New technologies and incentives have made the idea of an "energy farm" with multiple sources of income (wind, geothermal, oil and gas, solar, biomass) viable. Granted, subsidies and tax incentives are necessary in start-up stages. Nevertheless, well planned, the "energy farm" is not only sustainable, it can be profitable. This applies to small operations as well as to medium and large. Careful planning, knowledge of the most recent (and appropriate) technologies, and state regulations / interstate commerce regulations, etc. are important.
To find a solution requires a multi-pronged approach involving the following elements:
* Tax credit grant (Recovery Act provision for 30% credit, payable by the Treasury Department)
* Appropriate scale of energy generating technologies
* Contracts with local or regional electricity provider in order to sell back into the grid when there is a surplus
* Agreements with land owners, royalty owners, members of producing unit (when applicable)
* Government funding for pilot programs, new technologies, and processes for renewables (through the Recovery Act)
* Local or state incentives (economic development, infrastructure development, etc.)
* Carbon emission reduction on your lease (avoiding fine or tax)
* Carbon cap and trade considerations (bonus for blending renewables with fossil energy consumption or production)
Further, the applications have to be useful to small producers, and they have to be small, easily maintained, and affordable.
Wind Energy: Generate either three-phase or single-phase electricity, either to charge batteries, to power equipment, or to send into the grid. Wind turbines should be small, with few moving parts, rugged enough to last 20 - 30 years with little maintenance, and affordable. The manufacturer must be reputable, and not make unrealistic claims, and should provide solid technical support for installation, expansion, and maintenance.
Solar Energy: Panels can be used to provide electricity for light applications, and to charge batteries.
* cathodic protection (corrosion control monitoring)
* monitoring equipment
* telecommunications
* solar pumps
Geothermal: Heat exchangers can maximize the energy derived from the geothermal gradient. Steam may be connate, or produced water can be injected into the geothermal zone, where energy is produced.
* produced water injection (in the case of marginal wells, etc.) and heating
* surface water injection (to heat the water)
* water from geothermal zone energy used to power steam generation
* steam flood (enhanced oil recovery) in the case low-gravity oil
Biomass: Switchgrass and other ecosystem-appropriate crops can be grown on the leasehold surface. The crop can be sold to biofuel / biodiesel refineries, or traded for other crops. In some cases, the crops that are not sold to a cellulosic ethanol producer can be sold as feedstock for cattle or other animals.
How does one get started?
1. Make an inventory of your property: location, size, available resources.
2. Determine where you are in relation to a grid or system where you are able to sell back your excess or to trade.
3. Determine your needs, and the economics of your energy production. Be sure to inventory all possible gains: tax credits, trade possibilities, saving / replacing purchased energy, cap and trade, savings on carbon emissions tax / fines.
4. List the kinds of renewables you can produce on your property, and explore the vendors of each.
5. Work with a consultant to find an integrated solution that is not weighted too heavily on the side of one renewable, but accurately and economically reflects the real conditions of your land, your production, and resources.
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Choose one or both databases to search:
http://www.dsireusa.org/
Useful Information: http://elearnqueen.blogspot.com
Fiction & beyond: http://www.fringejournal.com
contact: susan dot s dot nash at gmail dot com
Friday, April 10, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Stimulus Bill will change life as we know it, at least for energy and education, according to Theresa Coffman, a presenter at the AAPG's web symposium on the Stimulus Bill and its implications. Stimulus Bill opportunities and ramifications will be the focus of the AAPG's inaugural hour-long interactive web symposium, "What the Stimulus Bill Contains for Energy, Environment, Education, Infrastructure Funding" to be held March 19, 2009. The web symposium will cover the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Slated to begin at 2 pm CDT, and to contain an hour of presentations and discussions with a panel of experts, the web symposium will allow audience members to check their knowledge, ask questions, and get information about the steps needed to participate in the government programs. Perhaps most importantly, presenters and participants will probe the long-term strategic implications of policy and spending decisions.
Listen to the podcast of this post.
The fact that the web symposium will be live and interactive means that participants can weigh in from any computer with a high-speed internet connection, and they can respond to questions, online polls and more. Further, participants can text message and email each other as the presenters review specific information about the bill's provisions in the areas of energy, environment, infrastructure, and education.
Energy-related provisions will be covered, and presenters will delineate and discuss the items of the bill, which will include oil and gas, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Presenters will discuss specific provisions, to include the more than $40 billion that will be available in the following areas: energy efficiency using green technology, modernized electric grid, energy efficiency and renewable energy research, batteries systems, alternative fuel vehicles, fossil energy grants, and more. The presenters will also discuss the bill as it relates to carbon sequestration, unconventional energy resources, clean coal, wind energy, geothermal, and more.
