Popis: |
Underground coal gasification research and development took place in the United States from 1948 to 2015, including the intense and productive period from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s. The marquis activities were extensively-monitored field tests. A conceptual understanding of how UCG works was developed along with mathematical models of the process. Scientific understanding of UCG and its interactions with the environment led to the invention and development of methods, such as CRIP and Clean Cavern, that form the basis of many UCG projects around the world today. This review summarizes what was done and emphasizes what was learned. It includes a thorough tabulation of all the field tests. Field test descriptions emphasize those that were pioneering and had the greatest impact on UCG development. UCG's environmental challenges are assessed and US contributions to many specific technical aspects of UCG are reviewed. |