasionally has it beenremoved.

At the end of March 1998, approximately 10.2million gal of water have been injected and over47,000 gallons of oil recovered. During 1997, about16,00 gal of the 43,000 gal of produced oil werereused in the pole treatment operation. Assumingthe current injection and extraction rates aremaintained, another 16 to 20 months of operationwill be needed to achieve 20 PV of injection.

The phase-one modeling with the WRI thermalsimulator has produced an acceptable match withthe cumulative oil production and the aquifertemperatures achieved in the field. As new dataare generated, the model match is beingreevaluated or modified to enhance the match.


Operation of the phase-one, full-scale remediationwill continue next quarter.

‘rogram/Project Identification No. Program/Project Title Reporting Petiod

T%k O13DE3c21+3MC30127 Contahed Recovery of Oilywastes

l/l@8through3Bl@8CROW”)

Fbld Demonstratbn wfi Bell Lumber

and Pole

dame and Address



Laranb, W yomrng 82070R

F-YI993FUNDINO

F-f I 994

FUNDING

FY I 995

FUNDING

Ff I 996

FUNDINQ

FY I 997

FUNDING

PROJECT

FUNDING

TO DATE

USDOE

90,800

30,000

23,000

I 43,800

B oj ect t2penditur esLyle Johnson, Pro ject M anaqer

LAk I ,,-,,-,,4,,-,-,,-,,-,,-,,-,,-

i Hiz=0 1 v

Mar93 Mar94 Mar95 Mar96 Mar97 Mar

Reporthg Perixi

i i A A

The pro jectcosponsor has added an addtinal $541,396 cash to the project raisrng

theictotal contrbutbn from $l,940,955 tc $2,482,351

Cosponsor fundng n FY 97 consi+ed of $36,000 cash

A

iM arch June September December


Task “B Series” Status14 Pilot Plant Tests Completed

SponsorHeartland Fuels Corporation


Background

In a previous JSRP task, WRlparlic@ated with Heartland Fuels Corporation in conducting pilot-scaletests of the “B” series process using three different coals. The present study determined thecharacteristics of the process condensate when operated at lower temperatures than previouslytested. Seven tests were conducted in the pilot plant and samples of the condensate were collectedand analyzed.

Status

The project has been completed,

Task In Situ Treatment Status15 of Manufactured Gas Plant Contaminated Soils Complete

(Old 5.26) Demonstration Program

SponsorsPennsylvania Power and Light, US Environmental Protection Agency, Gas Research Institute,

and Electric Power Research Institute


Background

The process of manufacturing gas from coal years ago resulted in the contamination of soils withcarcinogenic materials. One such site that is presently being cleaned is the Brodhead Creek Sitein Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. WRI is using its CROW process in conjunction with in-situbiotreatment to demonstrate remediation of the site. The overall steps in the study are to design theapplication of the CROW process to the site, obtain permits, construct and operate the fielddemonstration test and evaluate the results.

Footnote

This task completes work begun as Task 5.26 under the previous cooperative agreement. TotalUSDOE funding is $518,689 and total cosponsor funding is $1,360,523 for a project total of$1,879,212.

Status

The project has been completed and awaits EPA approval for site closure.

Task Development and Demonstration Status16 of a Wood-Fired Gas Turbine System Completed

SponsorsPower Generating Inc. and Office of Conservation and Renewable Energy,

US Department of Energy


Background

Development of a means to use inexpensive solid fuels for electrical power generation and thermalenergy has the double benefit of providing 10w-cost energy and utilization of an otherwise possiblyunused resource. Power Generating Inc. has patented a unique, direct-fired gas turbine powersystem that could be operated on such fuels. The system is expected to operate at thermalefficiencies in excess of 70% through full utilization of the electrical and thermal energy generated.Problems generally inherent in such systems are overcome by the unique design of this system andby close control of fuel specifications and operating procedures. WRI is working on the detaileddesign of a demonstration unit. When designed, a 425 kilowatt power system will be constructedand tested on a clean wood fuel. Immediately following the wood testing, the system will bereconfigured and operated on a low-ash coal.

