Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Modified in-situ retorting results of two field retorts

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5323422

Rio Blanco Oil Shale Company (RBOSC) has designed, constructed and processed two Modified In Situ (MIS) retorts at Tract C-a using newly developed techniques for rubbling, ignition and operation through surface drill holes. Retort Zero was ignited in October 1980, nominal dimensions 30' x 30' x 165' (9 x 9 x 50 meters), oil yield was 1,876 barrels (298,300 liters). Retort One was ignited June 1981, nominal dimensions 60' x 60' x 400' (18 x 18 x 122 meters), oil yield was 24,444 barrels (3,886,000 liters). RBOSC's MIS method was proved very successful; ignition was achieved in less than 36 hours, average front advance rates were 2.7 and 3.0 ft/day (.8 and .9 meter/day) and oil yields were 68 percent of Fischer Assay, close to model predictions for both retorts. This paper describes conceptually the MIS method developed by RBOSC and give the process results. Details of how the results were achieved are proprietary.

Research Organization:
Rio Blanco Oil Shale Co.
OSTI ID:
5323422
Report Number(s):
CONF-820927-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE10998; ISSN SEAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English