Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, or LIBS, is a rapidly advancing analytical technique that provides a cost-effective, quick and precise method for determining the elemental composition of any solid, liquid or gas sample.

With sponsorship by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) and NETL, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) has advanced a harsh environment sensor technology from concept to full industrial validation. The sensor system will enable real-time, accurate and reliable monitoring of temperatures inside a power plant’s boiler system, lowering operating costs through better operational control.

NETL Director Brian Anderson, Ph.D., appeared before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Thursday to discuss how the Laboratory effectively develops innovative energy technologies that promote economic growth and competitiveness.  The committee is chaired by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia is the ranking member on the committee.

Representatives from NETL’s Oil and Gas Program attended the 2019 Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC) July 22-24 in Denver, connecting with other experts advancing the science and technology of unconventional resource development and exploration.

NETL researchers highlighted the Lab’s work to develop innovative technology solutions focused on flexibility and sustainability July 24 at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2019 National Lab Day on the Hill.

NETL in Pittsburgh hosted a visit from researchers with the PPG Coatings Innovation Center, who learned about the Laboratory’s work in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), sensors and controls and advanced membranes and sorbents. The delegation, led by Stuart Hellring, Ph.D., was interested in exploring potential areas of common interest.

A team of NETL researchers conducted a high-tech examination of a 139-foot core sample taken from a Marcellus shale test well in western Monongalia County, West Virginia — research that could yield technologies and techniques to improve production efficiency and environmental performance throughout the Marcellus shale region.

Six college students and two professors, who participated in a mentored training program at NETL sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and designed to encourage pursuit of careers in energy industries, presented the results of their summer research projects during a technical forum held this week in Morgantown, West Virginia.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and NETL have selected five projects to receive approximately $39.9 million in federal funding for cost-shared research and development projects under funding opportunity announcement (FOA),  Advanced Technologies for Enhanced Oil Recovery. DOE selected these projects as part of its basin-specific research strategy focused on increasing ultimate recovery and operational efficiency.

More than 1,000 K-12 students and their parents learned about NETL’s work to develop innovative technology solutions through hands-on educational exhibits at a recent international First LEGO League competition in Fairmont, West Virginia.