Environment-related discussions will cover the more than $15 billion for Environmental Clean-Up, and the approximately $30 billion of programs that relate to infrastructure and energy.
Infrastructure-related discussions will encompass the more than $100 billion to be available in the following areas: broadband access and usage in unserved and underserved areas; Homeland Security services expansion; Corp of Engineers projects; VA hospital and medical facility construction; repair and restoration of public facilities on tribal lands; modernization of defense and health facilities; low-income housing; block grants; clean reliable drinking water facilities for areas affected by drought; transportation (highway, public transportation, air transportation, rail transportation); and public housing (energy efficiency, updates, repairs, green investment in HUD housing and repurposed buildings).
Education-related discussions will cover the more than $100 billion in education, science education, and educational infrastructure projects.
Presenters include Theresa Coffman, who teaches courses on infrastructure and environmental issues at the University of Oklahoma; David Curtiss, government affairs, and Director of AAPG's Washington, DC office; and Dr. Susan Nash, education, technology, and economic development, and Director of Education and Professional Development for the AAPG.
The cost for the event is $95, and registration is available at http://www.aapg.org/education/online/details.cfm?ID=47
****
Good Deeds Society: An opportunity for kids to do good deeds for the environment. Podcast of the post.
Stephen Downes OLDaily: Outstanding overview of technology trends by Stephen Downes. LERN symposium -- link to recording.
Slated to begin at 2 pm CDT, and to contain an hour of presentations and discussions with a panel of experts, the web symposium will allow audience members to check their knowledge, ask questions, and get information about the steps needed to participate in the government programs. Perhaps most importantly, presenters and participants will probe the long-term strategic implications of policy and spending decisions.
Listen to the podcast of this post.
The fact that the web symposium will be live and interactive means that participants can weigh in from any computer with a high-speed internet connection, and they can respond to questions, online polls and more. Further, participants can text message and email each other as the presenters review specific information about the bill's provisions in the areas of energy, environment, infrastructure, and education.
Energy-related provisions will be covered, and presenters will delineate and discuss the items of the bill, which will include oil and gas, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Presenters will discuss specific provisions, to include the more than $40 billion that will be available in the following areas: energy efficiency using green technology, modernized electric grid, energy efficiency and renewable energy research, batteries systems, alternative fuel vehicles, fossil energy grants, and more. The presenters will also discuss the bill as it relates to carbon sequestration, unconventional energy resources, clean coal, wind energy, geothermal, and more.
Environment-related discussions will cover the more than $15 billion for Environmental Clean-Up, and the approximately $30 billion of programs that relate to infrastructure and energy.
Infrastructure-related discussions will encompass the more than $100 billion to be available in the following areas: broadband access and usage in unserved and underserved areas; Homeland Security services expansion; Corp of Engineers projects; VA hospital and medical facility construction; repair and restoration of public facilities on tribal lands; modernization of defense and health facilities; low-income housing; block grants; clean reliable drinking water facilities for areas affected by drought; transportation (highway, public transportation, air transportation, rail transportation); and public housing (energy efficiency, updates, repairs, green investment in HUD housing and repurposed buildings).
Education-related discussions will cover the more than $100 billion in education, science education, and educational infrastructure projects.
Presenters include Theresa Coffman, who teaches courses on infrastructure and environmental issues at the University of Oklahoma; David Curtiss, government affairs, and Director of AAPG's Washington, DC office; and Dr. Susan Nash, education, technology, and economic development, and Director of Education and Professional Development for the AAPG.
The cost for the event is $95, and registration is available at http://www.aapg.org/education/online/details.cfm?ID=47
****
Good Deeds Society: An opportunity for kids to do good deeds for the environment. Podcast of the post.
Stephen Downes OLDaily: Outstanding overview of technology trends by Stephen Downes. LERN symposium -- link to recording.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Wind Energy Powers Distant Server Farms, Thanks to New Program
Xcel Energy is the nation's largest provider of wind energy, and is committed to helping find innovative ways to support wind farms and the users of wind energy. Wimba, a provider of software and hosting services used in e-learning solutions, is just one example of a company that is able to power their server farms with wind energy, and thus provide "green elearning" using "green energy."
