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

Indirect heat retorting process with cocurrent and countercurrent flow of hydrocarbon-containing solids

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5750751

A continuous process is disclosed for the retorting of oil shale or other similar hydrocarbon containing solids. Heat carrier particles at an elevated temperature are introduced into an upper portion of a retort and pass downwardly therethrough, fluidized by an upwardly flowing non-oxidizing gas introduced in a lower portion of the retort. The hydrocarbon-containing solids are introduced into an intermediate portion of the retort; a first portion thereof being entrained by the gas and flowing upwardly through the retort and a second portion thereof being fluidized by the gas and flowing downwardly through said retort. Retorted fluidized solids and heat carrier particles are removed from a lower portion of the retort and a product stream of hydrocarbon vapors mixed with the entrained retorted solids and fluidizing gas is recovered overhead.

Assignee:
Chevron Research Co
Patent Number(s):
US 4183800
OSTI ID:
5750751
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English