Status


Task Solid State NMR Analysis of Mowry Formation Shale Status17 from Different Sedimentary Basins Completed

SponsorsUniversity of Wyoming and Gas Research Institute


Background

New approaches and supporting technology are needed to reverse the diminishing returns from oiland gas exploration in the United States. The discovery of subsurface fluid or pressure chambershas the potential to delineate a new class of hydrocarbon traps, thereby revitalizing interest indomestic exploration. The University of Wyoming has a research project to develop a conceptualmodel of the formation, distribution,and destruction of pressure chambers and seals in sedimentarybasins. A key to understanding the diagenetic and maturational behavior is knowledge of the organiccatbon structure of the kerogen in petroleum source rocks and how the kerogen structure changedduring petroleum generation. As a part of this project, WRI is performing solid-state NMRmeasurements toprovide information on the diagenesis and maturation of petroleum source rocks.The material being studied in this task is Mowry Formation shale from sedimentary basins.

Status


Task Acid-Mine Drainage Prevention, Control, and Treatment Status18 Development for the Stockett/Sand Coulee Area Ongoing

SponsorMontana Bureau of Mines and Geology


Background

Extremely acidic water is continually discharging from abandoned coal mines in the Stockett/SandCoulee area in Montana. The water is unusable and contaminates other waters in the area.Considerable money has been spent trying to remediate the acid-mine drainage that is occurring andin replacing other water supplies that have been contaminated by the drainage water. Techniquesapplied to the problem so far have focused on managing and containing the mine waters, with littlesuccess. This study is identifying the geologic, hydrologic, and chemical factors that control theproduction of the acid-mine drainage. Once the mechanisms are identified, potential treatmenttechniques will be evaluated. The most promising techniques will be modeled using a series ofIaboratoty studies. Results of the study will be used to design a field demonstration project for theamelioration of drainage water at a specific site in the problem area.

Task Objective

The task objective is to evaluate the methodsavailable and to develop methods to control oreliminate the production of acid in theStockett/Sand Coulee mine area.

Quarter Objectives

Core samples will continue to be analyzed todetermine the extent of the acid-forming reactionzone in the Number 6 mine. A set of columnsevaluating a combination of acid neutralizingmaterials in various sequences on acid mine

drainage has been initiated. Theprogram will continue at the mine site.

Accomplishments

On-site water monitoring is on-going.

monitoring

A column

study showing the impact of undergroundplacement of acid-neutralizing materials on acidmine drainage is complete. Analysis of overburdenand coal samples has been completed.


The final report will be completed.

EEEProgram/Project Identlflcatlon No.

Name and Address




F-fI993FUNDING

Ff I 994

FUNDINQ

F-f I 995

FUNDING

n I 996

FUNDINQ

Ff I 997

FUNDING

PROJECT

FUNDING

TO DATE

US DOE

I 19,665

91,403

2 I1,068

TOTAL PROJECT VALUE

B oj ect t2penditur esTerry Brown, Pro ject M anager

250-,, -,,-,, Do1l.z Cehq

0

; .,’~,-,,-,,-,,-,,-,,w:.’