This is possible because Wimba has made a commitment to use wind power for one of its products and services, the Wimba Pronto instant messaging service. Wimba Pronto, an academic instant messaging platform designed to bring informal learning settings online, is now the first instant messaging system powered by wind.
Podcast: click here.
Wimba Pronto and Wimba Pronto Basic have been installed by more than 200 academic institutions including: Grand Rapids Community College, Ivy Tech Community College, University of Missouri–St. Louis, and all 11 public universities in the North Dakota University System.
Wimba Pronto
Xcel Energy (http://xcelenergy.com/), the nation's largest wind power provider, is heavily involved in supporting the efforts of individual businesses who want to help grow wind energy by allowing them to purchase Windsource. This is a program where customers can pay a slight premium to promote and expand wind energy in Colorado. Xcel Energy operates wind farms and makes renewable energy available to consumers.
John Deere Wind Farm in the Texas Panhandle sells its electricity to Xcel Energy. (photo taken by susan nash near Sunray, Texas)
The future is very exciting for "green e-learning." Not only does the solution itself reduce the use of hydrocarbon useage, because of innovative trading, brokering, and the willingness to invest in green energy production, the energy used to power elearning solutions and services can be green.
This is possible because Wimba has made a commitment to use wind power for one of its products and services, the Wimba Pronto instant messaging service. Wimba Pronto, an academic instant messaging platform designed to bring informal learning settings online, is now the first instant messaging system powered by wind.
Podcast: click here.
To do so, Wimba (http://www.wimba.com/) did not have to install a wind turbine farm near its servers located in New Jersey. Instead, it purchased renewable energy credits (46 a month) from eGreen certified Community Energy to subsidize the electricity consumption of the servers, routers and other IT infrastructure that powers Wimba Pronto. Through this investment, Wimba Pronto will replace more than 4,300 kilowatt/hours of old dirty energy with new clean and green wind energy.
Wimba Pronto and Wimba Pronto Basic have been installed by more than 200 academic institutions including: Grand Rapids Community College, Ivy Tech Community College, University of Missouri–St. Louis, and all 11 public universities in the North Dakota University System.
Wimba ProntoThis summer's spike in gasoline prices spurred what was already a very strong trend for students and universities to move to e-learning in order to reduce expenditures for gasoline, heating, cooling, and lighting. The rate of growth in online programs is expected to continue to increase (http://community.elearners.com/blogs/inside_elearning/archive/2008/06/05/online-nation-what-the-growth-in-online-programs-means-to-the-elearner.aspx). Some have pointed out that there will be increases in home energy consumption for elearners who study at home, and increased wifi and energy useage for elearners who study on the road. Nevertheless, the net energy savings is significant.
Without purchasing wind turbines, how can one use renewable energy? The key is in teamwork between energy providers, businesses, and consumers. In order to make wind-powered e-learning possible, there must be the support of electricity providers and green energy credit providers.
Xcel Energy (http://xcelenergy.com/), the nation's largest wind power provider, is heavily involved in supporting the efforts of individual businesses who want to help grow wind energy by allowing them to purchase Windsource. This is a program where customers can pay a slight premium to promote and expand wind energy in Colorado. Xcel Energy operates wind farms and makes renewable energy available to consumers.
John Deere Wind Farm in the Texas Panhandle sells its electricity to Xcel Energy. (photo taken by susan nash near Sunray, Texas)Xcel's innovative and flexible approach to wind energy is encouraging investment and inspiring creative ways to incorporate renewable energy in homes, businesses, and service providers. For example, John Deere has installed an 8-turbine wind farm in the Texas Panhandle near Dumas. As one can see in the photo, the scene is serene, and the turbines are almost soundless, even on a windy day. Xcel purchases the energy that they generate, and brings it into the regional grid. In other cases, Xcel Energy purchases solar energy.
Of course, one cannot think about the Texas Panhandle without thinking of the Pickens Plan (http://www.aapg.org/explorer/2008/08aug/pickens.cfm), an audacious program that seeks energy independence for the United States. The Pickens Plan will make more initiatives and creative uses of wind energy a reality.
Of course, one cannot think about the Texas Panhandle without thinking of the Pickens Plan (http://www.aapg.org/explorer/2008/08aug/pickens.cfm), an audacious program that seeks energy independence for the United States. The Pickens Plan will make more initiatives and creative uses of wind energy a reality.
