Magma: A potential source of fuels

Recent calculations and measurements indicate that basaltic magma is a new, extensive source for fuels (hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane). The fuel production processes have been found to occur in nature as well as the laboratory and as a result, our work indicates that current concepts of geo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of hydrogen energy 1978-01, Vol.3 (1), p.1-10
Main Authors: Northrup, C.J.M., Gerlach, T.M., Modreski, P.J., Galt, J.K.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Recent calculations and measurements indicate that basaltic magma is a new, extensive source for fuels (hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane). The fuel production processes have been found to occur in nature as well as the laboratory and as a result, our work indicates that current concepts of geothermal energy can be broadened beyond producing only steam and heat. When magma is considered as a geothermal resource, its use for the direct production of fuels should be included. It is possible to generate several mole percent hydrogen when water-rich fluid is equilibrated with the ferrous and ferric iron in magma. This paper describes the basis of the fuel production processes, the fuel yields for injected water and water plus natural organic matter (biomass), and the increased geothermal resources that would be made available by these processes.
ISSN:0360-3199
1879-3487
DOI:10.1016/0360-3199(78)90052-6