,.,, ,,

jji ,,

jj

II Mar93 Mar94 Mar95 Mar96 Mar97 M,

Reporthg Perixi

Subtask 3Enhanced Oxdatbn

FiscalYear 1997 M arch June September December

Quarterly.epo rts A A i A A

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 95 consi+ed of $90,845 ~+(rnd

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 94 conskkd of $120,000 ~+(rnd


Task PERF Dispersion Modeling Project Status19 Phase 2 Completed

Major Field Demonstration

SponsorPetroleum Environmental Research Forum

(Allied Signal Corporation, Amoco Corporation, Chevron Research and Technology Co., CITGOPetroleum Corporation, Clark Oil and Refining Co., Exxon Research and Engineering Co.,

Marathon Corporation, Mobil Research and Development Co., Phillips Petroleum Co., and ShellResearch and Development Company)

Reporting Period: January 1 through March 31, 1998 I

Background

WRI and Petroleum Environmental Research Forum (93-16) are assessing the application of newlydeveloped mathematical models for predicting dense gas dispersion by testing the models againstthe experimental results of large scale field simulations of chemical spills. The PERF and WRI areconducting field scale tests of dense gas dispersion in order to validate the models and to providethe hydrocarbon and chemical industries with information needed to conduct risk managementassessments. Major components of the tests are; source emissions release system, meteorologydata analyses and meteorology instrumentation, and the array configuration. The WRI 1993HAZMATspill test results, wind tunnel tests, and model results were used to aid in the design of thedispersion grid dimensions, sensor location, and test operation.

Status

The project is completed.

Task Field Testing of the TaBoRR Status20 Process Using the Asphalt Ongoing

and Dry Bottoms Configurations

SponsorsNaval Petroleum Reserve -3, Pease Oil Field Equipment,

Wallace Energy, Inc., the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Centerand Canadian Earth and Environmental Engineering, Inc.


Background

Tank bottom wastes are emulsions composed of crude oil, water and solids that are produced fromvarious depths. The crude oil composition is dependent on the source rock and reservoir maturationand consists of a wide range of hydrocarbons that include alkances, naphthenes and aromaticcompounds. These compounds have a wide range of emulsion characteristics that prevent theeffective use of any current technology. Although the TaBoRR process was conceptually designedto handle this wide range of emulsified material, further testing is required to verify thisexperimentally. Thisproject addresses the issues of processing a variety of different feed materialsfrom many sources as well as well as modifying the process to handle a wider range of oil, water andsolid concentrations.

Task Objectives

The task objectives are to:

● Perform modifications to the process toallow for handling larger waterconcentrations and larger solid sizespresent in the feed material;

● Test and operate the unit using a variety offeed materials;

● Determine the feasibility of using thebottoms material as a road material;

● Perform modifications to the process toconvert the bottoms into solid material anduse the gaseous hydrocarbons as a fuelsource for the process; and

● Test and operate the unit to ensureenvironmental compliance and verifyprocess economics

Quarter Objectives

Finish processing the NPR-3 material anddetermine product quality. Complete the pyrolyzermodifications and determine the processingcapacity of the pyrolyzer by processing stripperbottoms currently being stored in tanks at theWR1/ATC.

Accomplishments

Pyrolyzer modifications were completed.Shakedown tests of the pyrolyzer subsystems werealso completed using the feed material obtainedfrom Wallace Energy.

The completely integrated plant (all threesubsystems viz., flash, strip, and pyrolysis,operating simultaneously at steady state) wasoperated to process materials received from NPR-3 and Wallace Energy. Test data are beingevaluated and the samples collected have beensubmitted for analysis.

Preliminary indications are that the pyolyzer canprocess up to 125 bbls of stripper bottoms, a valuein excess of its design capacity.


Complete data analysis and prepare a final report.

E==Program/Project Identlflcatlon No.

Name and Address




N I993FUNDING

F-Y 1994

FUNDING

F-f I 995

FUNDING

W I 996

FUNDINQ

FY I 997

FUNDING

PROJECT

FUNDING

TO DATE

US DOE

265,000

I ,282,267

I ,567,2.S7

Project Eq3enditur esRobert Satchwell, Pro ject M anager

1600

0

Mar93 Mar 94 Mar 95 Mar96 Mar97 M

Repo rtiq P ertid

VerifyOperab~~

Conduct T&t-s

Shakedown Carbonizer

Dry Bottom T&tig

~-

Quarterly A i“ A A AReports

I I I I!