The future is very exciting for "green e-learning." Not only does the solution itself reduce the use of hydrocarbon useage, because of innovative trading, brokering, and the willingness to invest in green energy production, the energy used to power elearning solutions and services can be green.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Shale Gas Updates
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Neighborhood group gets record mineral-rights deal
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX) - March 27, 2008
Author: Scott Nishimura, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
A group of east Fort Worth neighborhoods, organized as the Greater Meadowbrook Mineral Leasing Task Force, said Wednesday that it negotiated a deal with XTO Energy for a $25,000-per-acre bonus and a 26.5 percent royalty.
\ The bonus and the royalty rate are neighborhood records in the Barnett Shalegas field; another energy company is trying to upset a neighborhood agreement in southeast Arlington by offering $25,000 per acre.
The agreement covers the 4,100 acres bounded by Riverside Drive, Interstate 30, East Loop 820 and the Union Pacific Railroad.
The group includes Brentwood Oak Hills Neighborhood Association, Central Meadowbrook Neighborhood Association, West Meadowbrook Neighborhood Association, Chimney Wood Homeowners Association and Eastern Hills Neighborhood Association.
Besides financial terms, the group won the support of XTO "in an agreement not to drill anywhere in the neighborhoods within the boundaries of the negotiated lease area," except for two drill sites in industrial areas on its south edge, said organizer "Machete" Mike Tansey.
Chesapeake discovers Louisiana gas field
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX) - March 25, 2008
Author: MARIA M. PEROTIN, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The Oklahoma City-based company announced its discovery of the Haynes- ville Shale in Louisiana, as well as several other unconventional natural gas and oil projects.
Chesapeake discovers Louisiana gas field
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX) - March 25, 2008
Author: MARIA M. PEROTIN, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Chesapeake Energy said Monday that it has discovered a new natural gas shale field in Louisiana that could become its greatest venture yet and that it intends to add drilling rigs in various regions — including the Barnett Shale .
The Oklahoma City-based company announced its discovery of the Haynes- ville Shale in Louisiana, as well as several other unconventional natural gas and oil projects.
The developments are so significant that executives have decided to boost capital investments in 2008 and 2009 in those areas and in Chesapeake's most important existing plays, such as the Barnett Shale in North Texas, the company said in a prepared statement. All told, they're planning to add 24 rigs across three separate shales .
The extra activity should add $950 million to Chesapeake's anticipated drilling and leasing expenses in 2008 and 2009, the company said. That's on top of the planned $4.6 billion investment about which Chesapeake informed investors this month.
"We believe we must invest the necessary capital to more fully capture the upside of our new opportunities," Chief Executive Aubrey McClendon said in the statement.
Some specifics:
Chesapeake, which is using four rigs to drill in the Haynesville Shale , plans to increase activity to about 10 rigs there by year's end and may go further in 2009.
"Chesapeake believes the Haynesville Shale play could potentially have a larger impact on the company than any other play in which it has participated to date," the company said.
The company claims five new unconventional oil projects in four states, ranging from about 100,000 acres to 1 million acres. Two have begun oil production, and initial drilling in the others is scheduled during the next year.
The company intends to add five drilling rigs in the Barnett Shale by year's end. That would bring its rig count here to 45.
More activity is planned for the FayettevilleShale in Arkansas and the Marcellus and Lower Huron shales in the Eastern United States.
Chesapeake improved its overall forecast for 2008 and 2009, with average daily production rates now expected to rise over last year's performance by 21 percent in 2008 and by 16 percent in 2009.
Chesapeake's stock (ticker: CHK) closed Monday at $45.01, up 72 cents on the New York Stock Exchange.
The developments are so significant that executives have decided to boost capital investments in 2008 and 2009 in those areas and in Chesapeake's most important existing plays, such as the Barnett Shale in North Texas, the company said in a prepared statement. All told, they're planning to add 24 rigs across three separate shales .
The extra activity should add $950 million to Chesapeake's anticipated drilling and leasing expenses in 2008 and 2009, the company said. That's on top of the planned $4.6 billion investment about which Chesapeake informed investors this month.
"We believe we must invest the necessary capital to more fully capture the upside of our new opportunities," Chief Executive Aubrey McClendon said in the statement.
Some specifics:
Chesapeake, which is using four rigs to drill in the Haynesville Shale , plans to increase activity to about 10 rigs there by year's end and may go further in 2009.
"Chesapeake believes the Haynesville Shale play could potentially have a larger impact on the company than any other play in which it has participated to date," the company said.
The company claims five new unconventional oil projects in four states, ranging from about 100,000 acres to 1 million acres. Two have begun oil production, and initial drilling in the others is scheduled during the next year.
The company intends to add five drilling rigs in the Barnett Shale by year's end. That would bring its rig count here to 45.
