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

Staged turbulent bed retorting process

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5995632

A continuous process is disclosed for the retorting of shale and other similar hydrocarbon-containing solids of a broad particle size distribution in which the solids to be retorted are introduced into an upper portion of an elongated vessel with a solid heat transfer material at an elevated temperature. The hydrocarbon-containing solids and heat transfer material, a portion of each being fluidized, pass downwardly through the retort under substantially plug-flow conditions, countercurrent to an upwardly flowing stripping gas. Retorted solids and heat transfer material are withdrawn from the bottom of the retort vessel and a product stream of hydrocarbon vapors mixed with stripping gas is recovered overhead.

Assignee:
Chevron Research Co
Patent Number(s):
US 4199432
OSTI ID:
5995632
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English