FiscalYear 1997 M arch June September December

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 97 consi+ed of $750,000 cash and $1,750,000 ~+(rnd


Signature of Reclplent and DateSignature of USDOE Revlewlng Representative and Date

Task Validation of a New Status21 Soil VOC Sampler Ongoing

SponsorEn Chem Incorporated


Background

WRI is providing technical suppori directed at achieving national acceptance for the EnCoresampling device to enhance its market acceptance by both the regulatory community andenvironmental contract firms that are responsible for the evaluation of VOC contamination at sitesthroughout the country. One version of the EnCore sampler is accepted for use by the state ofWisconsin. It is a stainless steel device that requires cleaning after use. En Chem is developing adisposable version of the sampler which willlower the cost of use and enhance its acceptance. WRIis evaluating the operation of the stainless steel device. Following successful evaluation, WRI willapproach the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to initiate a process for methodpreparation and approval in ASTM format. The ASTM approval process will be initiated with the goalof providing national acceptance of the EnCore samplers. WRI will also provide technical supporito En Chem in the development of a disposable plastic version of the EnCore sampler.

Task Objective

Western Research Institute is facilitating nationalacceptance of the EnCoreTM soil volatile organiccompound (VOC) sampling device by conductingproduct tests, method development, and methodvalidation activities.

Quarter Objectives

● Prepare a topical and final report.

● Send the main committee ballot withcomments on the draft revision of ASTMD-4547, Standard Guide for SamplingWastes and Soils for Volatile OrganicCompounds, to ASTM.

● Attend the accelerated task groupmeetings of ASTM Committee D-34 onWaste Management in Las Vegas inFebruary and discuss the new draftpractice for using the sampling device andrevisions of ASTM D-4547.

● Work with the corporate co-sponsor toverify the performance of the disposableEn Core prototype sampling devices.

Accomplishments

● The ASTM main committee ballot, whichincluded the revised draft of D-4547 wasreceived in December. Comments wereprepared on the draft D-4547, and theballot and comments were sent to ASTMin January. Following the ASTMaccelerated task group meetings inFebruary, a new draft of D-4547 wasreceived and reviewed. Comments and aballot were sent to ASTM in March.

● Susan Sorini attended the acceleratedtask group meetings of ASTM CommitteeD-34 on Waste Management in Las Vegasin Februaty. At the meeting, an update onthe status of the draft practice for using theEn Core device for sampling and storingsoil for volatile organic analysis was given,

the draft revision of ASTM D-4547.

● At the ASTM meeting in February, it wasannounced that brand names can now beused in the titles of ASTM methods andpractices. The new draft practice wassubsequently revised to mention the EnCore sampling device by name in the titleand the text.

● We participated in an evaluation of boththe 25-g and 5-g prototype En Coresamplers with Alan Hewitt of the U.S. ArmyCold Regions Research Lab. The 25 gdevices worked well. Preliminary testsindicated that minor modifications in themanufacturing process were required forthe 5 g sampler, which were implemented

by En Chem, Inc. by late March. Thedevices are now ready for systematictesting to be conducted to generateperformance data for the new ASTM draftpractice.

● A draft experimental plan for tests requiredfor the development of the new ASTMpractice was prepared and sent to EnChem, Inc. Four different soil types werecollected for the tests and these weresubmitted for characterization.


● The task will end. Activities with En Chem,Inc. will continue under Task 5 of the newcooperative agreement.

z~=Program/Project Identlflcatlon No.