More activity is planned for the FayettevilleShale in Arkansas and the Marcellus and Lower Huron shales in the Eastern United States.
Chesapeake improved its overall forecast for 2008 and 2009, with average daily production rates now expected to rise over last year's performance by 21 percent in 2008 and by 16 percent in 2009.
Chesapeake's stock (ticker: CHK) closed Monday at $45.01, up 72 cents on the New York Stock Exchange.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Top 12 Technologies Innovations by 2025: MidContinent Oil Implications
Futurists and analysts at the research and consulting firm, Social Technologies, listed what they project to be the top areas of technology innovation through 2025. The innovations are listed below, with speculations about potential implications for the future of MidContinent oil. Yearbook Experts at ExpertClick developed the explanations, the implications provided by midcontinentoil.com.
THE TOP 12 TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS BY 2025
(MidContinent Oil implications in italics)
1. Personalized medicine-With the initial mapping of the human genome, scientists are moving rapidly toward the following likely breakthroughs for gene-based products and services: * the creation of an individual's genome map for a retail price of less than $1,000 * the correlation of specific genes and proteins with specific cancers, Alzheimer's, heart diseases, and diabetes, which will allow both physicians and patients to anticipate, plan for, and mitigate, if not cure, DNA-based health challenges * the development of pharmaceuticals to treat gene-based diseases (medical treatments that replace surgeries and chemotherapy). Geologist can live longer, work longer. Transfer of skills can be more long-lived. However, it also sets up possibilities of gamer vs. boomer generation tensions. If the studies are true, gamers really do think differently than boomers and the WWII generation. Gamers are multi-taskers and independent thinkers; boomers are linear. This is a gross generalization, but numerous books and articles have been published, so people are tending to perceive and believe that there is a difference. Perception is reality, so it will be good to pay attention.
2. Distributed energy-The experts are optimistic that many of today's R&D thrusts will result in viable commercial sources of energy by 2025, suitable for mobile and individual residential use-not just in the developed world but globally-such as: * hybrid vehicles * advanced electricity storage devices and batteries * design of new power systems with fuel-switching flexibility. For all the people who are eager to exploit the undeveloped reserves of gas and oil in the MidContinent, it might not be a bad idea to diversify into some of the "green" energy sources. The oil in the ground is money in the bank. Save it.
3. Pervasive computing-Almost every device or object in consumers' lives will be both smart and networked, giving rise to an "Internet of things." Pervasive computing will drive the convergence of computing, Internet access, voice communications, and television-ultimately blurring categories of infotech products and services. Specific breakthroughs will include: * very simple and inexpensive computing devices with integrated wireless telephone and Internet capabilities (the worldwide $100 computer) * the "semantic Web," enabled by Web data that automatically self-organizes, allowing search tools or software agents to actually identify the relevance of Web pages (not just find keywords on them) * intelligent interfaces, in some cases enabled by virtual reality. This means much better information in the field, and better monitoring devices at the wellhead or in pipelines. Corrosion control, gas compressors, scrubbers, gas conditioning, nitrogen or salt water injection, etc. will be affected. The key is to develop the appropriate chemical processes and technologies to piggyback on pervasive computing.
4. Nanotechnologies for innovative materials and fibers-Although they have received much attention, the R&D of nanotechnogies is progressing very slowly. But the experts expect major breakthroughs to occur within the next two decades, including inexpensive ways to produce mass quantities of nano-fibers. Nanotechnology in terms of catalytic agents and devices to enhance imaging (downhole logging tools) will probably be the first place for applications.
5. Biomarkers for health-Where as there has long been an emphasis on DNA-based diagnosis and cures, this category of breakthroughs stresses prevention. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and they believe their lifestyles have long-term consequences for their health. They are becoming more knowledgeable about the life sciences, too. They want to be able to monitor their vital signs, broadly defined, in ways that are as affordable, easy to use, and private as home scales for weight. Potential breakthroughs include: * individualized, private, and self-administered diagnostics for multiple physical parameters, such as blood sugar, urine, C reactive proteins, HDL, and LDL, as well as home diagnostic kits that detect early signs of diabetes, heart disease, and types of cancers * individualized exercise equipment and regimens for individualized benefits (weight control, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.) * advanced CAT scans, MRIs, and brain scans to identify disorders earlier and more accurately at less cost. How about biomarkers for oil? This could be a breakthrough in terms of developing a better sense of fluid flow through fractures and faults. What is the provenance of the oil? Where is it going? Where did it come from? (this is sounding like a Gauguin painting)...
