Abstract

The purpose of this sponsored research is to assess the feasibility and the potential value of the hydraulic container pipeline (HCP) as a new mode of freight transport. The tasks of the study involve (1) assessment of the energy conservation value of HCP as compared to other modes of freight transport such as truck, rail and slurry pipeline, (2) assessment of the market of HCP for coal transportation, (3) development of design concepts on HCP system for transporting coal, and (4) design and construction of a small HCP system for the demonstration of the concept of HCP transportation. To date, the first three of the four aforementioned tasks have been completed; task 4 has just begun. This report deals with the first task only. It is shown that HCP possesses high potential for conserving energy used in freight transport and reducing U.S. reliance on oil. Document type: Report

Abstract

The engineering economics of an integrated coal-to-methanol conversion system and coal-in-methanol transportation system are examined, under the circumstances of the western coalfields, i.e., long distances from major markets and scarcity of water in the vicinity of the mines. The transportation economics are attractive, indicating tariffs of approximately 40 cents per million Btu per thousand miles for the coal-methanol pipeline vs 60 cents via coal-water pipelines and upwards of a dollar via rail. Energy consumption is also less in the coal-methanol pipeline than in the coal-water pipeline, and about equal to rail. It is also concluded that, by a proper marriage of the synthetic fuel (methanolization) plant to the slurrification plant, most, and in some cases all, of the water required by the synthetic fuel process can be supplied by the natural moisture of the coal itself. Thus, the only technology which presently exists and by which synthetic fuel from western coal can displace petroleum in the automotive fuel market is the integrated methanol conversion and tranportation system. The key element is the ability of the methanol slurry pipeline to accept and to deliver dry (1 to 5% moisture) coal, allowing the natural coal moisture to be used as synthesis feedstockmore » in satisfaction of the large water requirement of any synthetic fuel plant. By virtue of these unique properties, this integrated system is seen as the only means in the foreseeable future whereby western coal can be converted to synthetic fuel and moved to distant markets.« le Document type: Report

Abstract

Test results of sludge slurry transport through the Interarea Transfer Line (IAL) Mock-up Facility showed little risk of plugging the interarea pipelines with sludge slurry. Plug-free operation of the pipeline was successfully demonstrated by worst case IAL operating scenarios. Pipeline pressure gradients were measured vs. flow rate for comparison with a computer model over a range of sludge slurry rheological properties. A mathematical computer model developed by L. M. Lee is included in this report which will predict pressure drop for Bingham plastic fluid flow in a pipeline. IAL pluggage situations and pumping requirements may be realized from this model. 4 refs., 11 figs., 2 tabs. Document type: Report

Abstract

The purpose of this sponsored research is to assess the feasibility and the potential value of HCP (Hydraulic Container Pipeline) as a new mode of freight transport. The tasks of the study involve (1) assessment of the energy conservation value of HCP as compared to other modes of freight transport such as truck, rail and slurry pipeline, (2) assessment of the market of HCP for coal transportation, (3) development of design concepts on HCP system for transporting coal, and (4) design and construction of a small HCP system for the demonstration of the concept of HCP transportation. To date, the first three of the four aforementioned tasks have been completed; task 4 has just begun. This report deals with tasks 2 and 3. Another report, entitled Energy Conservation Value of Hydraulic Container Pipeline (HCP), deals with task 1. It is shown in this report that a large market exists for HCP to transport coal. Not only is HCP the most environmentally and socially acceptable way to transport coal, it can also compete effectively with truck, train and even slurry pipeline on economic grounds. Document type: Report

Abstract

This report identifies potential energy-conservative pipeline innovations that are most energy- and cost-effective and formulates recommendations for the R, D, and D programs needed to exploit those opportunities. From a candidate field of over twenty classes of efficiency improvements, eight systems are recommended for pursuit. Most of these possess two highly important attributes: large potential energy savings and broad applicability outside the pipeline industry. The R, D, and D program for each improvement and the recommended immediate next step are described. The eight technologies recommended for R, D, and D are gas-fired combined cycle compressor station; internally cooled internal combustion engine; methanol-coal slurry pipeline; methanol-coal slurry-fired and coal-fired engines; indirect-fired coal-burning combined-cycle pump station; fuel-cell pump station; drag-reducing additives in liquid pipelines; and internal coatings in pipelines. Document type: Report

Abstract

The main objective of this project was to conduct intensive research and development of the Coal Log Pipeline (CLP). Specifically, the R & D was to concentrate on previously neglected and insufficiently studied aspects of CLP which were deemed significant. With improvements in these areas, CLP could be implemented for commercial use within five years. CLP technology is capable of transporting coal logs for long distances. The many potential advantages of CLP over truck and railroad transportation include: lower freight costs, less energy consumption, less air pollution, decreased environmental problems, increased safety, and improved reliability. Previous studies have shown that CLP is advantageous over slurry pipeline technology. First, CLP uses one-third the water required by a coal slurry pipeline. Second, CLP provides easier coal dewatering. Third, the CLP conveying capacity of coal is twice as much as a slurry transport line of equal diameter. In many situations, the cost for transporting each ton of coal is expected to be less expensive by CLP as compared to other competing modes of transportation such as: truck, unit train and slurry pipeline. Document type: Report