Careers & Fellowships
MMIP - Current Project Descriptions
Carbon Sequestration 1
The capture and sequestration of CO2 can reduce greenhouse gases generated from fossil fuel combustion. Geological sequestration is an immediately available and technologically feasible option. Among many CO2 sequestration options, injection of CO2 into saline aquifer formations and CO2 sequestration in coal-seams appear to be the most promising. This option is attractive because there are regionally extensive aquifers and unmineable coal seams throughout the U.S. that are capable of accepting large volumes of CO2 from power plants without the need for extensive transport pipelines. Thus, sequestration of CO2 into saline aquifer formations and coal seams is an important component of our strategy to mitigate global warming.
The selected student (from Duquesne University) is participating in hands-on laboratory research in a research project that is part of the NETL program to investigate and further develop CO2 sequestration technology. The research will include: determining the major chemical reactions expected to occur within deep brine reservoirs, the kinetics of these reactions in aqueous-mineral-CO2 systems over a broad range of elevated temperature and pressure, and evaluating the feasibility of converting a portion of brines produced during oil/gas production to carbonates by reacting the brines with CO2. In addition, the feasibility of interacting the CO2 and brines with industrial wastes to form carbonates for permanent sequestration of CO2 will be assessed. The assignment includes conducting experiments, collecting data, and data analysis. It is anticipated that this research will result in articles being written and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Location: Pittsburgh
Carbon Sequestration 2
The capture and sequestration of CO2 can reduce greenhouse gases generated from fossil fuel combustion. Geological sequestration is an immediately available and technologically feasible option. Among many CO2 sequestration options, injection of CO2 into saline aquifer formations and CO2 sequestration in coal-seams appear to be the most promising.
The student selected for this position (from Purdue University) is conducting hands-on PhD level laboratory research, probing the direct physical and chemical interaction of CO2 sorption on coals in situ via FTIR technique to provide an estimate of the capacity of coal to adsorb CO2 under various conditions in a static or a flow system. The experiments are being conducted in a specially constructed cell using powdered coal, though subsequent experiments may involve the use of larger coal samples. There will also be an opportunity to learn other spectroscopic techniques. It is anticipated that this research will result in articles being written and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Location: Pittsburgh
Carbon Sequestration 3
The research intern will participate in a laboratory
research project aimed at understanding the degradation of oil-well cements
under geologic carbon sequestration conditions. The goal of the research
is to better understand the chemical processes which could lead to degradation
of cement in the presence of high pressure CO2 and leakage of CO2 toward
the surface as a consequence.
Specifically the project will evaluate the risk that such cement failure
will present to permanent underground storage of CO2. The research fellow
will participate in all aspects of research including preparing samples,
performing high pressure exposure experiments, performing various analyses
on the treated and untreated samples, and analyzing results. She will also
prepare manuscripts for publication and make oral presentations of results.
The work done as a result of this appointment will lead to at least one
presentation at a national meeting and one article in a refereed journal
per year. The work at NETL can also serve as the basis for a Ph.D. dissertation
in an environmental science or engineering related field.
Location: Pittsburgh
Coal and Power Project Management Support
The project is located in NETL's Office of Coal and Power Research and Development, specifically the Gasification and Combustion Projects Division and the Environmental Projects Division. Work is focused on research and development (R&D) projects, specifically those associated with universities and small businesses developing advanced technologies for gasification, combustion and environmental processes. The assignment includes supporting: the administration of Government contractual agreements; the monitoring of contractor performance and research results; and the reporting of contractor's technical progress. Ultimately, the intern will develop an understanding of the advanced energy and environmental control technology systems R&D that NETL supports. The individual would initially work with more experienced Contracting Officer's Representatives (COR), and would be required to successfully complete a COR certification course and obtain certification.
It is desired that the student be working towards or already have an undergraduate degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or Chemistry or Physics, with course work dealing with environmental sciences or engineering, and an interest in fossil energy. The student should have an understanding of mechanical systems and chemical processes that relate to coal-based power systems and associated environmental issues. The student should have demonstrated computer and writing skills, and ideally, some training and/or experience in management and/or business administration.
Based on their interest and qualifications, the intern would be assigned to one of two mentors, the Director of the Fuels and Energy Efficiency Division or a researcher in the Environmental Projects Division, or initially split between the two.
Location: Morgantown
Energy Systems Modeling Using MARKAL
This project is being conducted by the Office of Systems and Policy Support
(OSPS). The MARKAL family of models can answer a number of different
policy and planning questions related to future energy and environmental issues. These
models provide a framework for evaluating alternative energy futures and the
role of technology, trade, and policy options in achieving energy and environmental
goals. Currently, OSPS is using MARKAL to assess technology pathways
that would be needed over the next 50 years to address global climate change
concerns. Specifically, the student is contributing to efforts to gather
data, place it in the proper format for inclusion in MARKAL, and assess results
of model runs. Information and understanding acquired from these modeling
activities will provide a basis for the design of NEL research programs and
creation of new areas of research for NETL.
Location: Pittsburgh
Public Affairs Office Support
The student works in the NETL Public Affairs Office as the Recognition Program Coordinator and is responsible for developing and implementing a systematic approach for recognizing the achievements and excellence of NETL employees, through external awards. The program includes pursuing recognition through scientific and technical awards as well as personal and professional recognition awards to NETL employees.
The student is also responsible for drafting “Tech News” for publishing on the internet. Student is also responsible for writing and distributing press releases to local and regional news outlets. The student also serves as editor of Plugged In, NETL's internal newsletter. Other duties include serving as co-chair of the CFC at the Morgantown site, and joint coordination efforts of the Presidential Student Service Awards.
Location: Morgantown
Systems Analysis
OTIIC has been working to develop and implement a strategy for
enhancing NETL's capabilities for performing systems analysis and managing
contractor-performed system studies. Systems analysis is the investigation
of the technical and economic feasibility of a component, system, or concept
and can include the assessment of various configurations, operating conditions,
or sensitivities to determine impact on cost and/or performance. The
results of these analyses provide the information needed to guide technology
development, make informed program management decisions, and serve as the starting
point for additional analyses (market potential and market penetration analyses,
policy studies, estimation of program benefits, and other studies).
The intern selected for this position will be involved in daily OTIIC systems
analysis activities. The intern will learn how to apply tools such as ASPEN
and ICARUS to determine the cost and performance of advanced power generation
and environmental control technology concepts. This intern will also work
with the systems analysis group to develop baselines and benchmarks for NETL
R&D programs.
It is desired that the student be working towards a bachelor's degree in Mechanical
or Chemical Engineering and having an interest in systems engineering.
Location: Morgantown
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