Name and Address




PROJECT Fu NDING HISTORY

=

US DOE SPONSOR(S1

N I 993

FUNDING

F-Y 1994

FUNDING

F-f I 995

FUNDING

Pf I996FUNDINQ

~50,541

~62,500

FY I 997

FUNDING~

I 49,762~

I 87,500

ETOTAL PROJECT VALUE $450,303

TechntialSupport

QuarterlyReports

FiscalYear 1997

Mar

Project Eq3enditur esJohn Schabron, Project Manager

3 jj ,:i .’j:j ,’j :’j ,:

93 Mar 94 Mar 95 Mar96 Mar97 Mq

A A Ai’ AM arch June Sept&mber December

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 97 consi+ed of $37,500 cash and $150,000 ~+(rnd

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 96 consktid of $12,500 cash and $50,000 ~+(rnd

Signature of Recipient and DateSignature of USDOE Reviewing Representative and Date

Task Market Assessment and Demonstration of Lignite FBC Ash Status22 Flowable Fill Applications Ongoing

SponsorNorth Dakota Industrial Commission and Montana-Dakota Utilities


Background

Controlled low strength flowable fill materials have found acceptance in the construction industry asa viable low cost option for excavatable and structural fill applications. Use of the FBC ash derivedfrom the burning of North Dakota lignite at the Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) Heskett plant inflowable fillconstruction materials represents a potential new market for the ash providing revenueand avoiding the costs and environmental consequences associated with its disposal. This studyis to (1) establish the engineering and environmental propeflies of MDU ash based flowable fillmaterials; (2) make an assessment of the market for MDU flowable fill; and (3) demonstrate theviability of MDU flowable fill materials through full scale demonstrations.

Task Objective

Determine through laboratory testing and fielddemonstration the technical and environmentalpotential of using FBC ash from the Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) Heskett fluidized bedcombustion (FBC) plant in the production of‘excavatable’ and structural’ grade flowable fillmaterials for construction applications.

Quarter Objectives

● Complete the laboratoryCLSFFM testing, and

● Initiate market assessmentsfield demonstration sites

Accomplishments

scale MDU

and potential

MDU CLSFFM Market Assessment

The market assessment of the Bismarck-Mandanregion for the MDU flowable fill material has beeninitiated. Several potential demonstration sites andactivities have been identified for the Fall ’97construction period that could be used for thedemonstration portion of this project. A number of

project delays including delays in environmentalassessment tests has in turn delayed NDDHapproval. The demonstration activities have beenpostponed until Spring of ’98.

As part of the market assessment, MDU and WRIpersonnel have participated in workshops,meetings and discussions with various engineeringdepartments and contractors, and the NDDepartment of Health. The objectives of theseactivities were to: (1) inform these parties about theengineering and environmental properties of theMDU CLSSFM; (2) ascertain their concerns so thatthey can be addressed through further testing; and(3) ultimately receive their endorsement orpermission to pursue a demonstration of the MDUCLSFFM.

The results of these discussions have beenincorporated into the scope of testing. At thepresent time, NDDH still has concerns about theimpact of the fill materials on the adjacent soils. Assuch, NDDH has requested further testing to verifyat a laboratory scale the potential impact of theMDU flowable fill on local soils. These tests arebeing conducted and are described later in thisdiscussion.

Although the TCLP extracts do appear to meet theDrinking Water Standards for the RCRA metals,the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDH)has continuing concerns with the levels of sodium,sulfates, chlorides, and radionuclides. NDDHbelieves that an alternate leaching procedure (e.g.,ASTM 3987) may be more appropriate in assessingthe impact on water resources and the impact onlocal soils. These concerns are addressed in ourproposed permeability and permeate testing aspart of Task Il.

MDU CLSFFM Additional Testing

Although the results of the preliminary testingappear to be promising, there are a number oftechnical issues that need further clarificationrelating to geotechnical and environmentalperformance. The geotechnical properties thatremain undefined include: (1) better definition ofthe pressures of expansion-shrinkage associatedwith wet-dry cycling; (2) better definition of thesettlement characteristics of the CLSFFM; (3)determination of the benefit of AEA on freeze/thawdurability; (4) assessment of the permeability andpermeate quality of CLSFFM and its impact onsoils; and (5) assessment of longer term embedmaterials compatibility (particularly with galvanizedconduit) with MDU CLSFFM.

