(GP/GT) for Additional Water Supply in the Lower Rio Grande

Coal Desulfurization and Preparation
There are a number of processes that are used to process solid or liquid
fuel from high-sulfur, high ash coal. Much of the lignite found along the
Texas Gulf Coast region is either high sulfur, high ash, or both. These types
of processes require large quantities of process heat, pumping, and conveying;
geopressured energy could be applicable to all or part of these energy needs
(Carlson, 1976).
Processes used for coal desulfurization and preparation have heat
requirements that can be met with geopressured resources. The extent to which
these needs can be fulfilled using geopressured fluids remains to be
investigated. No industry interest has been expressed to date, but pending
geopressured industrial consortium activities may result in stated industry
interests. The colocation of geopressured resources to this industry, areas
of applications, and potential uses could be investigated to ascertain
potential impacts and feasibility.
Lumber and Concrete Products Kilning
Typical kilns for lumber drying and concrete products require low-quality
steam or heated air. These facilities could easily operate with the available
heat in geopressured resources (Carlson, 1976).
Lumber and concrete products kilning require low-quality steam or heated
air for processing. Geopressured resources contain temperatures adequate to
meet the needs of this industry. To date, industry has expressed no specific
interest, and the extent of the potential utilization and impact remains to be
investigated.
Paper and Cane Sugar Industries
Numerous pulp and paper mills exist in geopressured regions. About 38
pulp and paper mills are located in Texas and Louisiana. Eleven mills in
these two states are located in potential geopressured regions and have a
gross energy consumption of about 78 trillion Btu/year. Louisiana also has
about 43 raw sugar mills and six sugar refineries that consume over 12
trillion Btu/year (Hornburg, 1975). Although these data were assembled in
1975, they provide a relative value for current considerations.
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