6. Bio-energy-While this is a topic of great current interest, the experts feel strongly that significant further advances will be made in renewable, biomass fuels to supplement and eventually replace the use of gasoline and diesel. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may be key to the development of biofuels. Anticipated breakthroughs include: * high-energy (as measured in British thermal units, or Btu) blends of gasoline and diesel with biofuels (beyond the ethanol blends known today) * biomass production of a methanol that can be used as a fuel for fuel cells * new discoveries in plant genetics and biotechnologies specifically for energy content. Genetically modified corn for ethanol is a good idea. However, it may continue to be true that it actually costs more fuel to raise the corn and process it into ethanol than to produce oil and refine it into gasoline. If government subsidies continue, it's probably a given that this will happen. If not -- perhaps more ways to fuel municipal turbines using locally generated methane would be the answer.
7. Micro-flexible manufacturing and processes-The long-term trend continues to favor "mass customization," or the ability to produce low quantities of specific products in a profitable and high-quality way. Such processes may apply to many applications, not just factory manufacturing-potentially ranging from desktop publishing to specialty foods production. The experts anticipated the following breakthroughs by 2025: * advanced computer-aided design and control * multiple variable and inexpensive sensors linked with computers * expert systems and advanced pattern-recognition software for very tight quality control. The implications for the oil field are quite interesting. This could mean custom pumps, custom valves and gauges, and chemical applications for existing wells.
8. Universal water-In many places around the world, people need fresh and clean water but have few potential sources other than nearby seawater. Desalination of salt water has existed for decades, but present technologies are expensive relative to the meager resources of the underdeveloped world. Potential breakthroughs in large-volume, affordable desalination and other water purification methods include: * ultra-fine filters (probably from nanotechnology) * development of energy sources for desalination and purification, including hybrid systems, especially solar power. This is good, but it does not solve the problem of inland water. In some parts of the MidContinent, the depletion of the Ogalalla is already posing real problems. Drilling requires drilling fluids. Secondary recovery requires injection. Would it be possible to desalinate the water produced with oil and then sell it at a reasonable price to cities and municipalities. Places like Dallas could obtain water from the Barnett Shale. Eventually, the water would be more valuable than the gas.
9. Carbon containment-The growing concern about global climate change is focusing on the control of greenhouse gases as the next stage of total air-quality management. Yet methane and carbon dioxide, to name two principal greenhouse gases, are presently more difficult to measure and control than previous air pollutants. The experts, however, anticipate that technologies currently in R&D will prove to be effective and that this area of work will be extremely important to consumers of all types: * affordable and effective carbon capture and storage technologies and systems for coal-burning power plants * new emission controls for transportation vehicles * containment systems for methane. This will be very important in the production of natural gas. It will also be extremely important in gas-powered electricity generators and in refining.
10. Engineered agriculture-This area of DNA-based R&D is parallel to #1 above, with applications in agriculture and nutrition (also parallel with #5 above). Potential breakthroughs include: * identification of specific genomes for desired growing and use qualities * GMOs as the next generation of hybrid plants and crops * crops designed specifically for energy content and conversion. Animal husbandry is probably affected as well. There are undoubtedly consequences and impacts on MidContinent oil. Just how big will the hogs in the hog farms be? What will it do to us to eat this stuff? We have all heard the rumors of what eating growth-hormone laced dairy products does.
11. Ambient surveillance-The experts placed less importance on technologies of national security and counterterrorism than on consumer products and services, which probably resulted from the direction given them in the topic question. However, they envisioned a continued need for personal safety and security systems, above and beyond those of governments. Examples of potential breakthroughs include: * security cameras linked with computers with expert systems/pattern recognition * multiple integrated sensors (including remote sensing) * radio frequency (RF) tags for people and valuables. There are enormous possibilities in monitoring production.
12. Intelligent transport-In addition to the considerations of energy in private transportation, the experts identified potentially significant breakthroughs in the management of private transportation and advances in public transportation. These include: * organized and coordinated personal transportation through wireless computer networks, information systems, and Internet access * onboard sensors and computers for smart vehicles * next generations of GPS, navigation, and "questmap". This will help coordinate production on demand, and timely delivery of oil field chemicals.
