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U.S. Department of Energy
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Process for recovering carbonaceous values from in situ oil shale retorting

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5537467

An in situ oil shale retort containing a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles containing oil shale is formed in a subterranean formation containing oil shale. To retort oil shale in the retort, a primary combustion zone is established in the fragmented mass. A primary combustion zone feed containing oxygen is introduced to the primary combustion zone for advancing the primary combustion zone through the fragmented mass. A secondary combustion zone is established in the fragmented mass on the trailing side of the primary combustion zone. A retort feed mixture is introduced into the secondary combustion zone. The retort feed mixture contains sufficient fuel and oxygen for maintaining the secondary combustion zone and for forming a primary combustion zone feed containing oxygen for advancing the primary combustion zone through the fragmented mass.

Assignee:
Occidental Oil Shale Inc
Patent Number(s):
US 4191251
OSTI ID:
5537467
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English