Ex~ansion-Shrinkaue Pressures - Wet/dry cycledurability testing by WRI of the MDU CLSFFMindicated that there was a expansion-shrinkagecycling of the material coincident with the wet/drycycles. Although small in magnitude, this swellingand contraction of the material on wet/dry cyclingcould be detrimental to embed materials.However, previous testing was conducted underzero load pressures. It is unclear whether underloads equivalent to several feet of fill material if theexpansion/shrinkage would still exist. As a result,testing was conducted to determine the pressuresexerted by the CLSFFM during wet/dry cycles.ASTM D-2435 and 3877 will be modified todetermine these values. In these tests, the load ischanged to present a non-expanding situation. Thepressure associated with this load represents theamount of load (depth of fill) necessary to stop theexpansion/shrinkage.

Standard consolidation tests were performedaccording to ASTM D-2435. The complete results

of the testing are presently being evaluated.However, preliminary analysis suggests that theMDU ‘structural grade’ flowable fill material showsvery little consolidation with loads up to 18.6 tsf.Testing was also conducted to ascertain thepressures associated with the swelling andshrinkage observed during wet/dry cycle durabilitytesting. The preliminary results indicate no swellingwith loads a low as 0.3 tsf. This suggests thatswelling is not a problem if overburden loads of 0.5feet are present.

Freeze/Thaw Cvcle Performance - Preliminarytesting by WRI confirmed that commerciallyavailable air-entraining agents (AEA) arecompatible with MDU CLSFFM, in that they doentrain air. The entrained air is important indeveloping a resistance to deterioration when thematerial is subjected to freeze/thaw conditions.Freeze/thaw durability is important for structural-grade CLSFFM applications more so than for theexcavatable trench grade CLSFFM applications.

The benefit of AEA dosages on the freeze/thawcycle resistance of the structural grade CLSFFMhas been quantified according to ASTM D-560testing. Both freeze/thaw and wet/dry cycledurability testing has been completed. The testingused the MDU ‘structural’ grade flowable fill withand without air entrainment. The results of thetesting indicate that AEA are not needed forfreeze/thaw durability. However, AEA can be usedto reduce the strength for excavatable fill materials.

Environmental Testinq - The North DakotaDepartment of Heath had suggested that WRIconduct environmental testing to include moredetailed characterization of the raw ash andleaching according to the ASTM D-3987. Samplesof both the MDU raw fly ash and MDU flowable fillmix have been subjected to ASTM Ieachate D-3987 testing and bulk chemical analysis. Thecharacterization of these materials is extensive,including trace metals and radionuclides. The listcovers the relevant chemical species included inthe Primary and Secondary Drinking WaterStandards. The results have been tabulated andwere reviewed by ND Department of Health. Insummary, with the exception of the pH the D-3987extract meets the specifications of both thedomestic and agriculture water standards.However, the ND Department of Health analysis

concluded that the data were inconclusive for pH,sodium and sulfates. They wish to reserve theiropinion of the environmental character of theflowable fill materials until they could review theresults of all of the permeate analyses describedbelow.

Permeate Characteristics - The permeatecharacteristics are being tested according to theexperimental plan and methodology developed inconjunction with the North Dakota Department ofHeath. Based on the results of the ASTM D-3987Ieachate and bulk analysis tests, WRI hasdeveloped a list of chemical parameters to beanalyzed for on the permeates from the ‘fieldsimulator’.

Environmental “field simulator’ testing is underwausing a series of flex-wall permeameters at WR[

To date, WRI has set up or is initiating tests usingthe following materials.