Useful Links:
Social Technologies: http://www.socialtechnologies.com/
Expert Click: http://expertclick.com/
Fayetteville Shale: http://www.fayettevilleshalegas.com
Barnett Shale: http://www.barnettshalegas.com
E-Learning Queen: http://elearnqueen.blogspot.com
THE TOP 12 TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS BY 2025
(MidContinent Oil implications in italics)
1. Personalized medicine-With the initial mapping of the human genome, scientists are moving rapidly toward the following likely breakthroughs for gene-based products and services: * the creation of an individual's genome map for a retail price of less than $1,000 * the correlation of specific genes and proteins with specific cancers, Alzheimer's, heart diseases, and diabetes, which will allow both physicians and patients to anticipate, plan for, and mitigate, if not cure, DNA-based health challenges * the development of pharmaceuticals to treat gene-based diseases (medical treatments that replace surgeries and chemotherapy). Geologist can live longer, work longer. Transfer of skills can be more long-lived. However, it also sets up possibilities of gamer vs. boomer generation tensions. If the studies are true, gamers really do think differently than boomers and the WWII generation. Gamers are multi-taskers and independent thinkers; boomers are linear. This is a gross generalization, but numerous books and articles have been published, so people are tending to perceive and believe that there is a difference. Perception is reality, so it will be good to pay attention.
2. Distributed energy-The experts are optimistic that many of today's R&D thrusts will result in viable commercial sources of energy by 2025, suitable for mobile and individual residential use-not just in the developed world but globally-such as: * hybrid vehicles * advanced electricity storage devices and batteries * design of new power systems with fuel-switching flexibility. For all the people who are eager to exploit the undeveloped reserves of gas and oil in the MidContinent, it might not be a bad idea to diversify into some of the "green" energy sources. The oil in the ground is money in the bank. Save it.
3. Pervasive computing-Almost every device or object in consumers' lives will be both smart and networked, giving rise to an "Internet of things." Pervasive computing will drive the convergence of computing, Internet access, voice communications, and television-ultimately blurring categories of infotech products and services. Specific breakthroughs will include: * very simple and inexpensive computing devices with integrated wireless telephone and Internet capabilities (the worldwide $100 computer) * the "semantic Web," enabled by Web data that automatically self-organizes, allowing search tools or software agents to actually identify the relevance of Web pages (not just find keywords on them) * intelligent interfaces, in some cases enabled by virtual reality. This means much better information in the field, and better monitoring devices at the wellhead or in pipelines. Corrosion control, gas compressors, scrubbers, gas conditioning, nitrogen or salt water injection, etc. will be affected. The key is to develop the appropriate chemical processes and technologies to piggyback on pervasive computing.
4. Nanotechnologies for innovative materials and fibers-Although they have received much attention, the R&D of nanotechnogies is progressing very slowly. But the experts expect major breakthroughs to occur within the next two decades, including inexpensive ways to produce mass quantities of nano-fibers. Nanotechnology in terms of catalytic agents and devices to enhance imaging (downhole logging tools) will probably be the first place for applications.
5. Biomarkers for health-Where as there has long been an emphasis on DNA-based diagnosis and cures, this category of breakthroughs stresses prevention. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and they believe their lifestyles have long-term consequences for their health. They are becoming more knowledgeable about the life sciences, too. They want to be able to monitor their vital signs, broadly defined, in ways that are as affordable, easy to use, and private as home scales for weight. Potential breakthroughs include: * individualized, private, and self-administered diagnostics for multiple physical parameters, such as blood sugar, urine, C reactive proteins, HDL, and LDL, as well as home diagnostic kits that detect early signs of diabetes, heart disease, and types of cancers * individualized exercise equipment and regimens for individualized benefits (weight control, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.) * advanced CAT scans, MRIs, and brain scans to identify disorders earlier and more accurately at less cost. How about biomarkers for oil? This could be a breakthrough in terms of developing a better sense of fluid flow through fractures and faults. What is the provenance of the oil? Where is it going? Where did it come from? (this is sounding like a Gauguin painting)...
6. Bio-energy-While this is a topic of great current interest, the experts feel strongly that significant further advances will be made in renewable, biomass fuels to supplement and eventually replace the use of gasoline and diesel. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may be key to the development of biofuels. Anticipated breakthroughs include: * high-energy (as measured in British thermal units, or Btu) blends of gasoline and diesel with biofuels (beyond the ethanol blends known today) * biomass production of a methanol that can be used as a fuel for fuel cells * new discoveries in plant genetics and biotechnologies specifically for energy content. Genetically modified corn for ethanol is a good idea. However, it may continue to be true that it actually costs more fuel to raise the corn and process it into ethanol than to produce oil and refine it into gasoline. If government subsidies continue, it's probably a given that this will happen. If not -- perhaps more ways to fuel municipal turbines using locally generated methane would be the answer.
