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Simulated in situ retorting of oil shale in a controlled-state retort. I. Nitrogen atmosphere, interrupted runs

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5820705

A series of experiments has been performed on Green River oil shale using the controlled-state retort, an electrically heated retort designed to simulate in situ retorting. Each experiment described was stopped when only part of the shale bed had been completely retorted. Retorting parameters investigated include heating rate, retorting advance rate, gas input flow rate, and maximum temperature. Oils were washed and bitumens were extracted from the partially retorted and unretorted oil shales. The oils and bitumens were examined by simulated distillation gas chromatography, the product gases were analyzed by mass spectroscopy, and the shales were subjected to elemental analysis. Results of the various analyses are presented and conclusions are drawn from the data concerning the way the product oil moves through the bed of unretorted shale. The effects of temperature, heating rate, gas flow rate, and breadth of retorting zone on oil film thickness and bitumen content; the effect of heating rate on organic carbon content in the retorted shale; and the effect breadth of retorting zone has on the boiling point distribution of oils and bitumens as related to distance from the retorting zone are discussed.

Research Organization:
Department of Energy, Laramie, WY (USA). Laramie Energy Technology Center
OSTI ID:
5820705
Report Number(s):
LETC/RI-79/7
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English