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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method for producing shale oil from an oil shale formation

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5539238

The rate of recovery, amount of recovery and/or the nature of the petroleum materials that are recovered from a subterranean oil-shale formation are improved by use of at least one phenolic compound having unique oil-extracting properties. At least one well-bore hole is drilled into a permeable zone formed within a subterranean oil-shale formation and an aromatic organic Bronsted acid, such as a phenolic compound is circulated through per se or in a fluid carrier. Shale oil and circulating extracting fluid material are then recovered from the permeable zone and the shale oil is separated from the extracting material. The formation should be preheated prior to injection or the circulating fluid should be injected hot in carrying out this process. (6 claims)

Assignee:
Shell Oil Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3593790
OSTI ID:
5539238
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English