7. Micro-flexible manufacturing and processes-The long-term trend continues to favor "mass customization," or the ability to produce low quantities of specific products in a profitable and high-quality way. Such processes may apply to many applications, not just factory manufacturing-potentially ranging from desktop publishing to specialty foods production. The experts anticipated the following breakthroughs by 2025: * advanced computer-aided design and control * multiple variable and inexpensive sensors linked with computers * expert systems and advanced pattern-recognition software for very tight quality control. The implications for the oil field are quite interesting. This could mean custom pumps, custom valves and gauges, and chemical applications for existing wells.
8. Universal water-In many places around the world, people need fresh and clean water but have few potential sources other than nearby seawater. Desalination of salt water has existed for decades, but present technologies are expensive relative to the meager resources of the underdeveloped world. Potential breakthroughs in large-volume, affordable desalination and other water purification methods include: * ultra-fine filters (probably from nanotechnology) * development of energy sources for desalination and purification, including hybrid systems, especially solar power. This is good, but it does not solve the problem of inland water. In some parts of the MidContinent, the depletion of the Ogalalla is already posing real problems. Drilling requires drilling fluids. Secondary recovery requires injection. Would it be possible to desalinate the water produced with oil and then sell it at a reasonable price to cities and municipalities. Places like Dallas could obtain water from the Barnett Shale. Eventually, the water would be more valuable than the gas.
9. Carbon containment-The growing concern about global climate change is focusing on the control of greenhouse gases as the next stage of total air-quality management. Yet methane and carbon dioxide, to name two principal greenhouse gases, are presently more difficult to measure and control than previous air pollutants. The experts, however, anticipate that technologies currently in R&D will prove to be effective and that this area of work will be extremely important to consumers of all types: * affordable and effective carbon capture and storage technologies and systems for coal-burning power plants * new emission controls for transportation vehicles * containment systems for methane. This will be very important in the production of natural gas. It will also be extremely important in gas-powered electricity generators and in refining.
10. Engineered agriculture-This area of DNA-based R&D is parallel to #1 above, with applications in agriculture and nutrition (also parallel with #5 above). Potential breakthroughs include: * identification of specific genomes for desired growing and use qualities * GMOs as the next generation of hybrid plants and crops * crops designed specifically for energy content and conversion. Animal husbandry is probably affected as well. There are undoubtedly consequences and impacts on MidContinent oil. Just how big will the hogs in the hog farms be? What will it do to us to eat this stuff? We have all heard the rumors of what eating growth-hormone laced dairy products does.
11. Ambient surveillance-The experts placed less importance on technologies of national security and counterterrorism than on consumer products and services, which probably resulted from the direction given them in the topic question. However, they envisioned a continued need for personal safety and security systems, above and beyond those of governments. Examples of potential breakthroughs include: * security cameras linked with computers with expert systems/pattern recognition * multiple integrated sensors (including remote sensing) * radio frequency (RF) tags for people and valuables. There are enormous possibilities in monitoring production.
12. Intelligent transport-In addition to the considerations of energy in private transportation, the experts identified potentially significant breakthroughs in the management of private transportation and advances in public transportation. These include: * organized and coordinated personal transportation through wireless computer networks, information systems, and Internet access * onboard sensors and computers for smart vehicles * next generations of GPS, navigation, and "questmap". This will help coordinate production on demand, and timely delivery of oil field chemicals.
Useful Links:
Social Technologies: http://www.socialtechnologies.com/
Expert Click: http://expertclick.com/
Fayetteville Shale: http://www.fayettevilleshalegas.com
Barnett Shale: http://www.barnettshalegas.com
E-Learning Queen: http://elearnqueen.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Nanotechnology and Natural Gas: Future Possibilities
Two researchers, Saeid Mokhatab and Brian Towler of the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, at the University of Wyoming, in Laramie, assert that there are many opportunities for the industry to exploit nanotechnology. Their projections are published in the International Journal of Nanotechnology.
Similarly, related nanomaterials might be used to improve purification and storage of hydrocarbons, while yet other nanomaterials might be used in environmental remediation, allowing contaminated sites to be cleaned up of harmful pollutants. Nanomaterials might even be developed as corrosion inhibitors for equipment and at the same time, more sophisticated nanotechnology could be developed as solid-state gas sensors for air pollution monitoring.
International Journal of Nanotechnology 2007 - Vol. 4, No.6 pp. 680 - 690
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