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Fluidized bed retorting of Eastern US oil shale: an evaluation of steam as a fluidizing medium

Conference · · Proceedings, Eastern Oil Shale Symposium; (United States)
OSTI ID:6012595
Fluidized bed retorting of Eastern US oil shale is of great interest since oil yields of up to 160% of Fischer Assay have been reported. A three inch diameter fluidized bed retort was used to investigate the fluid bed retorting characteristics of eastern shale. A process parameter matrix involving bed temperature, shale residence time, shale particle size, superficial gas velocity, and fluidizing gas composition is being completed. Results for a series of runs using steam and N/sub 2/ as the fluidization gas are presented. Product yields and composition were found to be similar for steam and N/sub 2/ fluidization runs, thus indicating that kerogen steam reactions were relatively insignificant. The liquid products from fluidized bed retorting exhibited greater aromaticity, higher density, and lower volatility than Fischer Assay oil. Oil and gas production as a function of bed temperature, shale residence time, and superficial gas velocity is given. Additionally, oil quality characteristics and their relationship to process conditions are presented.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington
OSTI ID:
6012595
Report Number(s):
CONF-8411130-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Proceedings, Eastern Oil Shale Symposium; (United States) Journal Volume: IMMR84/124
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English