. Test 1 - MDU ‘S’ grade flowable fill coresurrounded by a local ND soil;

. Test 2- MDU ‘S’ grade fill only;

. Test 4a -50:50 Mix of Rubblized MDU ‘S’grade fill with soil;

. Test 4b -50:50 Mix of Rubblized NDRMexcavatable fill with soil;

. Test 4C -50:50 Mix of Rubblized MDU ‘E’grade fill with soil:

. Test 4d -50:50 Mix of Rubblized MDU‘E2’ grade fill (anti-SAR) with soil:

. Test 5- Local ND soil;

. Test 6- MDU ‘E’ grade fill coresurrounded by local ND soil;

. Test 7 - NDRM excavatable fill coresurrounded by a local ND soil(comparative test);

. Test 8 - NDRM excavatable fill only(comparative test);

. Test 9- MDU ‘E’ grade fill coresurrounded by a local ND soil;

. Test 10- MDU ‘E’ grade fill only:

Permeates are being collected for analysis from alltests. The permeate sampling intervals are atapproximate water/solids contacting ratios from 0.5to 5. The Test 1 results indicate an elevated SARlevel in the initial waters permeating through thefield simulator. However, the concentrations of keycomponents appear to decrease with successive

permeate samples. The Mix 6 rubblized MDUflowable fill and ND soil mixture, designed tosimulate the impact of excavated fill on the soil,also shows elevated levels of sodi urn and sulfatesand even nitrates/nitrites in the initial permeatesamples. It is expected that these constituents willdecrease in concentration in later permeatesamples. The presence and origin of thenitrates/nitrites is curious since neither the ash northe soil showed any significant concentrationsAdditional testing (Tests 7,8, 9,and 10) of the MDUexcavatable grade MDU flowable fill and theexcavatable flowable fill using the Leland Olds ashas being commercially applied in the Bismarck-Mandan area.

The hydraulic conductivity of the soil and theflowable fill materials is very low, in the range of 10-8to 10-9cm.lsec. As a result the testing is taking along time in generating permeates for analysis.Tests were conducted in order to generatepermeate samples from the flowable fill materialsusing a high pressure permeameter. Thisapparatus improved the permeate generation rateby a factor of approximately 50 times. The resultsof these tests are being compiled and evaluated.

Embed Com~atibilitv - The embed testingcontinues. Test coupons of copper, rebar,galvanized conduit, Portland cement and Portlandcement with fly ash have been implanted in MDUflowable fill mix and are being cycled under wet/dryconditions for up to 1 year. Multiple sets of mixesand coupons have been fabricated to allow thecoupons to be examined after varying ages. Thefirst set of coupons were evaluated at the end ofJuly ’97 (6 months). There was no evidence ofcorrosion with any of the materials examined todate. At the request of MDU, WRI fabricated a setof black pipe coupons and initiated testing of thesecoupons during this quarter as well. The first set ofcoupons was evaluated in December ’97 and thedata showed no evidence of corrosion. The blackpipe testing was in support of a possible naturalgas pipeline trench filling demonstrationapplication.


● Continue the laboratory scale MDUCLSFFM testing with emphasis on theresults of the permeate analyses, and

● Continue market assessments and assesspotential field demonstration sites for theSpring construction period.

EKEProgram/Project Identlflcatlon No.

Market Assessment and Demonstratbn

Name and Address




N I993FUNDING

F-Y 1994

FUNDING

F-f I 995

FUNDING

W I 996

FUNDINQ

FY I 997

FUNDING

PROJECT

FUNDING

TO DATE

TOTAL

I&o ratory T@stig

Market Assessment

QuarterlyReports

FiscalYear 1997

Project Eq3enditur esAlan Bland, Pro ject M anager

80

70

‘iz 60a

250*

0

I i:

mMar93 Mar 94 Mar 95 Mar96 Mar97 1

R.nnrtinm P w_nd

A&

A A~

September December

A

Cosponsor fundrng M FY 97 consktid of $50,996 cash and $29,000 ~+(rnd

Signature of Recipient and DateSignature of USDOE Reviewing Representative and Date

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